Prepare to indulge in the ultimate dessert experience with this Caramel Pecan Carrot Heaven Cake. Combining the wholesome goodness of spiced carrot cake with layers of velvety cream cheese frosting, a rich caramel drizzle, and the crunch of toasted pecans, this cake lives up to its heavenly name. Perfect for celebrations, holiday gatherings, or just a sweet treat, this recipe will have your guests begging for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Cake
- A delightful texture: The moistness of grated carrots paired with the crunch of pecans creates a perfect bite.
- Layers of flavor: Warm spices, creamy frosting, and buttery caramel make this cake unforgettable.
- Impressive yet approachable: While it looks gourmet, the step-by-step instructions make it easy to bake.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Carrot Cake:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups grated carrots (about 6 medium carrots)
- 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Caramel Sauce:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into chunks
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For Garnish:
- 1 cup whole pecans, toasted
- Extra grated carrots (optional, for decoration)