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Caramel Pecan Carrot Cake

Caramel Pecan Carrot Cake
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This Caramel Pecan Carrot Cake is a moist, tender cake featuring freshly grated carrots and crunchy pecans, topped with a luscious caramel cream cheese frosting. With warm spices and a balanced sweetness, it’s perfect for any occasion, from birthdays to casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cake

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups freshly grated carrots
  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Caramel Frosting

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup caramel sauce

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grate the carrots finely and chop the pecans into bite-sized pieces to ensure even texture in the cake.
  2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This dry mix will create the flavorful base of your cake.
  3. Combine the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, vegetable oil, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy, which helps keep the cake moist and sweet.
  4. Bring Wet and Dry Together: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently just until combined. Avoid over-mixing to maintain a tender cake texture.
  5. Fold in Carrots and Pecans: Carefully fold in the grated carrots and chopped pecans, ensuring they are distributed evenly throughout the batter for texture and flavor bursts.
  6. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into a greased or parchment-lined 9-inch round cake pan. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  7. Prepare the Caramel Frosting: While the cake bakes, blend the softened cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, and caramel sauce together until smooth and creamy for the luscious frosting.
  8. Assemble and Frost: After the cake has cooled completely, spread the caramel frosting generously on top and around the sides of the cake. Optionally, garnish with extra toasted pecans and a drizzle of caramel sauce for added flavor and presentation.

Notes

  • Use freshly grated carrots for optimal moisture and flavor.
  • Do not overmix the batter to keep the cake tender.
  • Ensure eggs, cream cheese, and butter are at room temperature for smooth blending.
  • Check cake doneness with a toothpick before removing from oven.
  • Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.

Nutrition

Keywords: carrot cake, caramel frosting, pecan cake, moist cake, spiced cake, dessert

Find it online: https://recipesbykaeli.com/caramel-pecan-carrot-cake/