When it comes to baking, there are few things more comforting and delightful than the sweet aroma of a freshly baked cake filling your home. If you’re looking to elevate your baking game and impress your friends and family, look no further than our Towering Praline Carrot Cake recipe. This decadent dessert combines the rich flavors of praline with the moist and flavorful goodness of carrot cake. It’s a show-stopping treat perfect for special occasions or simply as a weekend indulgence.
**Towering Praline Carrot Cake**
**Ingredients:**
For the Carrot Cake:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 1/2 teaspoons 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
– 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
For the Praline Topping:
– 1 cup chopped pecans
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter
– 1 cup packed brown sugar
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– Pinch of salt
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
3. In a separate bowl, beat together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil until smooth and creamy.
4. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Fold in the grated carrots and crushed pineapple until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
7. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops with a spatula.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. While the cakes are baking, make the praline topping. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar, heavy cream, and salt, and bring to a simmer.
10. Cook the mixture for about 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly, until it thickens slightly.
11. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the chopped pecans.
12. Once the cakes are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, transfer the cakes to a wire rack to cool completely.
13. To assemble the cake, place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a layer of the praline topping on top. Repeat with the remaining cake layers and praline topping, finishing with a generous drizzle over the top of the cake.
14. Slice and serve your Towering Praline Carrot Cake and enjoy the delicious combination of flavors and textures in every bite!
This Towering Praline Carrot Cake is a true masterpiece that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Try baking this cake for your next gathering and watch as it becomes the star of the dessert table!
