Description
Salted Caramel Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a rich, moist, and bakery-style dessert packed with warm spices, freshly grated carrots, silky cream cheese frosting, and a buttery salted caramel drizzle. This easy dessert recipe is perfect for holiday gatherings, birthday celebrations, brunch tables, or anytime you want an impressive homemade cake that tastes unforgettable. The soft carrot cake layers are filled with comforting cinnamon flavor and balanced perfectly by tangy cream cheese frosting and sweet salted caramel sauce. Whether you are searching for easy dessert ideas, homemade cake recipes, comfort food desserts, or crowd-pleasing baking recipes, this cake delivers incredible flavor and texture in every bite.
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
4 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 cups freshly grated carrots
1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained
1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
1/2 cup raisins
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 pinch salt
1 cup granulated sugar
6 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
2. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
3. Mix the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil until smooth.
4. Add the eggs one at a time and stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Fold the grated carrots and crushed pineapple into the wet mixture.
6. Add the chopped walnuts or pecans and raisins if using.
7. Combine the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients and stir until just incorporated.
8. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
9. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting.
11. Beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
12. Gradually add the powdered sugar, then mix in the vanilla extract and salt.
13. Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cake.
14. Melt the sugar in a saucepan over medium heat while stirring constantly.
15. Add the butter and stir until combined.
16. Slowly pour in the heavy cream and continue stirring until smooth.
17. Remove from heat and stir in the sea salt.
18. Let the caramel cool slightly, then drizzle over the frosted cake.
19. Slice and serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
Always use freshly grated carrots for the best moisture and flavor.
Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
Chill the cake for 20 minutes before slicing for cleaner and more professional-looking cuts.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 45g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 62g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: salted caramel carrot cake, carrot cake with cream cheese frosting, easy dessert recipe, homemade cake recipe, holiday dessert, carrot cake recipe, easy baking recipe, comfort food dessert