Caramel Carrot Cake 

Indulge in the rich flavors of Caramel Carrot Cake, a delightful treat that combines the sweetness of caramel with the wholesome goodness of carrots. Moist carrot cake topped with luscious caramel cream cheese frosting is sure to satisfy your sweet cravings.

Ingredients:

For the Carrot Cake:

▢ ½ cup + 1 Tablespoon vegetable oil

▢ ½ cup granulated sugar

▢ ½ cup light brown sugar, packed

▢ 2 large eggs, beaten

▢ 1 cup packed freshly grated carrots, about 2 large carrots

▢ ½ cup crushed pineapple, drained

▢ 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract

▢ 1 cup all-purpose flour

▢ ½ teaspoon baking soda

▢ 1 teaspoon baking powder

▢ 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

▢ ½ teaspoon Kosher salt

For the Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting:

▢ 3 ounces cream cheese, softened

▢ 3 Tablespoons unsalted butter

▢ 1-2 cups powdered sugar

▢ 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

▢ ½ cup dulce de leche, plus more for swirling

▢ Pinch of salt

Instructions:

For the Carrot Cake:

1️⃣ Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper and lightly spray with cooking spray.

2️⃣ In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.

3️⃣ In a large bowl, stir together the vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until mixed. Stir in the beaten eggs, grated carrots, crushed pineapple, and vanilla extract until well combined.

4️⃣ Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and stir until no specks of white flour remain.

5️⃣ Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely.

For the Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting:

1️⃣ In a mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat together the cream cheese, unsalted butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, dulce de leche, and salt until smooth. Adjust the consistency and sweetness by adding more powdered sugar, if needed.

2️⃣ To frost the cooled cake, spread the caramel cream cheese frosting in an even layer over the top. Create a swirl by evenly dropping 9 dots of dulce de leche on the frosting. Using a knife, swirl the dulce de leche with the frosting to create a decorative pattern.

3️⃣ Cover the cake until ready to serve. Cut into squares and enjoy the indulgent flavors of Caramel Carrot Cake!