Description
A delightful Caramel Walnut Carrot Cake topped with a rich caramel glaze and crunchy walnuts.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2½ cups finely grated carrots
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
- ½ cup crushed pineapple, well drained
- ½ cup raisins, optional
- ½ cup unsalted butter (for caramel glaze)
- 1 cup packed brown sugar (for caramel glaze)
- ½ cup heavy cream (for caramel glaze)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (for caramel glaze)
- ¼ tsp salt (for caramel glaze)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts, for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
- In a large bowl, whisk the oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Fold in the grated carrots, walnuts, pineapple, and raisins if using.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 35–45 minutes for a 9×13-inch cake, or 28–35 minutes for round pans, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for about 15 minutes, then transfer to a rack and cool completely.
- Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the brown sugar and heavy cream. Stir constantly and simmer for 2–3 minutes until smooth and slightly thickened. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla and salt.
- Let the caramel cool for 5–10 minutes so it thickens slightly. Drizzle generously over the cooled carrot cake.
- Sprinkle the chopped walnuts over the caramel while it is still slightly warm.
- Allow the caramel to set for about 15–20 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- For an extra-decadent finish, add a thin layer of cream cheese frosting underneath the caramel glaze.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg