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Home » RECIPE » Desserts » Cakes » Mini Carrot Cakes with Candied Pecans

Mini Carrot Cakes with Candied Pecans

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By: Shinee Published: 3/03/2016Updated: 11/23/2021

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Adorable mini carrot cakes filled with classic cream cheese frosting and studded with crunchy candied pecans! It's the only way to eat carrot cake!

Adorable mini carrot cakes filled with classic cream cheese frosting and studded with crunchy candied pecans! It’s the only way to eat carrot cake!

Adorable mini carrot cakes filled with classic cream cheese frosting and studded with crunchy candied pecans! It's the only way to eat carrot cake!

I love cute things! I love mini things!

You’ve probably noticed a trend here for mini layer cakes. Aren’t these just the cutest things ever?? And I can’t be the only one who thinks that mini desserts tastes better. You too? ????????

I’ve covered pretty much all things carrot cake in the past.

Carrot cupcakes. ✔️
Carrot layer cake. ✔️
Carrot cheesecake. ✔️ (<- That carrot cheesecake though! Out-of-this-world creamy and delicious!)

And now mini carrot layer cakes with candied pecans!! Those little gems are what really makes this cake. Of course, super moist cake layers with sweet and tangy cream cheese frosting are great and all, but what really makes this cake stand out is those crunchy, sweet candied pecans!!

Adorable mini carrot cakes filled with classic cream cheese frosting and studded with crunchy candied pecans! It's the only way to eat carrot cake!

If you’ve never made candied pecans, it’s super easy. You can, of course, use pecan halves, but I had only chopped pecan, so that’s what I used here. I actually found it quite convenient though.

Couple important notes to address here:

  • When preparing the egg whites, make sure to whisk it until nice and frothy. This way the mixture is light and coats the nuts in thin layer.
  • When baking the pecans, make sure to check on them frequently and give them a good stir to ensure not to burn the nuts. You’ll know they’re ready, when the pecans are slightly browned, dried and crisp.

I’d also suggest to make a little (or a whole bunch) more, because you won’t be able to stop snacking on them!

Candied Pecan recipe with step by step photos

For the cake layer, I slightly adapted my Ultimate Carrot Cupcake recipe. The only change I made is that I reduced the oil amount by half, because in my testing, I learned that thin cake layer doesn’t need too much oil to stay moist, or it gets quite fragile to handle.

Mini carrot cakes - step by step photo instructions

I just freaking adore mini cakes. Did I already mention that?

These mini cakes were devoured by me and my husband in just 2 days! We didn’t even bring them out to the ranch! I’ll make it up for it on Easter, I guess. 🙂

Adorable mini carrot cakes filled with classic cream cheese frosting and studded with crunchy candied pecans! It's the only way to eat carrot cake!

Hope you enjoyed today’s recipe. Thanks for stopping by!

Mini Carrot Cakes with Candied Pecans

Adorable mini carrot cakes filled with classic cream cheese frosting and studded with crunchy candied pecans! It’s the only way to eat carrot cake!
5 from 6 votes
serves: 17 -20 mini cakes
Prep: 30 minutes
Cook: 1 hour
Total : 1 hour 30 minutes
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Ingredients

For candied pecans:

  • 1 egg white
  • 3 tablespoons sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup 130gr chopped pecans

For cake:

  • 1 cup 125gr all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg preferably freshly grated
  • 2 large eggs at room temperature
  • ½ cup 120gr Greek yogurt, at room temperature
  • ¼ cup 60ml vegetable oil
  • ½ cup 100gr sugar
  • ½ cup 100gr brown sugar, light or dark
  • 1 ½ cup grated carrots

For frosting:

  • 8 oz 250gr cream cheese*, at room temperature
  • ¼ cup 55gr unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 2 cups 240gr powdered sugar
  • 1 tablespoon heavy whipping cream, or milk
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Note: I test all my recipes with both measurements for the most precise and accurate result!

Instructions

  • To make the candied pecans, preheat the oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a baking sheet with a silicone mat.
  • In a small dish, mix the sugar, cinnamon and salt.
  • Whisk the egg white and vanilla extract until nice and frothy, good 3-4 minutes. (Make sure the mixture is frothy, as pictured above.) Add the chopped pecans and mix well. Using a slotted spoon, remove the nuts and toss the pecans with sugar mixture until the nuts are evenly coated. Transfer the coated pecans onto a prepared baking sheet and spread into a single layer.
  • Bake the pecans, stirring and checking every 15 minutes, until the nuts are evenly browned and crisp, about 45 minutes. Cool completely on a wire rack. If desired, you can chopped the candied pecans into even smaller pieces.
  • To make the cake, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line 17x11in (43x28cm) deep baking sheet with a parchment paper and spray cooking spray all over the parchment paper and on the sides.
  • In a small bowl, combine flour, baking powder, cinnamon, baking soda, salt and nutmeg. Set aside.
  • In a mixing bowl with a paddle attachment, mix together eggs, Greek yogurt, oil, sugar and brown sugar until well combined. Add flour mixture and mix just until combined. Don’t overmix at this point. Fold in grated carrots.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared baking sheet and tap a few times to get rid of bubbles. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and inserted toothpick comes out clean.
  • Make the frosting while the cake is cooling. Beat butter and cream cheese on medium high speed until fluffy for 1 minute. Add powdered sugar, heavy cream and vanilla extract. Beat on low speed for a minute. Then increase the speed to medium high and continue to beat until smooth and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Transfer into a piping bag with plain round tip, if desired. (Alternatively, you can simply use 2 teaspoons to frost the cakes.)
  • Once the cake is cooled completely, carefully transfer the cake onto a flat surface. Cut out 2-inch circles using a round cookie, or biscuit cutter. You will get about 35-40 circles, depending how close you cut out the circles. Place the cutout cake layers on wire rack. Pipe about heaping tablespoon of frosting on half of the cake circles. Using an offset spatula lightly spread the frosting and sprinkle candies pecans. Then top with remaining plain cake layers. Frost the second layer the same way and finish with more candied pecans. Store in the fridge, covered, for up to 3 days.
  • Mix the leftover cake scrapes and buttercream frosting in the mixing bowl with paddle attachment, or using a handheld electric mixer, and make some cake pops.

Tips & Notes:

For step-by-step photos and additional notes, read the post above.
*Make sure to use brick cream cheese, not the one in the tub. I love and use Philadelphia cream cheese only.

Nutrition Facts:

Calories: 298kcal (15%) Carbohydrates: 37g (12%) Protein: 4g (8%) Fat: 16g (25%) Saturated Fat: 6g (38%) Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g Monounsaturated Fat: 5g Trans Fat: 1g Cholesterol: 43mg (14%) Sodium: 192mg (8%) Potassium: 117mg (3%) Fiber: 1g (4%) Sugar: 30g (33%) Vitamin A: 2194IU (44%) Vitamin C: 1mg (1%) Calcium: 54mg (5%) Iron: 1mg (6%)
* Disclaimer: All nutrition information are estimates only. Read full disclosure here.
Author: Shinee
Course:Dessert
Cuisine:American
Did you make this?Show me your creation! Tag me @shineshka and hashtag it #sweetandsavorybyshinee!
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  1. Kristina Maldonado says

    Posted on 22 October 2018 at 10:09 am

    5 stars
    I’ve made these before and they came out perfect but instead of basically make a sheet cake, i could use two round pans and fill them half way correct?

    Thank you!

    Reply
    • Shinee says

      Posted on 22 October 2018 at 2:05 pm

      Hi, Kristina. Yes, you can make round cakes with this recipe. But depending on how big your cake pans are you may need to double the recipe for the batter. This batter will be enough for 1 9-inch round pan. Here’s my layered carrot cake recipe fore reference.

      Reply
    • Maria says

      Posted on 13 November 2020 at 6:31 pm

      What size sheet pan? Thank you

      Reply
  2. Andrea Larson says

    Posted on 12 July 2017 at 5:39 pm

    Have you ever frozen these successfully? Thinking about making them for a wedding.

    Reply
    • Shinee says

      Posted on 13 July 2017 at 10:27 pm

      Hi, Andrea. The sheet cake can be frozen, but I’ve never tried freezing frosted cake. Not sure how cream cheese filling will hold after being frozen.

      Reply
  3. Rana says

    Posted on 21 June 2017 at 4:11 am

    Hi. Thank u for the recipe . I made the cake but instead I cut it into squares and only placed the frosting on top of the cake and still tasted nice.
    I faced one problem with the frosting . It was too soft and kind of meted so I had to look for another recipe. But overall it was delicious specially the pecan which everybody loved.

    Thank u

    Reply
    • Shinee says

      Posted on 21 June 2017 at 8:16 am

      Hi, Rana! Thanks so much for trying my recipe and your feedback! Those candied pecans are everything!! 🙂

      As for the frosting, what kind of cream cheese did you use? I had that problem when I used an off-brand cream cheese. But I never get runny frosting with brick-style Philadelphia cream cheese.

      Reply
      • Cristina says

        Posted on 26 January 2021 at 2:27 pm

        Hi Shinee and Rana, I have made these a couple of times. They are super cute and so easy to make. I always use brick-style Philadelphia cream cheese, but the frosting came still came out runny the first time I made these. I live in the tropics, in a place with high temperatures and hight humidity. This does affect the frosting. I did a lot of research and found a great source comparing all types of frostings and how they hold up in the hot weather temperatures. The end result and the winner; cream cheese frosting (with brick-style Philadelphia cream cheese), but with much more icing sugar than in most cream cheese icing recipes.

        Reply
        • Shinee says

          Posted on 27 January 2021 at 10:12 pm

          Hi, Cristina!! That’s a great point!!! I’ve never baked in a humid climate and I never considered that fact! I’ll note this in my recipe post. Thank you for sharing!!!!

  4. Sarah says

    Posted on 7 May 2016 at 1:23 pm

    Quick question. Can I make these a day before and if so, how should I store them to keep them fresh?

    Reply
    • Shinee says

      Posted on 7 May 2016 at 1:53 pm

      Hi, Sarah. Yes, you can definitely make these a day ahead. You can assemble the mini cakes and refrigerate them, covered. Then bring them to room temperature before serving.

      Reply
  5. Fatimah says

    Posted on 4 May 2016 at 12:02 am

    This looks amazing! Can’t wait to try it. One question though,  how deep the baking sheet is?

    Thanks

    Reply
    • Shinee says

      Posted on 4 May 2016 at 7:52 pm

      Not very deep, Fatimah. It’s about an inch.

      Reply
      • Fatimah says

        Posted on 5 May 2016 at 9:13 am

        Ok???? thanks!

        Reply
  6. Lou Lou Girls says

    Posted on 14 March 2016 at 1:30 pm

    Hello fabulous! I’m stopping by to let you know that your adorable mini carrot cakes will be featured at our party that starts tonight at 7. Woo Hoo!!! Pinned and tweeted. I hope to see you tonight so we can party again! Lou Lou Girls

    Reply
    • Shinee says

      Posted on 16 March 2016 at 7:28 pm

      Yay, wonderful! Thanks for letting me know!!

      Reply
  7. Karly says

    Posted on 14 March 2016 at 10:57 am

    These cakes are just too adorable!!! Thanks for linking up with What’s Cookin’ Wednesday!

    Reply
    • Shinee says

      Posted on 16 March 2016 at 7:27 pm

      Thank you, Karly! They sure are the cutest!

      Reply
  8. Meg says

    Posted on 12 March 2016 at 12:56 pm

    I love mini versions of foods, and these look delicious. Perfect for an Easter party or brunch. What a fun idea.

    Reply
    • Shinee says

      Posted on 13 March 2016 at 12:19 pm

      Thanks, Meg!

      Reply
    • Rana says

      Posted on 21 June 2017 at 4:13 am

      Me too I love mini version of food 😀

      Reply
  9. Jess says

    Posted on 12 March 2016 at 7:52 am

    This seriously looks yummy, I just about jumped at my screen to eat it! Definitely a must pin 🙂 have a great day xo

    Reply
    • Shinee says

      Posted on 13 March 2016 at 12:18 pm

      Thanks so much, Jess!

      Reply
  10. Michelle | A Dish of Daily Life says

    Posted on 11 March 2016 at 4:57 am

    These are beautiful! I absolutely love carrot cake…we had it for our wedding cake! These would be so perfect for Easter! 

    Reply
    • Shinee says

      Posted on 13 March 2016 at 12:11 pm

      Wow, Michelle, what a great choice for a wedding cake! It’s one of my absolute favorites too!

      Reply
  11. Jane says

    Posted on 10 March 2016 at 5:38 am

    What an awesome idea! I love mini cakes, they are perfect! And your photos are simply beautiful 🙂

    Reply
    • Shinee says

      Posted on 13 March 2016 at 12:09 pm

      Thanks so much, Jane!

      Reply
  12. Kristen @A Mind Full MOm says

    Posted on 9 March 2016 at 7:07 am

    Shinee, you certainly checked off all the bases with this beauty! i can not wait to give these a try!

    Reply
    • Shinee says

      Posted on 9 March 2016 at 5:29 pm

      Thank you, Kristen! Let me know how it turns out if you give it a try. 🙂

      Reply
  13. Jessy @ The Life Jolie says

    Posted on 7 March 2016 at 11:50 am

    What gorgeous cakes- this would be so cute for a shower!

    Reply
    • Shinee says

      Posted on 7 March 2016 at 2:10 pm

      It definitely would be! Thanks, Jessy!

      Reply
  14. Allie | In This Kitchen says

    Posted on 6 March 2016 at 7:15 pm

    I absolutely love these! Cute and look delicious 🙂

    Reply
    • Shinee says

      Posted on 7 March 2016 at 2:06 pm

      Thank you, Allie!

      Reply
  15. Stephanie, Somewhat Simple says

    Posted on 5 March 2016 at 4:57 pm

    Oh YUM! I am seriously so hungry right now!!! Thanks for linking up to Link Party Palooza, I love visiting your site!!

    Reply
    • Shinee says

      Posted on 7 March 2016 at 2:05 pm

      Thank you so much, Stephanie!

      Reply
  16. Merisi in Vienna says

    Posted on 5 March 2016 at 11:15 am

    These mini-cakes look so delicious, thank you for the recipe! 

    Came here from Amy,
    cheers,
    Merisi

    Reply
    • Shinee says

      Posted on 7 March 2016 at 2:05 pm

      Thanks, Merisi!

      Reply
  17. Shannon says

    Posted on 4 March 2016 at 7:20 pm

    These are so cute!

    Reply
    • Shinee says

      Posted on 7 March 2016 at 2:04 pm

      Thanks, Shannon!

      Reply
  18. Erin - Suburban Simplicity says

    Posted on 4 March 2016 at 6:19 pm

    You make such beautiful recipes.  Between this and the carrot cheesecake, I don’t know which one to make first.  You should come link these up at Welcome Home Wednesdays.  Party opens 7a CST Wed morning! Hope to see you there!

    Reply
    • Shinee says

      Posted on 7 March 2016 at 2:04 pm

      Thanks so much, Erin!

      Reply
  19. Claudia | Breakfast Drama Queen says

    Posted on 4 March 2016 at 5:31 pm

    These are so adorable! I also love mini things!
    And I totally know what you mean about being unable to stop snacking on candied pecans. I made some candied walnuts the other day and they’re all gone!

    Reply
    • Shinee says

      Posted on 7 March 2016 at 2:03 pm

      Haha I bet those candied walnuts were great! Thanks for stopping by, Claudia!

      Reply
  20. Medha @ Whisk & Shout says

    Posted on 3 March 2016 at 8:19 pm

    These cakes are adorable and those candied pecans look super yummy 🙂

    Reply
    • Shinee says

      Posted on 7 March 2016 at 2:01 pm

      Thank you, Medha! The candied pecans are the best part! 😉

      Reply
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