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Perfect Brown Butter Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting and Candied Pecans

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A moist and flavorful carrot cake featuring nutty brown butter, tangy cream cheese frosting, and crunchy candied pecans. This easy recipe is perfect for celebrations and everyday treats.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, browned
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup (110g) light brown sugar, packed
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups finely grated carrots (about 4 medium carrots)
  • 1/2 cup (drained) crushed pineapple (optional)
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
  • 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup (56g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 cup (120g) pecan halves
  • 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon (14g) butter
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Brown the Butter: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 1/2 cup (113g) of unsalted butter. Continue cooking, swirling the pan occasionally, until the butter turns golden brown and smells nutty, about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to burn it. Pour the brown butter into a large mixing bowl and let it cool slightly.
  2. Mix Sugars & Eggs: To the browned butter, add 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar and 1/2 cup (110g) light brown sugar. Stir until combined. Beat in 3 large eggs, one at a time, followed by 2 teaspoons vanilla extract. Mix well until smooth.
  3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
  4. Fold Dry into Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Don’t overmix! The batter should be thick but smooth.
  5. Add Carrots & Pineapple: Fold in 2 cups finely grated carrots and 1/2 cup drained crushed pineapple gently. Optionally, stir in 1/2 cup chopped nuts for extra texture.
  6. Prepare Cake Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 8-inch (20cm) round cake pans and line with parchment paper. Divide the batter evenly between the pans and smooth the tops.
  7. Bake the Cake: Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool the cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
  8. Make Candied Pecans: While the cake bakes, melt 1 tablespoon (14g) butter in a small pan. Stir in 1/4 cup (50g) sugar and a pinch of salt until sugar melts. Add 1 cup (120g) pecan halves and toss until coated. Cook for 2-3 minutes until glossy, then spread on parchment to cool.
  9. Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat 8 oz (225g) softened cream cheese and 1/4 cup (56g) softened butter until creamy. Gradually add 2 cups (240g) sifted powdered sugar, then 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice. Beat until smooth and fluffy.
  10. Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting on top. Add the second cake layer and frost the top and sides evenly. Sprinkle the candied pecans over the top and lightly press them into the frosting.
  11. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the cake for at least 30 minutes to set the frosting before slicing. This step helps the frosting firm up and makes cutting cleaner.

Notes

Use a light-colored pan to brown butter for better color visibility. Grate carrots finely for best texture. Avoid overmixing batter to keep cake light. Chill frosting if too soft before spreading. Store candied pecans in airtight container to maintain crunch.

Nutrition

Keywords: carrot cake, brown butter, cream cheese frosting, candied pecans, easy carrot cake, moist carrot cake, holiday dessert

Find it online: https://dahliadishes.com/perfect-brown-butter-carrot-cake-recipe-with-cream-cheese-frosting-and-candied-pecans-easy-step-by-step-guide/