Name: Salted Caramel Carrot Dream Cake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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 granulated sugar; 1 cup packed brown sugar; 1 cup vegetable oil; 4 large eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 3 cups grated carrots (about 4 medium carrots); 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained; 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional); 1/2 cup raisins (optional); 1 cup granulated sugar; 6 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1 teaspoon sea salt

Introduction

This Salted Caramel Carrot Dream Cake combines the warm flavors of spiced carrot cake with a rich, homemade salted caramel sauce. Moist, tender, and decadently topped, it’s a unique twist that will impress your family and friends. Perfect for special occasions or whenever you crave something sweet and comforting.

The image shows a close-up of a two-layer carrot cake slice on a white plate with a thin gold rim, placed on a white marbled surface. The bottom and top cake layers are dark brown with visible orange carrot bits mixed in. Between and covering the sides of the cake, there is a thick layer of smooth white cream cheese frosting. The top of the cake is covered with a shiny caramel glaze that drips down the sides, and it is topped with a generous amount of chopped nuts. More chopped nuts also cling to the frosting on the sides of the cake. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

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 granulated sugar

1 cup packed brown sugar

1 cup vegetable oil

4 large eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

3 cups grated carrots (about 4 medium carrots)

1 cup crushed pineapple, drained

1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

1/2 cup raisins (optional)

1 cup granulated sugar (for salted caramel sauce)

6 tablespoons unsalted butter

1/2 cup heavy cream

1 teaspoon sea salt

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.

Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: In another bowl, beat together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil until well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 4: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in the grated carrots, crushed pineapple, walnuts, and raisins if using.

Step 5: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Step 6: While the cakes are cooling, prepare the salted caramel sauce. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the sugar, stirring constantly until it turns a deep amber color. Remove from heat and carefully whisk in the butter until melted. Slowly add the heavy cream while whisking until smooth. Stir in the sea salt and let cool slightly.

Step 7: Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Drizzle with a generous amount of salted caramel sauce. Top with the second layer and drizzle more salted caramel sauce over the top.

Tips & Variations

For extra moisture, substitute half the vegetable oil with applesauce.

Swap walnuts for pecans or skip nuts entirely if preferred.

If you like a bit of texture, add shredded coconut or chopped crystallized ginger to the batter.

To make the caramel sauce less salty, reduce the sea salt according to your taste.

Use canned pineapple with no added sugar for convenience, but fresh crushed pineapple works well too.

FAQs

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Be sure it contains xanthan gum or add it separately for best texture.

How do I know when the cake is done baking?

The cake is ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. Avoid overbaking to keep it moist.