Sink your fork into the ultimate indulgence with this Caramel Pecan Carrot Heaven Cake. Each bite combines the earthy sweetness of carrots, a tropical kiss of pineapple and coconut, and loads of crunchy pecans—all cloaked in a buttery caramel glaze. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering or a little celebration at home, this cake delivers nostalgia, warmth, and absolute decadence. If you love rich, memorable desserts that don’t take a pastry chef to create, this one will quickly become a go-to.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating the Caramel Pecan Carrot Heaven Cake is much easier than you might think; most ingredients are pantry staples, but together they transform into something magical. Each one brings unique flavor, softness, or crunch, so don’t skip a thing!
- All-purpose flour: The sturdy base that gives body and structure to every slice.
- Baking soda: This ensures a lovely rise and a tender, moist crumb.
- Cinnamon: Warm, sweet spice for that classic carrot cake flavor.
- Nutmeg: Adds a subtle, aromatic depth you’ll miss if it’s left out.
- Salt: Brightens and balances all the sweet and rich notes in the cake.
- Granulated sugar: Delivers pure sweetness and helps with cake texture.
- Brown sugar (packed): For deep, caramel-like flavor and extra moisture.
- Vegetable oil: Makes for a supremely soft and moist cake every time.
- Large eggs: They bind the batter and add richness.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses everything with a comforting, aromatic finish.
- Finely grated carrots: The star—these keep things moist while giving color and sweetness.
- Crushed pineapple (drained): Adds juiciness and a subtle tartness that lifts the cake.
- Chopped pecans: Bittersweet crunch in every bite; they also star in the caramel glaze.
- Shredded coconut: Brings a hint of chewy texture and tropical flair.
- Unsalted butter (for glaze): The base of a luscious, toffee-scented glaze.
- Brown sugar (for glaze): Merges with butter for that signature caramel glaze.
- Heavy cream (for glaze): Ensures a silky, pourable finish every time.
- Vanilla extract (for glaze): Rounds out the flavors in your golden caramel topping.
- Chopped pecans (for glaze): Toasty nuts make the glaze so irresistible atop the cake.
How to Make Caramel Pecan Carrot Heaven Cake
Step 1: Prep the Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), then grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish. This ensures your Caramel Pecan Carrot Heaven Cake releases easily and bakes up beautifully golden without sticking.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mixing these early means the leavener and spices will be evenly distributed, setting your cake up for lightness and the perfect backdrop of warm spice.
Step 3: Mix Sugar, Oil, Eggs, and Vanilla
In a large bowl, blend the granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until everything is smooth and thoroughly combined. This simple mixture is the foundation for a super-moist crumb with rich flavor.
Step 4: Stir in Carrots, Pineapple, Coconut, and Pecans
Add your grated carrots, drained crushed pineapple, chopped pecans, and shredded coconut to the wet mixture. Fold gently to combine—this is where the cake gains its special blend of sweetness, moisture, and texture.
Step 5: Add Dry Ingredients to Wet
Gradually add your flour and spice mixture to the wet bowl, stirring just until everything comes together. Take care not to overmix; you want a soft, tender crumb in your Caramel Pecan Carrot Heaven Cake.
Step 6: Bake
Pour the batter into your prepared dish and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the center of the oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick in the middle comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes so the crumb sets and is ready for the gorgeous glaze.
Step 7: Make the Caramel Pecan Glaze
While the cake cools a bit, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar and heavy cream; keep stirring until the mixture starts to bubble. Let it gently boil for 2 minutes, then pull it from the heat and stir in vanilla and pecans. This rich, buttery glaze is pure decadence.
Step 8: Glaze the Cake
While both the cake and glaze are still warm, pour the caramel pecan glaze evenly over the top, letting it soak into the crumb. Let everything cool completely; as it rests, the glaze transforms into a glossy, tempting finish.
How to Serve Caramel Pecan Carrot Heaven Cake
Garnishes
A final flourish makes all the difference. Try a light dusting of powdered sugar, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a sprinkle of toasted coconut for extra beauty and texture. A few extra pecans scattered over the top will hint at the deliciousness inside this Caramel Pecan Carrot Heaven Cake.
Side Dishes
Serve generous slices alongside a cup of hot coffee or spiced tea—trust me, each sip complements the cake’s warmth. For a festive table, pair it with a cool fruit salad or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to balance the rich caramel glaze.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, cut the Caramel Pecan Carrot Heaven Cake into neat squares and serve on a platter lined with parchment or doilies. You can also bake in two round pans for a stunning layered cake or cut into small cubes for a “cake bite” dessert board at parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover cake tightly covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 4 days. The Caramel Pecan Carrot Heaven Cake stays moist and the flavors mellow beautifully after a day, making each leftover bite a treat.
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze slices! Simply wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or briefly in the fridge for a make-ahead dessert that tastes freshly baked.
Reheating
While this cake is delicious served at room temperature, you can gently warm slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to revive the caramel glaze’s gooeyness and the cake’s soft crumb. Serve warm with a scoop of ice cream if you’re feeling decadent!
FAQs
Can I make Caramel Pecan Carrot Heaven Cake a day ahead?
Absolutely! Making it in advance actually enhances the flavors, as the spices and caramel have more time to mingle. Store it covered at room temperature or in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
What’s the best way to shred carrots for this cake?
Finely grate your carrots using the small holes on a box grater or a food processor. This ensures the carrots blend seamlessly into the batter and keep each bite tender instead of chunky.
Can I use walnuts or another nut instead of pecans?
You sure can! While pecans bring classic flavor and texture, chopped walnuts work beautifully, as do hazelnuts or even toasted almonds if you want a twist.
Should the glaze go on a warm or cooled cake?
Pour the caramel pecan glaze over the cake while both are still warm. This allows the topping to sink in and set up to a glossy finish that is utterly crave-worthy.
Is this cake suitable for special occasions?
Definitely! The Caramel Pecan Carrot Heaven Cake is a showstopper for birthdays, holidays, potlucks, and anything in between, thanks to its beautiful appearance and decadent layers of flavor.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dessert that draws oohs and aahs, adds comfort to any celebration, and stays irresistible for days, go ahead and bake this Caramel Pecan Carrot Heaven Cake. I truly hope it becomes as loved in your kitchen as it is in mine—don’t forget to savor every gooey, pecan-studded bite!
Print
Caramel Pecan Carrot Heaven Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the heavenly blend of caramel, pecans, and carrots with this Caramel Pecan Carrot Heaven Cake. A moist and flavorful cake topped with a rich caramel pecan glaze, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups finely grated carrots
- 1 cup crushed pineapple (drained)
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- ½ cup shredded coconut
Caramel Pecan Glaze:
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking dish.
- Mix dry ingredients: Combine flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a bowl.
- Prepare wet ingredients: Beat sugars, oil, eggs, and vanilla in a separate bowl. Stir in carrots, pineapple, coconut, and pecans.
- Combine: Gradually add dry ingredients to wet, mix, and pour into baking dish.
- Bake: Bake for 40–45 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Make glaze: Boil butter, brown sugar, and cream. Stir in vanilla and pecans.
- Glaze the cake: Pour warm glaze over the warm cake.
- Cool: Allow cake to cool completely before serving.
Notes
- This cake can be made a day ahead—the flavors intensify as it sits.
- Store covered at room temperature or in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 39g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
