Jul 13 2026
Restaurants›Thunder Bay Grille Rockford›Carrot Cake Recipe

Carrot Cake Recipe

Inspired by Thunder Bay Grille Rockford
Time1h 30m
Serves12

Spiced cake generously packed with grated carrots, topped with creamy cream cheese icing and candied pecans

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Ingredients

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Cake Ingredients

Cream Cheese Icing Ingredients

Candied Pecans Ingredients

Method

Cake Preparation

  1. 1

    Preheat the Oven

    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.

  2. 2

    Mix Dry Ingredients

    In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.

  3. 3

    Mix Wet Ingredients

    In another bowl, beat the eggs, then add the vegetable oil and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.

  4. 4

    Combine Mixtures

    Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.

  5. 5

    Add Carrots and Nuts

    Fold in the grated carrots and chopped walnuts or pecans until evenly distributed.

  6. 6

    Bake the Cakes

    Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

  7. 7

    Cool the Cakes

    Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

Cream Cheese Icing Preparation

  1. 8

    Prepare Icing

    In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and unsalted butter together until smooth and creamy.

  2. 9

    Add Flavorings

    Mix in the vanilla extract.

  3. 10

    Incorporate Sugar

    Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until the icing is smooth and spreadable.

Candied Pecans Preparation

  1. 11

    Cook Pecans

    In a saucepan, combine pecans, granulated sugar, water, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves.

  2. 12

    Candy the Pecans

    Continue stirring until the mixture thickens and caramelizes, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and spread pecans on parchment paper to cool.

Assembling the Cake

  1. 13

    Frost the Cake

    Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of cream cheese icing on top, then place the second layer on top.

  2. 14

    Decorate

    Spread the remaining icing over the top and sides of the cake. Top with candied pecans for decoration.

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