Best 8 Apple Pecan Carrot Cake Recipes

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Indulge in a culinary journey with our delectable Apple Pecan Carrot Cake, a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. This moist and tender cake harmoniously blends the sweet crunch of apples, the nutty richness of pecans, and the vibrant freshness of carrots, creating a delightful symphony of textures and flavors. Perfectly balanced with a luscious cream cheese frosting, this cake is an irresistible treat for any occasion.

Accompanying this star recipe are two additional culinary gems: a classic Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting, a timeless delight that showcases the perfect balance of sweet and earthy flavors; and a decadent Cream Cheese Frosting recipe, an essential companion for any carrot cake, adding a velvety smooth and tangy touch that elevates the cake to new heights of deliciousness.

These recipes are not just mere instructions; they are culinary expeditions that invite you to embark on a sensory adventure. With step-by-step instructions, insightful tips, and stunning visuals, we guide you through the process of creating these delectable treats, ensuring success in your baking endeavors. So, prepare your apron, gather your ingredients, and let's embark on a delightful baking journey together!

Let's cook with our recipes!

APPLE-PECAN CARROT CAKE RECIPE - (4.6/5)



Apple-Pecan Carrot Cake Recipe - (4.6/5) image

Provided by Tufgrlz

Number Of Ingredients 23

cup plus 2 Tbsp. Apple Cider Caramel Sauce:
2 1/3 2 1/3 1/3 cups finely chopped lightly toasted pecans, divided
2 2 2 cups all-purpose flour
2 2 2 teaspoons baking soda
2 2 2 teaspoons apple pie spice
1/2 1/2 1/2 teaspoon table salt
3 3 3 large eggs, lightly beaten
2 2 2 cups sugar $
3/4 3/4 3/4 cup vegetable oil
3/4 3/4 3/4 cup buttermilk
2 2 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 2 2 cups peeled and grated Granny Smith apples
1 1/2 1 1/2 1/2 cups grated carrots
1 1 1 cup apple cider
1 1 1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
1/2 1/2 1/2 cup butter $
1/4 1/4 1/4 cup whipping cream
Marscapone Frosting:
1 1 container 1 (8-oz.) container mascarpone cheese
1/4 1/4 1/4 cup powdered sugar
2 2 2 teaspoons vanilla extract $
1 1 1 cup whipping cream
3 Whisk together first 3 ingredients in a large bowl just until blended. Beat whipping cream at medium speed with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form. Gently fold into mascarpone mixture. )

Steps:

  • 1. Preheat oven to 350°. Sprinkle 1 1/3 cups toasted pecans into 2 well-buttered shiny 9-inch round cake pans; shake to coat bottom and sides of pans. 2. Stir together flour and next 3 ingredients. 3. Stir together eggs and next 4 ingredients in a large bowl until blended. Add flour mixture, stirring just until blended. Fold in apples, carrots, and remaining 1 cup pecans. Pour batter into prepared pans. 4. Bake at 350° for 30 to 35 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pans on wire racks 10 minutes. Remove from pans to wire racks, and cool completely (about 1 hour). 5. Place 1 cake layer, pecan side down, on a serving plate. Spread top of cake layer with 2/3 cup Apple Cider Caramel Sauce; top with remaining cake layer, pecan side down. Spread Mascarpone Frosting over top of cake. Drizzle 2 Tbsp. Apple Cider Caramel Sauce over frosting, and swirl sauce into frosting. Serve immediately.

APPLE-PECAN CARROT CAKE



Apple-Pecan Carrot Cake image

Southern Living Magazine recipe. This cake has Mascarpone Frosting piled on top and Apple Cider Caramel Sauce in between layers and salty-sweet spiced pecans scattered about. The photo alone looks good enough to eat.

Provided by Pat Duran

Categories     Other Sauces

Time 1h5m

Number Of Ingredients 23

CAKE
2 1/3 c finely chopped lightly toasted pecans, divided
2 c all purpose flour
2 tsp baking soda
2 tsp apple pie spice
1/4 tsp salt
3 large eggs, lightly beaten
2 c granulated sugar
3/4 c vegetable oil
3/4 c dairy buttermilk
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 c peeled and grated granny smith apples
1 1/2 c grated carrots
APPLE CIDER CARAMEL SAUCE
1 c apple cider
1 c light brown sugar, firmly packed
1/2 c butter
1/2 c whipping cream
MASCARPONE FROSTING
1 c mascarpone cheese
1/4 c powdered sugar
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 c heavy cream

Steps:

  • 1. Heat oven to 350^. Butter well 2 parchment covered 9-inch cake pans. Sprinkle with 1 1/3 cups of toasted pecans. Shake pan to coat bottoms and sides of pans with the nuts.
  • 2. Stir together the flour,soda,salt and apple pie spice. Stir eggs,sugar vegetable oil, buttermilk and vanilla in a large bowl until well blended. Fold in apples, carrots and remaining 1 cup of pecans. Pour batter evenly into prepared pans.Bake for 30-35 minutes until toothpick test comes out clean. Cool in pans for 10 minutes. Remove pans and cool completely, about 1 hour.
  • 3. Place 1 cake layer, pecan side down, on serving plate. Spread top of cake layer with 2/3 cup of the Cider Caramel Sauce; top with remaining cake layer, pecan side down. Spread Mascarpone Frosting over top of cake. Drizzle some of the caramel sauce over frosting, and swirl sauce into frosting. Serve immediately. Refrigerate any left over cake.
  • 4. APPLE-CIDER-CARAMEL-SAUCE: (make this the day before) Cook cider in a 3 qt saucepan over medium heat, stirring often, 10 minutes or until reduced to 1/4 cup. Stir in remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly; boil 2 minutes. Remove from heat and cool completely. Refrigerate up to 1 week. To reheat, microwave at high 10 to 15 seconds or just until warm; stir until smooth.
  • 5. MASCARPONE FROSTING: Stir mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar and vanilla in a medium bowl just until blended. Beat cream at low speed with mixer until foamy; increase speed to medium-high, beating until stiff peaks form. Gently fold whipped cream mixture into mascarpone cheese..Use immediately.

GRANDMA'S APPLE CARROT CAKE



Grandma's Apple Carrot Cake image

Rich, moist and cinnamony, this old-fashioned cake recipe was handed down from our beloved Grandma Kelly. It's a perfect way to use up a few carrots and an apple...and it's ideal for smaller families, since it yields fewer servings.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 50m

Yield 9 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 17

2 large eggs
1/2 cup canola oil
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1-1/2 cups finely shredded carrots
1 cup shredded peeled apple
CREAM CHEESE FROSTING:
3 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 tablespoon butter, softened
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1-1/4 cups confectioners' sugar

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, beat the eggs, oil and sugars until smooth. Combine the flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda and salt; gradually add to egg mixture just until combined. Stir in carrots and apple., Spoon into a greased 9-in. square baking pan. Bake at 350° for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack., In a small bowl, combine the frosting ingredients; beat until smooth. Spread over cake. Store in the refrigerator.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 392 calories, Fat 18g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 61mg cholesterol, Sodium 190mg sodium, Carbohydrate 56g carbohydrate (42g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 4g protein.

CARROT CAKE WITH CRUSHED PINEAPPLE AND PECANS



Carrot Cake with Crushed Pineapple and Pecans image

This recipe for carrot cake with crushed pineapple and pecans was given to my mother in 1976. This takes quite a bit of prep, but is well worth the time and effort. Ice with your favorite cream cheese frosting.

Provided by Laurie Byrnes

Categories     Desserts     Nut Dessert Recipes     Pecan Dessert Recipes

Time 50m

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 12

2 cups all-purpose flour
3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups white sugar
1 ½ cups canola oil
3 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups finely grated carrots, or more to taste
1 (8 ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained
1 cup sweetened flaked coconut
1 cup chopped pecans

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round or square cake pans.
  • Sift flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt together in a bowl.
  • Beat sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract together in another bowl until well blended. Add the dry ingredients gradually until well mixed. Fold in carrots, pineapple, coconut, and pecans. Divide batter evenly among the prepared cake pans.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, about 35 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 590.7 calories, Carbohydrate 59.5 g, Cholesterol 46.5 mg, Fat 38.4 g, Fiber 3.2 g, Protein 5.1 g, SaturatedFat 4.7 g, Sodium 349.9 mg, Sugar 40 g

CARROT CAKE WITH PECAN FROSTING



Carrot Cake with Pecan Frosting image

My husband constantly requests this homey, old-fashioned version of carrot cake. The frosting is still tasty even without the pecans. -Adrian Badon, Denham Springs, Louisiana

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 1h15m

Yield 16 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 16

1 cup shortening
2 cups sugar
4 large eggs, room temperature
1 can (8 ounces) unsweetened crushed pineapple, undrained
2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon salt
3 cups shredded carrots (about 6 medium carrots)
FROSTING:
1 package (8 ounces) reduced-fat cream cheese
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3-3/4 cups confectioners' sugar
1 cup chopped pecans

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 325°. Line bottoms of 2 greased 9-in. round baking pans with parchment; grease paper., In a large bowl, cream shortening and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in pineapple. In another bowl, whisk flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture. Stir in carrots., Transfer batter to prepared pans. Bake until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, 40-45 minutes. Cool in pans 10 minutes before removing to wire racks; remove paper. Cool completely., In a large bowl, beat cream cheese, butter and vanilla until blended. Gradually beat in confectioners' sugar until smooth. Stir in pecans., Spread frosting between layers and over top and sides of cake. Refrigerate until serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 557 calories, Fat 27g fat (10g saturated fat), Cholesterol 72mg cholesterol, Sodium 358mg sodium, Carbohydrate 74g carbohydrate (57g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 6g protein.

PECAN CARROT BUNDT CAKE



Pecan Carrot Bundt Cake image

The pecans and citrus flavor make this dessert special. It's a moist cake with sweet, creamy frosting. -Joan Taylor, Adrian, Minnesota

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 1h25m

Yield 12-16 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 21

1 cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
4 large eggs
2 tablespoons grated lemon zest
2 tablespoons grated orange zest
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons orange juice
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 pound carrots, grated
1 cup raisins
1 cup chopped pecans
FROSTING:
3 ounces cream cheese, softened
1-1/2 to 2 cups confectioners' sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup chopped pecans

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each. Beat in lemon and orange zest. Combine dry ingredients; gradually add to creamed mixture alternately with juices. Stir in carrots, raisins and pecans. , Pour into a greased and floured 10-in. fluted tube pan. Bake at 350° for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes; remove from pan to wire rack. , For frosting, in a small bowl, beat the cream cheese, confectioners' sugar and vanilla until smooth. Frost cake; sprinkle with pecans.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 487 calories, Fat 23g fat (9g saturated fat), Cholesterol 90mg cholesterol, Sodium 367mg sodium, Carbohydrate 68g carbohydrate (45g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 6g protein.

APPLE PECAN CARROT SQUARES



Apple Pecan Carrot Squares image

You can enjoy this healthy and delicious dessert any time of day. A twist on the traditional carrot cake, this recipe produces a moist and flavorful bar-type cake with a delectable apple pecan topping.

Provided by sszz907

Categories     Dessert

Time 55m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 19

1 cup oats
1/2 cup white flour
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 cup golden raisin
2 carrots, shredded
1/2 cup applesauce
1/2 cup vanilla yogurt
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 golden delicious apple, sliced
1/4 cup maple syrup
1 teaspoon lemon juice
3 tablespoons vanilla yogurt
1/2 cup pecan halves
3 tablespoons brown sugar

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a _x_ inch pan.
  • Mix the oats, flour, brown sugar, salt, baking soda, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a bowl.
  • In a separate bowl mix the shredded carrot, applesauce, yogurt, egg, and vanilla together.
  • Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the second bowl. Add in the golden raisins.
  • Pour the cake batter into the pan.
  • Put the apple slices into a bowl and add in the maple syrup, lemon juice, and yogurt. Mix the contents together to coat the apple slices.
  • Spread the apple slices on top of the cake batter and pour out all of the syrup mix.
  • Arrange the pecan halves on top of everything and sprinkle on the remaining 3 tablespoons of brown sugar.
  • Bake for 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • Let the cake cool for five minutes before cutting into squares and serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 433.7, Fat 9.9, SaturatedFat 1.8, Cholesterol 38.9, Sodium 304.4, Carbohydrate 80.9, Fiber 6, Sugar 44.7, Protein 9

APPLE-PECAN CAKE



Apple-Pecan Cake image

This easy-to-make cake, bursting with chunks of apple and pecans, is delicious with coffee or tea.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Dessert & Treats Recipes     Cake Recipes

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 stick unsalted butter, room temperature, plus more for pan
1 medium apple, such as Gala or Fuji, peeled and diced small
3/4 cup pecans, toasted and coarsely chopped
2 1/2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg or ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon fine salt
3/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/2 cup low-fat plain yogurt
1 1/3 cups granulated sugar
1 teaspoon packed finely grated orange zest
3 large eggs
Confectioners' sugar, for dusting

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter a 9-inch square baking pan. Line with parchment paper, leaving a 2-inch overhang on two sides. Butter parchment. In a medium bowl, toss apple and pecans with 2 tablespoons flour to coat. In a large bowl, whisk together remaining flour, baking powder, nutmeg, and salt. In a small bowl, combine applesauce and yogurt.
  • In another large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat butter, granulated sugar, and orange zest on high until light and fluffy, 3 minutes, scraping down bowl as needed. Beat in eggs, one at a time, until combined. With mixer on low, add flour mixture in three additions, alternating with two additions applesauce mixture, and beat to combine. Fold in apple mixture. Transfer batter to pan and smooth top.
  • Bake until golden and a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, about 50 minutes. Let cool in pan on a wire rack, 20 minutes. Using parchment, lift cake from pan. Dust with confectioners' sugar before serving.

Tips:

  • Use fresh, crisp carrots for the best flavor and texture.
  • Peel and grate the carrots finely to ensure they blend well into the cake batter.
  • Toast the pecans in a preheated oven to enhance their flavor and aroma.
  • Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy to create a smooth and airy cake batter.
  • Gradually add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to prevent curdling.
  • Sift the dry ingredients together before adding them to the wet ingredients to ensure even distribution.
  • Fold in the grated carrots, toasted pecans, and chopped apples gently to avoid overmixing the batter.
  • Bake the cake in a preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting it to prevent the frosting from melting.
  • Use a cream cheese frosting for a rich and tangy flavor that complements the sweetness of the cake.

Conclusion:

This apple pecan carrot cake is a delicious and moist cake that is perfect for any occasion. The combination of sweet apples, crunchy pecans, and earthy carrots creates a unique and flavorful cake that will surely be a hit. The cream cheese frosting adds a rich and tangy flavor that perfectly complements the sweetness of the cake. With its easy-to-follow instructions and helpful tips, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a novice, you'll be able to create a delicious and impressive apple pecan carrot cake that everyone will love.

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