Description
A deliciously moist and flavorful cake made with grated carrots, topped with a creamy frosting and drizzled with salted caramel.
Ingredients
- 3 cups grated carrots (about 6 medium carrots)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1 cup salted caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Sea salt, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated carrots, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Fold in the crushed pineapple and chopped nuts, if using.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
- While the cakes are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese and softened butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, mixing until creamy and well combined.
- Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting on top, then drizzle with salted caramel sauce. Place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake.
- Drizzle additional salted caramel sauce over the top and sprinkle with sea salt for garnish. Slice and serve.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute half of the vegetable oil with unsweetened applesauce.
- Add raisins or shredded coconut to the batter for extra flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg