Decadent Caramel-Glazed Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Indulge in the perfect dessert for any celebration with this Caramel-Glazed Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting. This masterpiece combines moist, spiced layers of carrot cake, a luscious caramel glaze, and rich cream cheese frosting. A dessert that not only looks stunning but also tastes divine, making it a showstopper at any gathering.

 

Preparation Details:

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Cooling & Assembly Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 2 hours
• Servings: 10–12 slices

 

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 2 cups grated carrots
• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ¾ cup vegetable oil
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup crushed pineapple, drained
• ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 200 g cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Caramel Glaze:

• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup unsalted butter
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

 

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Cake

1. Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan. Line the bottom with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. In another bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil. Add eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
4. Gradually combine the wet and dry ingredients. Fold in grated carrots, crushed pineapple, and walnuts (if using).
5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 35–40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Cool the cake in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

1. Beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
2. Add powdered sugar gradually, then mix in the vanilla extract. Beat until light and fluffy.

Step 3: Make the Caramel Glaze

1. Melt the sugar in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring until it caramelizes into a deep amber color.
2. Add butter and stir until incorporated, then carefully mix in the cream (it may bubble). Remove from heat and add vanilla. Let it cool slightly.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

1. Once the cake is completely cooled, slice it horizontally into two layers.
2. Spread a layer of cream cheese frosting on the bottom layer, then place the top layer over it.
3. Frost the entire cake with the remaining frosting.

Step 5: Add the Caramel Glaze

1. Drizzle the caramel glaze over the frosted cake, letting it cascade down the sides.
2. Optional: Garnish with toasted walnuts for an added crunch.

 

Your Caramel-Glazed Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is now ready to delight! With its moist texture, creamy frosting, and caramel sweetness, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Serve it chilled and enjoy every heavenly bite with friends and family. Don’t forget to store leftovers in the refrigerator to savor later!