This Caramel Pecan Carrot Heaven Cake combines the richness of carrots, pineapple, and coconut with a spiced cake base, creating a dessert that is moist, flavorful, and utterly heavenly. Topped with cream cheese frosting and a sprinkle of caramel and pecans, it’s perfect for any occasion, especially for celebrations or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 3 eggs
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 (8 oz) can crushed pineapple, drained
- 2 cups grated carrots
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup flaked coconut
Directions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan to prepare it for the cake batter.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. This helps evenly distribute the dry ingredients and the spices throughout the cake.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the eggs, sugar, vegetable oil, buttermilk, and vanilla extract until well combined and smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually stir in the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until the batter is just moistened. Be careful not to overmix.
- Add Mix-ins: Gently fold in the crushed pineapple (drained), grated carrots, chopped pecans, and flaked coconut. These ingredients add texture and flavor to the cake.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared 9×13 inch pan and spread it out evenly. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Frost: Let the cake cool completely in the pan before frosting with your favorite cream cheese frosting.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 12
Variations and Additions:
- Topping Options: To elevate the cake further, drizzle with caramel sauce or top with additional chopped pecans for extra crunch and flavor.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour to make the cake gluten-free.
- For Extra Moisture: Add an extra 1/4 cup of buttermilk or a few tablespoons of sour cream to make the cake even more moist.
Storage:
- Room Temperature: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigeration: If you frosted the cake with cream cheese frosting, refrigerate it. This helps keep the frosting fresh for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: To freeze, wrap the unfrosted cake in plastic wrap and foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before frosting and serving.
10 FAQs:
- Can I make this cake without buttermilk?
- If you don’t have buttermilk, you can substitute it with regular milk and add 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken.
- Can I add nuts to the frosting?
- Yes, you can add chopped pecans or walnuts to the frosting for extra texture and flavor.
- How can I make this cake more decadent?
- For an extra indulgent treat, add a caramel sauce drizzle on top or mix some caramel bits into the batter.
- Can I use a different type of nut?
- If you don’t like pecans, walnuts or almonds are great alternatives.
- Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
- Yes, you can use fresh pineapple, but you’ll need to chop it finely and drain the excess juice to avoid making the batter too runny.
- Can I make this cake into cupcakes?
- Yes, you can make this cake into cupcakes. Fill cupcake liners about 2/3 full with batter and bake for 20-25 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
- What’s the best way to frost this cake?
- Cream cheese frosting pairs perfectly with this cake. You can spread it evenly or pipe decorative swirls or rosettes on top.
- Can I freeze this cake?
- Yes, this cake freezes well! Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap before freezing. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
- How do I know when the cake is done?
- A toothpick or cake tester should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached when inserted into the center of the cake.
- Can I make this cake without coconut?
- Yes, you can omit the coconut if you prefer, but the texture and flavor may be slightly different.
Conclusion:
This Caramel Pecan Carrot Heaven Cake is a delightful dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of grated carrots, pineapple, coconut, and pecans creates a moist, flavorful cake that’s sure to impress. Topped with cream cheese frosting, this cake is the ultimate treat for any sweet tooth.