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Caramel Pecan Carrot Cake

Caramel Pecan Carrot Cake
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Caramel Pecan Carrot Cake is a moist and flavorful dessert featuring grated carrots, warm spices, crunchy pecans, and a luscious caramel topping. Perfect for any occasion, it offers a delightful balance of sweetness and texture, making it a comforting and indulgent treat that is easy to customize to your dietary needs.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups grated carrots
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Add-ins

  • 1 cup chopped pecans (toasted recommended)

Caramel Topping

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • Pinch of salt

Optional Frosting

  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Carrot Cake Batter: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your baking pan. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, baking soda, and baking powder until well combined. In a separate bowl, combine grated carrots, brown sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract, stirring until smooth and fully blended.
  2. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet mixture, stirring gently just until incorporated. Fold in the chopped toasted pecans carefully to retain their crunch. Avoid over-mixing to keep the cake tender.
  3. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow the cake to cool completely in the pan.
  4. Prepare the Caramel Topping: While the cake bakes, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add brown sugar and a pinch of salt, stirring continuously until the mixture is smooth and glossy. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly before using.
  5. Assemble and Serve: Once the cake is completely cooled, drizzle the caramel sauce generously across the top. Garnish with extra toasted pecans for a perfect finishing touch. Optionally, spread cream cheese frosting underneath the caramel for a classic layered finish. Slice and serve.

Notes

  • Use freshly grated carrots for best moisture and natural sweetness.
  • Do not overmix the batter to maintain a light and tender crumb.
  • Toast pecans beforehand to enhance their flavor and crunch.
  • Allow the cake to cool fully before adding caramel to preserve the glossy finish.
  • Prepare the caramel sauce ahead of time for easy assembly on serving day.

Nutrition

Keywords: Caramel Pecan Carrot Cake, carrot cake, caramel topping, pecan dessert, moist carrot cake, spiced cake, festive dessert

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