Introduction
Indulge in the delightful layers of Caramel Pecan Carrot Heaven Cake, a dessert that perfectly marries the natural sweetness of carrots and pineapple with the crunch of pecans. Topped with a rich, golden caramel drizzle, this cake is a celebration of flavors and textures, making it an ideal treat for birthdays, holidays, or any special occasion. Not only is it decadent, but it is also nutrient-packed, providing a sweet way to enjoy some wholesome ingredients.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
For the Cake:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 tsp baking powder
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup packed brown sugar
– 1 cup vegetable oil
– 4 large eggs
– 2 tsp vanilla extract
– 2 cups grated carrots
– 1 cup chopped pecans
– 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
– 1 cup shredded coconut (optional)
– 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Prep Time
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time
Total Time: 1 hour (including cooling time)
Yield
Yield: 12 servings
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt.
3. Prepare the Wet Ingredients: In another large bowl, beat the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil until well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Combine the Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
5. Fold in the Goodness: Fold in the grated carrots, chopped pecans, crushed pineapple, and shredded coconut if using.
6. Bake the Cake: Divide the batter evenly between the three prepared cake pans and smooth the tops with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
7. Cool and Frost: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, frost the cakes with your favorite cream cheese frosting and drizzle generously with caramel sauce. Garnish with extra pecans if desired.
Helpful Tips
– Toast the Pecans: Toasting the pecans before adding them to the batter can enhance their flavor and add a satisfying crunch.
– Avoid Overmixing: Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix gently to avoid a dense cake.
– Grate Carrots Uniformly: Using a food processor to grate the carrots ensures a consistent texture throughout the cake.
Serving Suggestions
Pair the cake with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat. For an extra indulgent dessert, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Garnish with additional chopped pecans for extra crunch and visual appeal.
Nutritional Information Per Serving
– Calories: 550 kcal
– Carbohydrates: 70g
– Protein: 5g
– Fat: 28g
– Saturated Fat: 4g
– Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g
– Monounsaturated Fat: 15g
– Cholesterol: 55mg
– Sodium: 300mg
– Potassium: 200mg
– Fiber: 3g
– Sugar: 45g
– Vitamin A: 4500 IU
– Vitamin C: 5mg
– Calcium: 70mg
– Iron: 1.5mg
This Caramel Pecan Carrot Heaven Cake offers a beautiful balance of flavors and textures, combining sweetness, moisture, and a nutty crunch—truly a cake that lives up to its heavenly name!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350F (175C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt.
3. Prepare the Wet Ingredients
In another large bowl, beat together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil until well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Combine the Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
5. Fold in the Goodness
Fold in the grated carrots, chopped pecans, crushed pineapple, and shredded coconut if using.
6. Bake the Cake
Divide the batter evenly between the three prepared cake pans and smooth the tops with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
7. Cool and Frost
Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, frost the cakes with your favorite cream cheese frosting and drizzle generously with caramel sauce. Garnish with extra pecans, if desired.
Notes
Toast the Pecans
Toasting the pecans before adding them to the batter can enhance their flavor and add a satisfying crunch.
Avoid Overmixing
Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix gently to avoid a dense cake.
Grate Carrots Uniformly
Using a food processor to grate the carrots ensures a consistent texture throughout the cake.
Serving Suggestions
Pair the cake with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat. For an extra indulgent dessert, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Garnish with additional chopped pecans for extra crunch and visual appeal.
Cook Techniques
Preheating the Oven
Preheating your oven to the correct temperature ensures an even bake. Always check your oven’s accuracy with an oven thermometer.
Mixing Dry Ingredients
Whisking the dry ingredients together thoroughly helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents, which aids in achieving a consistent rise in your cake.
Preparing Wet Ingredients
Beating the sugars and oil together until well combined creates a smooth base for your cake batter, allowing it to incorporate air for a lighter texture.
Combining Mixtures
To avoid developing gluten which can make your cake dense, mix the wet and dry ingredients just until combined.
Folding in Ingredients
When folding in grated carrots, pecans, and pineapple, use a gentle motion to maintain the airiness of the batter.
Baking the Cake
Baking the cake at the correct temperature for the right amount of time is crucial. Always check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center and ensuring it comes out clean.
Cooling the Cake
Allowing the cakes to cool in the pans before transferring to a wire rack prevents them from breaking and helps them maintain structure.
Frosting the Cake
When frosting, ensure the cake layers are completely cool to prevent melting the frosting. A spatula can create smoother and more even layers.
FAQ
Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?
Yes, you can substitute walnuts or almonds depending on your preference.
Is it necessary to drain the crushed pineapple?
Yes, draining the crushed pineapple will prevent excess moisture, which can affect the cake’s texture.
Can I make this cake in advance?
Yes, this cake can be made a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature.
How should I store leftover cake?
Leftover cake can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to a week.
Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, this cake freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Conclusion
This Caramel Pecan Carrot Heaven Cake is a delightful creation that perfectly balances the rich sweetness of caramel and the wholesome flavors of carrots and pecans. It’s moist, flavorful, and sure to impress at any gathering. The combination of textures from the crunchy pecans and soft cake makes it a heavenly treat that everyone will love.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Pineapple Coconut Dream Cake
Combine crushed pineapple and coconut for a tropical twist on a classic cake. Top with a light coconut cream frosting and toasted coconut flakes.
Chocolate Pecan Brownie Cake
Layer rich, fudgy brownies with creamy chocolate frosting and sprinkle with toasted pecans for a decadent chocolate experience.
Spiced Pumpkin Pecan Cake
Substitute carrots with pumpkin puree and enhance the flavor with warm spices like nutmeg and cloves. Top with cream cheese frosting and a caramel drizzle.
Zucchini Lemon Poppy Seed Cake
Swap carrots for grated zucchini, add lemon zest for brightness, and mix in poppy seeds for added crunch. Frost with a tangy lemon glaze.
Caramel Apple Tart
For a different dessert, bake a caramel apple tart using a flaky pastry crust, filled with sweetened apples and drizzled with caramel for an irresistible finish.
