This delightful recipe transforms the classic carrot cake into an elegant treat featuring a trio of complementary flavors: a spiced carrot cake, a zesty lime cream cheese frosting, and a homemade salted caramel. Each element of this cake adds layers of texture and taste, making it a sophisticated and enjoyable dessert. The fluffy carrot cake, enriched with spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger, pairs beautifully with the tangy lime-infused cream cheese frosting and the rich, salty-sweet caramel.
Why You’ll Love This:
The combination of warm spices in the cake with the refreshing citrus notes in the frosting creates a balanced flavor profile that is not only delicious but also uniquely inviting. The addition of homemade salted caramel provides a luxurious finish that elevates this dessert from a simple cake to a gourmet experience. This cake is perfect for those who appreciate a dessert that marries complexity with classic comfort.
Perfect Occasion:
This carrot cake is ideal for special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries, or holiday gatherings. It also makes a beautiful and impressive addition to a brunch spread or an afternoon tea. Whether served at a formal event or enjoyed as a casual treat, this cake is sure to captivate and satisfy guests with its elegant presentation and depth of flavor.
Decoration Tips:
To decorate, use a cookie cutter to create uniform cake layers and assemble them with layers of frosting and caramel for a mini-layered cake appearance. Garnish the top with edible flowers for a touch of elegance. Alternatively, drizzle extra caramel over the top and add a sprinkle of crushed nuts or lime zest for additional texture and visual appeal.
Ingredients:
- For the Carrot Cake:
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup (2 dl) sugar
- 2 1/2 cups (3 dl) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 tsp baking powder
- 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp cardamom
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- A pinch of salt
- 3/4 cup (1 1/2 dl) oil (sunflower or olive oil)
- 2 1/4 cups (4 1/2 dl) shredded carrots
- For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 1 cup (2 dl) heavy cream
- 3/4 cup (1.5 dl) sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lime
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 3.5 oz (100 g) cream cheese
- For the Caramel:
- About 1 cup (245 ml) heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 7.76 oz (220 g) sugar
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) water
- Sea salt to taste
- Prepare the Caramel:
- Mix the heavy cream and vanilla extract; set aside. In a saucepan, heat sugar and water over medium-high until it turns amber, without stirring. Remove from heat; carefully stir in the cream mixture. Return to heat if lumpy, until smooth. Cool, then refrigerate. Add sea salt to taste.
- Make the Carrot Cake:
- Whip eggs and sugar until fluffy. Add oil, spices, salt, carrots, vanilla, and baking powder. Mix well. Sift in flour, fold gently. Pour into muffin tins; bake at 345°F (175°C) for 10-14 minutes. Cool completely.
- Prepare the Frosting:
- Combine all frosting ingredients; whip until fluffy.
- Assemble the Cakes:
- Use a cookie cutter to cut cake circles. Stack with layers of frosting and caramel. Garnish with edible flowers.
Conclusion:
Enjoy this luxurious carrot cake with its creamy lime frosting and indulgent salted caramel. Each bite offers a perfect blend of spiced, tangy, and sweet flavors, making it a memorable dessert for any occasion. Enjoy your creation and the delightful taste adventure it brings!