A modern, fall-inspired twist on a beloved layer cake.
Oil and buttermilk ensure a tender, moist crumb, and two toppings unite for a decadent andimpressivefinish.
More caramel is swirled into the frosting, with a scattering of pecans for a final flourish.
Credit:Jen Causey; Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf; Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle
It’s a layer cake that’s beautiful, unique, and nostalgic, all at the same time.
Defrost at room temperature if frozen, then fill with caramel and top with mascarpone frosting fresh before serving.
What Other Frostings Can I Use for Apple-Pecan Carrot Cake?
Credit:Jen Causey; Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf; Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle
The mascarpone frosting will break down over time, but will still be delicious.
Freeze for longer storage (up to one month) and thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Combine dry ingredients:
Stir together flour and next 3 ingredients.
Credit:Jen Causey; Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf; Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle
Make cake batter:
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.
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Pour batter into prepared pans.
Cool in pans on wire racks 10 minutes.
Remove from pans to wire racks, and cool completely, about 1 hour.
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Stack cake layers:
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.
Credit:Jen Causey; Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf; Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle
Add Frosting:
Spread Mascarpone Frosting over top of cake.
Apple Cider Caramel Sauce over frosting.
Swirl sauce into frosting.
Credit:Jen Causey; Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf; Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle
Flour the buttered pans to ensure they won’t stick.
Dense cakes like carrot cake need to be baked until a cake tester comes out clean.
In addition, use your finger to poke the center of each cake layer.
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If they spring back, it’s a good indication that they’re baked through.
Cakes with fruit and vegetables in the mix should be refrigerated, particularly with cream cheese or whipped frostings.
Cool unmolded cake layers on wire racks for good airflow that will eliminate excess moisture.
Credit:Jen Causey; Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf; Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle
Firm apples like Honeycrisp or Braeburn aregreat for baking.
Feel free to use a firm apple variety you prefer.
Credit:Jen Causey; Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf; Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle
Credit:Jen Causey; Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf; Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle
Credit:Jen Causey; Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf; Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle
Credit:Jen Causey; Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf; Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle
