Exquisite Carrot Cake Delight with Creamy Lime Cream Cheese Frosting and Homemade Salted Caramel

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

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Prepare the Frosting:
   • Combine all frosting ingredients; whip until fluffy.
4. 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!