Description
This Caramel Pecan Carrot Cake combines warm spices, crunchy pecans, and rich caramel frosting for a delicious twist on a classic dessert. Perfect for any celebration or a cozy treat with coffee, this cake is easy to make and irresistibly tasty. Follow the simple steps and watch it become a crowd favorite!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cake:
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups grated carrots
- 1 cup chopped pecans
For the Caramel Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (for garnish)
Instructions
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, whisk together sugar and oil. Beat in eggs one at a time.
- In a separate bowl, sift flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture, stirring until combined.
- Fold in grated carrots and chopped pecans.
- Divide batter between cake pans and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the frosting, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar and cream, and bring to a gentle boil for 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and cool slightly.
- In a bowl, gradually add powdered sugar to the caramel mixture, stirring until smooth. Add vanilla extract.
- Frost the cooled cakes, stacking one on top of the other. Garnish with chopped pecans.
Notes
- Ensure the cakes are completely cooled before frosting to prevent the caramel frosting from melting.
- For a smoother texture, grate the carrots finely.
- If your frosting is too thick, add a tablespoon of cream at a time to loosen it.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Caramel Pecan Carrot Cake, carrot cake, caramel frosting, pecan dessert, spiced carrot cake