Carrot Cake Trifle

Ingredients and Weight:

For the Cake: - 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking soda - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1 cup (200g) brown sugar - 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar - 2 large eggs - 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil - 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk - 2 cups (300g) grated carrots

For the Cream Cheese Filling: - 8 ounces (227g) cream cheese, softened - 1/2 cup (100g) unsalted butter, softened - 8 ounces (227g) powdered sugar - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Caramel Sauce: - 1 cup (200g) brown sugar - 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream - 1/4 cup (60ml) unsalted butter - 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Trifle: - 1 pound (454g) ladyfingers, split lengthwise - 1/2 cup (120ml) coffee liqueur (optional)

Preparation Time:

• 30 minutes

Cooking Time:

• 40 minutes

Difficulty Level:

• 3 of 5

Preparation Method Steps:

1. For the Cake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8x8 inch baking pan. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
2. In a separate large bowl, beat together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, oil, and buttermilk until well combined. Fold in the dry ingredients and the grated carrots. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
3. For the Cream Cheese Filling: In a large bowl, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually beat in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract.
4. For the Caramel Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the brown sugar, heavy cream, and butter together over medium heat. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes, or until thickened. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. To Assemble the Trifle: Spread half of the ladyfingers in the bottom of a trifle dish. Drizzle with half of the coffee liqueur, if using. Spread with half of the cake mixture, then half of the cream cheese filling. Repeat the layers. Top with the remaining ladyfingers and drizzle with the caramel sauce.
6. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: 450 per serving
• Fat: 20g
• Protein: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 65g
• Sugar: 40g

Dish Characteristics:

• Rich and decadent
• Layers of cake, cream cheese, and caramel
• Perfect for special occasions
• Can be made ahead of time

User Comments:

• "This is the best carrot cake trifle I've ever had!"
• "The flavors are perfectly balanced and the texture is amazing."
• "I love that you can make it ahead of time, so it's perfect for parties."
• "The caramel sauce is the perfect finishing touch."
• "I'm not usually a fan of carrot cake, but this trifle is delicious."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• If you don't have coffee liqueur, you can substitute with any other liqueur or coffee.
• To make the trifle even more decadent, you can add a layer of crumbled graham crackers or chopped walnuts.
• For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free ladyfingers and flour.