Caramel Pecan Carrot Heaven Cake

Here’s a detailed recipe for a Caramel Pecan Carrot Heaven Cake. This is a rich, moist carrot cake layered with creamy frosting, topped with caramel and toasted pecans—a real indulgence!

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Ingredients

For the Carrot Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 2 teaspoons baking powder

• 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

• ½ teaspoon ground ginger

• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar

• ½ cup brown sugar, packed

• 1 cup vegetable oil (or canola oil)

• 4 large eggs

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• 3 cups grated carrots (about 4 medium carrots)

• 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained

• 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts

• 1 cup shredded coconut (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 16 oz (450 g) cream cheese, softened

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened

• 4 cups powdered sugar

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• Pinch of salt

For the Caramel Topping:

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces

• ½ cup heavy cream

• Pinch of salt

For Garnish:

• ½–1 cup chopped toasted pecans

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Directions

1. Prepare the Oven and Pans

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans (or line with parchment paper).

2. Mix Dry Ingredients

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together:

   • Flour

   • Baking powder

   • Baking soda

   • Salt

   • Cinnamon

   • Nutmeg

   • Ginger

3. Mix Wet Ingredients

1. In a large bowl, beat together:

   • Granulated sugar

   • Brown sugar

   • Oil

   • Eggs (one at a time)

   • Vanilla extract

2. Mix until smooth and combined.

4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

1. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.

2. Fold in:

   • Grated carrots

   • Crushed pineapple

   • Chopped pecans

   • Coconut (if using)

5. Bake the Cake

1. Divide batter evenly between the prepared pans.

2. Bake 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

3. Let the cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

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6. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

1. Beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth.

2. Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well.

3. Mix in vanilla and salt.

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7. Make the Caramel Sauce

1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt sugar until golden brown, stirring constantly.

2. Carefully add butter (mixture will bubble).

3. Slowly pour in heavy cream, whisking constantly.

4. Add a pinch of salt and let cool slightly before drizzling over cake.

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8. Assemble the Cake

1. Place one cake layer on a serving plate.

2. Spread a thick layer of cream cheese frosting.

3. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake.

4. Drizzle caramel sauce generously over the top.

5. Sprinkle toasted pecans on top and around the sides for decoration.

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9. Chill and Serve

• Chill for at least 1 hour before serving so frosting and caramel set nicely.

• Slice, serve, and enjoy your Caramel Pecan Carrot Heaven Cake!