Heavenly Caramel Pecan Carrot Cake

This cake is divine. It’s a perfect balance of sweet, spicy carrot cake, buttery caramel, and crunchy pecans—every bite feels like a little slice of heaven. I made it once, and now it’s my go-to for every special occasion.

The carrot cake is moist and flavorful, with a rich caramel drizzle and roasted pecans adding the perfect crunch. And the caramel? It seeps into the cake and makes it even more indulgent. It’s a dessert dream come true.

If you love cakes that are rich, decadent, and filled with layers of flavor, this is your new favorite. Perfect for holidays, birthdays, or whenever you want something truly special. I always make extra—this one gets devoured fast.

Let’s bake this heavenly carrot cake together! It’s easier than it sounds and totally worth every bite. Get ready for a dessert that will have everyone asking for the recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Reader Favorite: Many have declared this cake the best carrot cake they’ve ever tasted—it’s truly a crowd-pleaser!
• Moist and Flavorful: The combination of grated carrots, cinnamon, and nutmeg brings out an incredibly moist texture, while the caramel adds a sweet depth of flavor.
• Perfect for Special Occasions: Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or just a casual treat, this cake is sure to impress.
• Loaded with Pecans: Chopped pecans in the cake and sprinkled on top offer a nice crunch that complements the creamy frosting.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: The cake can be baked ahead of time and frosted when you’re ready to serve.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
• Total Time: About 1 hour

Servings:

• This recipe yields 10-12 servings—perfect for a small gathering or family dessert.

Difficulty:

• Easy enough for beginner bakers but impressive enough for experienced cooks to show off their skills.

Required Kitchen Tools:

• Mixing Bowls: For combining the wet and dry ingredients.
• Electric Mixer: To ensure the batter is smooth and well-mixed.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For precise ingredient measurement.
• 9-inch Round Cake Pans: Two pans for even layers of cake.
• Parchment Paper: To ensure easy removal of the cake from the pans.
• Cooling Rack: To cool the cakes evenly and prevent sogginess.

Ingredients for the Carrot Cake

This moist, spiced cake is full of rich flavors, with the sweetness of the carrots balanced by the warm spices. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Carrot Cake:

• Butter (softened): 1/2 cup (113g) to add moisture and richness to the cake.
• Granulated Sugar: 1 1/2 cups (300g) for sweetness.
• Large Eggs: 3 large eggs, which provide structure and richness to the batter.
• Musselman’s Apple Butter: 1/4 cup (60g) to enhance the flavor and moisture of the cake.
• Vegetable Oil: 1/2 cup (120ml) for added moisture.
• Sour Cream: 1/2 cup (120g) for a tender crumb and extra moistness.
• All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups (240g) for the base of the cake.
• Baking Soda: 1 teaspoon to help the cake rise.
• Baking Powder: 1 teaspoon for a light texture.
• Salt: 1/2 teaspoon to balance the sweetness and enhance flavor.
• Ground Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon for that warm, comforting spice.
• Ground Nutmeg: 1/2 teaspoon to complement the cinnamon.
• Grated Carrots: 2 cups (about 3 large carrots), which are the heart of the cake.
• Caramel Syrup: 1/4 cup (60ml) for that rich, sweet caramel flavor.
• Chopped Pecans: 1 cup (120g) for added crunch and flavor.

Ingredients for the Frosting

The frosting is where the magic truly happens. Cream cheese frosting is a classic pairing for carrot cake, and this one is enhanced with a touch of apple butter and caramel syrup, creating a smooth, rich topping. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Frosting:

• Cream Cheese (softened): 8 ounces (226g) for a smooth and creamy texture.
• Powdered Sugar: 2 cups (240g) to sweeten the frosting and give it structure.
• Musselman’s Apple Butter: 1/4 cup (60g) to give the frosting a hint of warmth and depth.
• Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon to round out the flavor.
• Whipped Topping: 1 cup (240ml) for lightness and fluffiness.

How to Make Heavenly Caramel Pecan Carrot Cake Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Cake Pans

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper to ensure the cakes come out easily.

2. Mix the Wet Ingredients

• In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
• Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the apple butter, vegetable oil, and sour cream until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

3. Combine the Dry Ingredients

• In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake dense.

5. Add the Carrots and Pecans

• Gently fold in the grated carrots and chopped pecans using a spatula, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

6. Bake the Cake

• Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans.
• Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
• Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Make the Frosting

The frosting adds the finishing touch to this delightful carrot cake. It’s smooth, creamy, and just the right amount of sweet, with the perfect balance of caramel and apple butter. Here’s how to make it:

1. Prepare the Frosting

• In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
• Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition until the frosting is thick and fluffy.
• Stir in the apple butter and vanilla extract. Continue to beat until everything is fully combined and the frosting is smooth.
• Gently fold in the whipped topping to give the frosting a light and airy texture.

Assemble the Cake

Once the cakes are fully cooled and the frosting is ready, it’s time to put everything together:

1. Layer the Cake

• Place one cake layer on a serving platter or cake stand. Spread a generous layer of frosting on top.
• Place the second cake layer on top and press down gently to ensure it sticks. Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting.

2. Garnish with Pecans and Caramel

• Drizzle the caramel syrup over the top of the frosted cake, letting it drip down the sides.
• Sprinkle the chopped pecans over the top and around the sides of the cake, pressing them gently into the frosting.

Serving and Decoration

How to Serve Heavenly Caramel Pecan Carrot Cake

This cake is perfect for any occasion and pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea. Here are a few ideas for serving:

• As a Dessert: Serve slices of the cake after dinner for a decadent treat.
• For a Celebration: It’s perfect for birthdays, holidays, or other special events. You can even decorate it with additional pecans or fresh flowers for a festive touch.
• With Ice Cream: For extra indulgence, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Storing Heavenly Caramel Pecan Carrot Cake

• Leftovers: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
• Freezing: To freeze, wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Grating Carrots: For the best texture, make sure to grate the carrots finely. This will ensure that the cake stays moist and light.
• Pecans: If you prefer a nuttier flavor, toast the pecans lightly before adding them to the cake. This will enhance their flavor.
• Frosting Consistency: If your frosting is too thick, add a small amount of milk or cream to thin it out. If it’s too runny, add a little more powdered sugar.
• Caramel Drizzle: For an extra touch of flavor, heat the caramel syrup slightly before drizzling it over the cake.

Nutrition (Per Slice)

Calories	380 kcal
Fat	22g
Carbohydrates	45g
Fiber	2g
Sugar	34g
Protein	4g

Heavenly Caramel Pecan Carrot Cake FAQs

Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the cake ahead of time and frost it just before serving.

Conclusion

This Heavenly Caramel Pecan Carrot Cake will be the star of any dessert table. With its moist texture, sweet caramel flavor, and crunchy pecans, it’s a cake that everyone will love. Perfect for celebrations or just a sweet treat, it’s bound to become a favorite!