This Caramel Pecan Carrot Heaven Cake is not your average carrot cake. Rooted in the tradition of Southern baking, it marries the classic flavors of a carrot cake with the indulgence of caramel and the crunch of pecans. The cake’s origins are inspired by the rich history of Southern desserts, where ingredients like pecans and caramel are cherished. Imagine serving this at a family gathering or a special occasion—it’s sure to be the star of the dessert table.
Carrot cakes have long been celebrated for their moist texture and warm spices. This version takes it up a notch with the addition of caramel and pecans, creating a harmonious blend that is both familiar and delightfully new. The combination of sweet and savory, along with the cake’s rich, moist crumb, makes it a true comfort dessert.
Ingredients
To prepare this comforting Caramel Pecan Carrot Heaven Cake, you’ll need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups grated carrots
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- ½ cup shredded coconut (optional)
- 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Nutritional Information: Each ingredient contributes to the rich texture and flavor profile of the cake. The combination of sugars provides sweetness, while the pecans add healthy fats. Carrots and pineapple add moisture and natural sweetness, making this cake not only delicious but also packed with nutrients.
How to Make Caramel Pecan Carrot Heaven Cake
Follow these steps to create your own delicious Caramel Pecan Carrot Heaven Cake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt.
- Prepare the wet ingredients: In a separate large bowl, beat the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil together until well combined. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, and then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine the mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
- Fold in the goodness: Fold in the grated carrots, chopped pecans, pineapple, and shredded coconut (if using).
- Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
- Cool and frost: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, frost with your favorite cream cheese frosting and drizzle generously with caramel sauce. Top with extra pecans for garnish if desired.
Helpful Tips
- For a richer flavor, consider toasting the pecans before adding them to the batter. This simple step can enhance the nutty flavor and add a subtle crunch to the cake.
- Avoid overmixing the batter once you’ve combined the wet and dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to a denser cake instead of the light, fluffy texture you want.
Cooking Tips
Using a food processor to grate the carrots can save time and ensure uniform size, which helps in achieving a consistent texture throughout the cake. If you prefer a less sweet cake, you can reduce the amount of caramel sauce used for the drizzle or opt for a homemade version where you control the sugar content.
Serving Suggestions
This cake pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea, especially when served as an afternoon treat. For a more decadent experience, serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on the side. When presenting the cake, sprinkle some extra chopped pecans over the top for added texture and visual appeal.
Nutritional Information
This Caramel Pecan Carrot Heaven Cake is not just a treat for your taste buds but also provides a mix of nutrients from its wholesome ingredients. Here’s a brief nutritional breakdown:
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 70g
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Potassium: 200mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 45g
- Vitamin A: 4500 IU
- Vitamin C: 5mg
- Calcium: 70mg
- Iron: 1.5mg
While the cake is indulgent, the carrots provide a good source of Vitamin A, and the pecans contribute healthy fats that support heart health.
Storage and Leftovers
Refrigerate: To keep your cake fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The caramel and cream cheese frosting can make the cake prone to spoilage if left out at room temperature for too long.
Reheat: If you enjoy warm cake, simply heat individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat, as the frosting may melt too much.
For a creative twist on leftovers, crumble the cake into small jars and layer with cream cheese frosting for a portable and fun dessert option.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I make this cake gluten-free? Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Ensure that the blend contains xanthan gum or another binding agent to maintain the cake’s structure.
- What if I don’t like coconut? Coconut is optional in this recipe. If you’re not a fan, feel free to omit it. The cake will still be moist and delicious without it.
- Can I use a different type of nut? Absolutely! Walnuts make a great alternative to pecans if you prefer them or have them on hand.
Related Recipes
If you loved this Caramel Pecan Carrot Heaven Cake, you might want to try these delightful recipes:
Conclusion
I hope you enjoy making and tasting this Caramel Pecan Carrot Heaven Cake as much as I do. It’s a recipe that brings together the best of sweet, savory, and crunchy into one perfect bite. Don’t forget to share your experiences and any variations you try—I’d love to hear how you made this recipe your own!
Happy baking, and may your kitchen be filled with the warm aroma of freshly baked cake!
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Caramel Pecan Carrot Cake – Heavenly Dessert Recipe
Description
There’s something magical about the combination of sweet caramel, crunchy pecans, and the subtle earthy sweetness of carrots. This Caramel Pecan Carrot Heaven Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration of flavors and textures that will leave you craving for more. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting your culinary journey, this recipe is designed to bring joy to your kitchen and a smile to those who taste it.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups grated carrots
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- ½ cup shredded coconut (optional)
- 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt.
- Prepare the wet ingredients: In a separate large bowl, beat the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil together until well combined. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, and then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine the mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
- Fold in the goodness: Fold in the grated carrots, chopped pecans, pineapple, and shredded coconut (if using).
- Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
- Cool and frost: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, frost with your favorite cream cheese frosting and drizzle generously with caramel sauce. Top with extra pecans for garnish if desired.
Equipment
2Pcs Heart Shape Cake Pans, Aluminum Heart Cake Mold, Reusable 10 inch
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Kids Chill Leak-Proof Lunch Box – Included Reusable Ice Pack Keeps Food Cold
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- For a richer flavor, consider toasting the pecans before adding them to the batter. This simple step can enhance the nutty flavor and add a subtle crunch to the cake.
- Avoid overmixing the batter once you’ve combined the wet and dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to a denser cake instead of the light, fluffy texture you want.
