19 Recipe For The Best Ever Southern Carrot Cake Get Cooking And Enjoy!
Published on: Apr 6, 2024
Southern carrot cake is a beloved dessert that has been passed down through generations in the South. With its moist texture, rich flavors, and irresistible cream cheese frosting, it's no wonder this cake has stood the test of time. If you're looking to make the best ever southern carrot cake, look no further. This recipe will guide you through the steps to create a delectable dessert that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Baking Powder, Salt, Unsalted
Let's start off with a classic Southern dessert – the pound cake. This recipe is simple yet delicious, made with only 6 ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. The secret to a perfect pound cake is in the mixing method – make sure to beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy before adding the eggs one at a time. And don't forget to grease and flour your pan for easy removal!
If you're a fan of pineapple, then this cake is a must-try! The moist and tender cake is filled with chunks of juicy pineapple and topped with a creamy cream cheese frosting. It's the perfect combination of sweet and tangy, making it a hit at any gathering. And the best part? You can use canned pineapple for convenience, making this cake a quick and easy dessert option.
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Southern Cornbread – Southern Skillet Cornbread
Main Ingredients: Butter, Yellow Cornmeal, Flour, Baking Soda, Salt
No Southern meal is complete without a side of cornbread. And this recipe for skillet cornbread is as authentic as it gets. Made in a cast iron skillet, this cornbread has a crispy edge and a soft and fluffy center. It's the perfect accompaniment to a bowl of chili or a plate of BBQ ribs. And don't be afraid to add some jalapenos or cheddar cheese for some extra flavor!
If you thought the classic pound cake was good, just wait until you try this Southern butter pound cake. The addition of buttermilk gives this cake a rich and velvety texture, while the lemon glaze adds a tangy and refreshing finish. This cake is perfect for any special occasion or just as a treat for yourself. And don't forget to sift your flour for a light and airy cake!
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Southern Chicken and Corn Chowder
Main Ingredients: Bacon, Olive Oil, Onion, Carrots, Celery, Garlic
This hearty and creamy chowder is the perfect comfort food on a chilly day. Made with bacon, potatoes, corn, and chicken, this soup is full of flavor and filling. And the best part? It's ready in under an hour! Serve with a side of crusty bread for a satisfying and delicious meal.
This Southern smothered chicken is a comfort food favorite. Tender chicken thighs are smothered in a savory and flavorful gravy made with onions, garlic, and chicken broth. Let the chicken simmer in the gravy until it is fall-off-the-bone tender. Serve over a bed of rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
This hearty stew is a Southern classic, and for good reason. Made with pulled pork, chicken, corn, lima beans, and tomatoes, this stew is packed with flavor. And the best part? It's perfect for leftovers – the flavors only get better the next day! Serve with a side of cornbread for a complete and satisfying meal.
This refreshing and crunchy slaw is the perfect side dish for any BBQ or cookout. The vinegar-based dressing gives it a tangy kick, while the shredded cabbage and carrots add crispness and color. And don't forget to let the slaw sit for a bit before serving to allow the flavors to marinate and meld together.
Forget stuffing, in the South, it's all about cornbread dressing. This recipe is loaded with sausage, onions, celery, and cornbread, making it a savory and flavorful addition to any holiday meal. And don't be afraid to add some crumbled bacon for an extra layer of flavor.
Cooked low and slow, these collard greens are packed with flavor and tender to perfection. The salty and smoky flavor of the ham hocks infuses into the greens, creating a delicious and satisfying dish. Serve with some hot sauce for a spicy kick or with a side of cornbread for a classic Southern meal.
Oxtails are a Southern delicacy, and this recipe for smothered oxtails is out of this world. The fall-off-the-bone meat is cooked in a savory and rich gravy, making it a flavorful and satisfying dish. Serve with a side of rice or mashed potatoes for a complete and hearty meal.
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Classic Flaky Southern Biscuits
Main Ingredients: Flour, Whole Milk, Butter, Sugar, Baking Powder, Salt
No Southern meal is complete without a batch of flaky biscuits. This recipe is simple yet delicious, made with only 5 ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. The secret to flaky biscuits is in the handling of the dough – make sure to fold and knead the dough gently for light and fluffy biscuits.
Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food, and this Southern version is simply irresistible. The creamy and cheesy sauce is made from scratch with a blend of cheeses for maximum flavor. And don't be afraid to add some bacon or jalapenos for an extra layer of flavor.
Yes, we have two mac and cheese recipes on our list, and for good reason – this Southern baked mac and cheese is a must-try. The crispy and golden topping is made with panko breadcrumbs and sharp cheddar cheese, adding a crunchy and savory element to the creamy and cheesy mac and cheese. This dish is perfect for any potluck or family gathering.
This moist and decadent caramel cake is a Southern favorite. The layers of moist and tender cake are filled and frosted with a rich and creamy caramel frosting. And the secret to a perfect caramel cake? Slowly and carefully cooking the caramel until it is a deep amber color. Patience is key, but the end result is worth it.
If you love pecan pie, then you'll love these Southern pecan pie bars. The buttery crust is filled with a gooey and sweet pecan filling, making these bars irresistible. And the best part? They're portable and perfect for serving a crowd. Just be prepared to make a second batch – they'll disappear quickly!
Summer in the South means ripe and juicy peaches, and what better way to enjoy them than in a classic peach cobbler? This recipe is simple and delicious, allowing the flavor of the peaches to shine. And don't be afraid to add some spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for an extra layer of flavor. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a perfect summer dessert.
We couldn't resist including another collard greens recipe on our list. This classic version is simple and delicious, allowing the flavor of the greens to shine. Just simmer them in chicken broth and seasonings until they are tender and flavorful. Serve with some hot sauce for a spicy kick or with a side of cornbread for a classic Southern meal.
Pimento cheese is a Southern staple, and this recipe is the best you'll ever try. The creamy and cheesy spread is packed with flavor from pimentos, sharp cheddar cheese, and mayonnaise. Serve with some crackers or use it as a sandwich spread for a delicious and satisfying snack.
This simple and delicious Southern cabbage is the perfect side dish for any meal. The sweet and savory flavor comes from bacon, onion, and apple cider vinegar. And don't forget to let the cabbage cook down until it is tender and flavorful. Serve with a side of cornbread for a complete and satisfying meal.
Making the Perfect Cake
Gathering Ingredients
Before you start baking, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients for your southern carrot cake. The key to a successful cake is using fresh, high-quality ingredients. Carrots, of course, are the star of the show in this recipe. Make sure to use freshly grated carrots for the best flavor and texture. Other key ingredients include flour, sugar, eggs, oil, and spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg.
Mixing the Batter
To achieve a moist and fluffy cake, it's important to mix the ingredients in the correct order. Start by creaming together the sugar and oil until light and fluffy. Then, add in the eggs one at a time, making sure to fully incorporate each one before adding the next. Next, fold in the grated carrots and dry ingredients until just combined. Overmixing can result in a dense and dry cake, so be careful not to overdo it.
Baking to Perfection
The secret to a perfectly baked southern carrot cake is to bake it low and slow. This allows the cake to rise evenly and prevents it from drying out. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely before frosting.
The Icing on the Cake
No southern carrot cake is complete without a luscious cream cheese frosting. To make the best frosting, make sure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature before mixing. This will ensure a smooth and creamy texture. Gradually add in powdered sugar and vanilla extract until you reach your desired consistency. Spread the frosting generously over the cooled cake, and top with chopped pecans for an extra southern touch.
In Conclusion
There you have it, the recipe for the best ever southern carrot cake. With its perfect balance of flavors and moist texture, this cake is sure to be a hit at any gathering. So next time you're in the mood for a classic southern dessert, give this recipe a try. Your taste buds will thank you.