Inspired by the carrot cake from Truluck's and formerly published on Southern Living, this cake features layers of moist carrot cake with pineapple and coconut, candied pecans, a rich butterscotch and tangy cream cheese frosting.
Prep time: PT150M
Cook time: PT70M
4.82 stars (83 reviews)
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a half sheet pan (13x18) with parchment paper, creasing the edges so that it fits neatly in the pan.
- Whisk together the sugar, oil, eggs, baking powder, baking soda, salt and spices.
- Stir in the flour, then fold in the carrots, nuts, pineapple and coconut. Pour batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 28-33 minutes, using a toothpick or skewer to test for doneness (skewer should be clean or with a few moist crumbs). Let cake cool completely in pan.
- Preheat oven to 300 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment or a Silpat.
- Give the egg white a whisk until slightly foamy, then toss with the pecans in a small bowl until fully coated. Add the sugars, cinnamon and salt and mix until fully coated.
- Spread out on prepared baking sheet and bake for 40 minutes, stirring after 20 minutes. Pecans should look brown, crisp and smell amazing. They'll crisp up further as they cool—let cool completely before using.
- Whisk together the egg yolk, cream and brown sugar in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-low heat, stirring constantly (the constant stirring over low heat is to avoid scrambling the yolk, but tends to also cause a bit of crystallization in the butterscotch once it cools--this is totally normal! You won't notice it once everything is layered together). Let boil for 2-3 minutes, or until thickened and bubbling.
- Remove from heat and stir in the butter, vanilla and salt. Let cool completely before using.
- Cream the cream cheese and butter together just until smooth (don't overwhip or the mixture can become too soft). Gradually add the sugar 1/2 cup at a time, beating until just incorporated. Beat in the salt and vanilla, then beat on medium high for 1-2 minutes, or until pale and fluffy.If you prefer a stiffer, sweeter frosting, you can increase to 4 cups of sugar. If you prefer a thinner frosting, add a tablespoon or two of milk.
- Cut the cooled cake in half lengthwise, then widthwise for 4 rectangular pieces of cake.
- Working with one piece of cake at a time, layer with cream cheese frosting, then an even layer of around 1/4 of the pecans followed by a generous drizzle of butterscotch. Repeat with the remaining layers of cake, filling in any drooping edges with extra nuts. I tend to leave the sides unfrosted for a rustic look, but feel free to frost the sides if you wish! Serve slices drizzled with any leftover butterscotch and pecans.