20 Southern Living Best Carrot Cake Ever Recipe Cook Up Something Special!

Published on: Apr 16, 2024

If you're looking for a delicious dessert to impress your friends and family, look no further than southern living's best carrot cake ever recipe. This recipe has been perfected over the years, and has become a staple in many southern households. The combination of moist layers, rich cream cheese frosting, and a hint of cinnamon makes this carrot cake a crowd-pleaser. Follow along as we break down the steps to creating this mouth-watering dessert.

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1 of 20

World’s Best Carrot Cake

Main Ingredients: Eggs, Buttermilk, Vegetable Oil, White Sugar, Vanilla
World's Best Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting | Creme De La Crumb
Classic Carrot Cake Recipe - Olivia's Cuisine
World’s Best Carrot Cake
This Carrot Cake Comes Out Perfectly Every Time! All Your Friends Will ...
Get ready to impress your friends and family with this amazing beer can chicken recipe! But wait, there's more - this recipe also includes the world's best carrot cake. It's like a double win for your taste buds. Tender and juicy chicken infused with delicious beer flavors, paired with a moist and flavorful carrot cake - what's not to love?
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The BEST Carrot Cake

Main Ingredients: Avocado Oil, Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar, Eggs
The Best Carrot Cake Ever with Cream Cheese Frosting - Bunny's Warm Oven
The Best Carrot Cake Ever with Ultra Creamy Cream Cheese Frosting
Best Carrot Cake Recipe - Cooking Classy
The Best Carrot Cake Recipe | Easy Weeknight Recipes
This recipe is not just any carrot cake, it's the BEST carrot cake. The secret to its amazing taste? Beer! Yes, you read that right. The beer adds a unique depth of flavor to the cake that will have you going back for seconds (or thirds, we won't judge).
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The BEST Carrot Cake Loaf

Main Ingredients: Salt, Baking Powder, Baking Soda, Ground Cinnamon
Carrot Loaf Cake - Baker Jo's Simple, Easy Carrot Cake Loaf
Carrot Cake Loaf (Quick Bread) | Olive & Mango
Easy Carrot Cake Loaf • Food, Folks and Fun
Carrot Cake Loaf | The Cozy Apron
If you prefer a more portable version of this delicious cake, then you have to try the BEST carrot cake loaf. It's perfect for on-the-go snacking or as a sweet treat to pack in your lunch. The best part? It's made with whole wheat flour and honey so you can indulge without any guilt.
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The BEST Carrot Cake

Main Ingredients: Eggs, Min, Flour, Sugar, Baking Powder, Cinnamon
The Best Carrot Cake Ever with Cream Cheese Frosting - Bunny's Warm Oven
The Best Carrot Cake Ever with Ultra Creamy Cream Cheese Frosting
Best Carrot Cake Recipe - Cooking Classy
The Best Carrot Cake Recipe | Easy Weeknight Recipes
Not a fan of loaf cakes? No problem. This recipe can also be made into a traditional round cake. Top it with cream cheese frosting and you have the perfect dessert for any occasion. Trust us, your guests will be raving about this carrot cake for days.
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The BEST Carrot Cake

Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Granulated Sugar, Dark Brown Sugar
The Best Carrot Cake Ever with Cream Cheese Frosting - Bunny's Warm Oven
The Best Carrot Cake Ever with Ultra Creamy Cream Cheese Frosting
Best Carrot Cake Recipe - Cooking Classy
The Best Carrot Cake Recipe | Easy Weeknight Recipes
Looking for a healthier option? This recipe also has a gluten-free version that is just as delicious as the original. Simply substitute almond flour for the regular flour and you're good to go. Who says you can't have your cake and eat it too?
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Best Carrot Cake

Main Ingredients: Granulated Sugar, Light Brown Sugar, Vegetable Oil
The Best Carrot Cake Ever with Cream Cheese Frosting - Bunny's Warm Oven
Best Carrot Cake Recipe - Cooking Classy
Carrot Cake! - Jane's Patisserie
Best Carrot Pound Cake Recipe / Decadent Carrot Pound Cake Recipe Liz ...
If you're short on time but still want to enjoy the best carrot cake, then this recipe is for you. It's quick and easy to make, but still packs all the delicious flavors of a traditional carrot cake. Plus, the addition of crushed pineapple adds a hint of sweetness and moisture to the cake.
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Best Carrot Cake Ever

Main Ingredients: Grated Carrots, Brown Sugar, Raisins, Eggs, White
The Best Carrot Cake Ever with Cream Cheese Frosting - Bunny's Warm Oven
The best ever carrot cake - Claire K Creations
7 Stunning Carrot Cakes To Make Right Now * Zesty Olive - Simple, Tasty ...
Moist & Fluffy Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting | Cookies & Cups
Looking for a show-stopping dessert? Look no further than the best carrot cake ever. Not only is it infused with the flavors of beer, but it also has a surprise layer of chocolate ganache in the middle. Talk about a delicious twist on a classic recipe!
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The BEST Carrot Cake EVER!

Main Ingredients: Flour, Canela, Ginger, Nutmeg, Baking Soda, Baking
The Best Carrot Cake Ever with Cream Cheese Frosting - Bunny's Warm Oven
The Best Ever Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting | The Domestic Rebel
The most incredible Carrot Cake EVER! | Foodtasia
Best Carrot Cake Ever
If you're a fan of cream cheese frosting (who isn't?), then you have to try the BEST carrot cake EVER! This recipe has a generous amount of frosting that pairs perfectly with the moist and flavorful cake. It's a match made in dessert heaven.
9 of 20

The Best Carrot Cake Cupcakes with Cream Cheese...

Main Ingredients: Flour, Sugar, Cinnamon, Baking Soda, Baking Powder
Carrot Cake Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting - Oh Sweet Basil
Carrot Cake Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting | Queenslee Appétit
Baked Perfection: Carrot Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting
Carrot Cake Cupcakes w/ Brown Sugar Frosting +VIDEO | Lil' Luna
For those who love individual servings, these carrot cake cupcakes are the perfect solution. They're topped with a generous swirl of cream cheese frosting and are perfect for any party or gathering. Plus, they're a great way to control portion sizes (but let's be real, you'll probably eat more than one).
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Colorful Cabbage Salad

Main Ingredients: Green Cabbage, Carrots, Snow Peas, Red Bell Pepper
This crunchy Asian Cabbage Salad is colorful, healthy, and absolutely ...
Red Cabbage Salad with Carrots and Apples – Cooking Melangery
Cabbage Carrot Pepper Salad - Olga in the Kitchen
Straight to the Hips, Baby: Colorful Cabbage Salad
To balance out the richness of the beer can chicken and carrot cake, this colorful cabbage salad is the perfect side dish. It's packed with fresh veggies and dressed with a tangy and slightly spicy honey mustard dressing. It's the perfect refreshing complement to the main course.
11 of 20

Grilled Chicken Teriyaki With Udon Noodle Salad

Main Ingredients: Free Range Chicken Breasts, Boneless Skin On Chicken
Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Salad | Creme De La Crumb
Teriyaki Chicken Salad Recipe | Thrive Dairy Free
Slow-cooked teriyaki beef with sesame udon noodle salad | Recipe | Beef ...
Udon have to be an expert to make this chicken teriyaki noodle bowl ...
If you want to switch things up a bit, try this grilled chicken teriyaki with udon noodle salad. The chicken is marinated in a homemade teriyaki sauce and then grilled to perfection. The udon noodle salad is packed with crunchy veggies and a flavorful dressing. It's a delicious and unique twist on the classic beer can chicken recipe.
12 of 20

The Best Carrot Cake Ever!

Main Ingredients: Flour, Baking Soda, Salt, Canela, Eggs, Sugar
The Best Carrot Cake Ever with Cream Cheese Frosting - Bunny's Warm Oven
The Best Ever Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting | The Domestic Rebel
The most incredible Carrot Cake EVER! | Foodtasia
Best Carrot Cake Ever
We can't stress it enough - this truly is the best carrot cake ever! It's moist, flavorful, and has just the right amount of sweetness. Pecans and raisins add a delicious texture to the cake and the cream cheese frosting ties it all together. It's a crowd-pleaser for sure.
13 of 20

Carrot Cake

Main Ingredients: Flour, Sugar, Baking Soda, Canela, Salt, Carrots, Oil
Southern Style Carrot Cake Recipe | Amy in the Kitchen
Carrot Cake! - Jane's Patisserie
Paleo Spiced Carrot Cake - Simple Roots
The Perfect Carrot Cake ⋆Anne's Kitchen
For those looking for a more traditional carrot cake, this recipe is for you. It's simple, classic, and oh so delicious. The cake itself is perfectly spiced and the cream cheese frosting is the perfect balance of sweet and tangy. It's a timeless dessert that never fails to impress.
14 of 20

Perfect Carrot Cake

Main Ingredients: Granulated Sugar, Light Brown Sugar, Vegetable Oil
Perfect Carrot Cake - Everyday Made Fresh
The Perfect Carrot Cake ⋆ Anne's KitchenAnne's Kitchen
Perfect Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting - Savory&SweetFood
Perfect Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting - Savory&SweetFood
You can't go wrong with a recipe that promises perfection. This carrot cake is no exception. It's moist, flavorful, and has a perfectly smooth and creamy cream cheese frosting. Plus, it's topped with candied carrots for an extra touch of sweetness and crunch.
15 of 20

Chicken Bog

Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Yellow Onion, Carrots, Chopped Garlic
One-Pot Chicken Bog - Life Made Simple
Chicken Bog - Easy Chicken Recipes
The Southern Sideboard: Chicken Bog
Chicken Bog - Easy Chicken Recipes
If you're looking for a hearty and comforting meal, this chicken bog is just the ticket. It's a Southern dish that combines chicken, rice, and sausage for a filling and flavorful meal. It's perfect for those colder nights when you want something warm and satisfying.
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Navy Bean and Ham Soup

Main Ingredients: Dried Navy Beans, Water, Reduced Sodium Vegetable
Southern Slow Cooker Ham and Navy Bean Soup | FaveSouthernRecipes.com
Navy Bean and Ham Soup Recipe | Southern Food and Fun
Navy Bean Soup | Recipe | Ham and bean soup, Bean recipes, Instant pot ...
Crockpot Navy Bean and Ham Soup - Sweet Pea's Kitchen
This soup is the ultimate comfort food. It's packed with navy beans, ham, carrots, and celery, making it a hearty and filling meal. It's perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something quick and easy but still delicious.
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Perfect Mashed Potatoes

Main Ingredients: Yukon Gold Potatoes, Salt, Butter, Half And Half, Cream
Perfect Mashed Potatoes | Foodtasia
Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potatoes & Gravy
How to make perfect mashed potatoes – Easy Cheesy Vegetarian
How to Make Perfect Mashed Potatoes - Halal Foods
No meal is complete without a side of mashed potatoes. This recipe for perfect mashed potatoes is a must-try. The potatoes are mashed with cream cheese and sour cream for a rich and creamy texture. It's the perfect side dish to any meal.
18 of 20

Beef-and-Orzo Soup

Main Ingredients: Chopped Onion, Canola Oil, Chopped Carrots, Button
Slow Cooker Tomato, Beef, Orzo Soup - Cooking With Ruthie
Italian Sausage & Orzo Soup - Chelsea's Messy Apron
Cheesy Beef Orzo Recipe | Recipe | Orzo recipes, Beef, Recipes
Mushroom Carrot Orzo Soup by girlwiththeironcast | Quick & Easy Recipe ...
This soup is a meal in itself. It's loaded with tender chunks of beef, orzo, carrots, and celery, making it a hearty and satisfying dish. The flavors all come together perfectly, making it a soup you'll want to make again and again.
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Carrot Bundt Cake

Main Ingredients: Baking Spray, All Purpose Flour, Baking Powder, Ground
Best Carrot Bundt Cake Recipe - Somewhat Simple
Carrot Cake Bundt Cake - Love From The Oven
Carrot Bundt Cake - The Best Blog Recipes
Carrot Bundt Cake - Moist Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Looking for a unique twist on the classic carrot cake? Try this recipe for carrot bundt cake. It's made with coconut oil and applesauce for a healthier version of the traditional cake. Plus, the bundt shape makes it perfect for slicing and serving at a party or gathering.
20 of 20

Carrot Cake Quick Bread

Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Baking Soda, Ground Cinnamon, Kosher
Carrot Cake Quick Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting - A Kitchen Addiction
CARROT CAKE QUICK BREAD WITH CREAM CHEESE GLAZE - Club Narwhal | Carrot ...
Healthy Carrot Cake Breakfast Quick Bread | Amy's Healthy Baking
Pin on gf carrot desserts
If you're short on time but still want to enjoy a delicious carrot cake, this quick bread recipe is for you. It's simple and easy to make, but still has all the flavors of a traditional carrot cake. Plus, it's topped with a zesty lemon glaze for an extra burst of flavor.

The Secret to a Moist and Flavorful Cake

Baking with Freshly Grated Carrots

One of the key elements to making this carrot cake stand out from the rest is using freshly grated carrots. Many recipes call for pre-shredded carrots, but using fresh carrots will give your cake a more vibrant orange color and a richer flavor. Plus, grating the carrots yourself allows you to control the size and texture of the shreds.

The Perfect Blend of Spices

In addition to the grated carrots, this recipe calls for a combination of warm spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. These spices add depth and complexity to the cake, making it stand out from your average carrot cake. Make sure to use high-quality, fresh spices for the best results.

Buttermilk and Oil for Moisture

Another secret to achieving a moist and tender cake is using a combination of buttermilk and oil in the batter. The acidity of the buttermilk helps to tenderize the cake, while the oil adds moisture. Make sure to use full-fat buttermilk for the best results, as the fat adds richness to the cake.

The Perfect Cream Cheese Frosting

Using Room Temperature Ingredients

When making the cream cheese frosting for this carrot cake, it's important to use room temperature ingredients. This ensures that all the ingredients incorporate smoothly and evenly, resulting in a silky and creamy frosting.

Sifting the Powdered Sugar

Another tip for achieving the perfect cream cheese frosting is to sift the powdered sugar before adding it to the mixture. This helps to remove any lumps and creates a smoother texture for the frosting.

Adding Vanilla Extract and Lemon Juice

To add a touch of flavor and balance out the sweetness, this recipe calls for a dash of vanilla extract and a splash of lemon juice in the cream cheese frosting. These small additions make a big difference in the overall taste of the cake.

Final Thoughts

Now that you have the inside scoop on southern living's best carrot cake ever recipe, it's time to put it to the test. This recipe is a true crowd-pleaser and is sure to become a favorite in your household. Don't be surprised if you get requests to make it for every special occasion. So go ahead, grab your ingredients and get baking! Your taste buds will thank you.
20 southern living best carrot cake ever recipe Cook up something special!

The BEST Carrot Cake

yield: 12 total time: 50 minutes
4.0 Stars (5 reviews)
View Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups avocado oil or you can use vegetable oil or canola oil
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 6 eggs
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 3 1/4 cups flour
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 pinch ground cloves
  • 1 pound carrots finely-grated* fresh
  • 1 cup chopped pecans optional
  • 1/2 cup raisins optional
  • 24 ounces cream cheese bricks, room temperature
  • 1 cup unsalted butter room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 6 cups powdered sugar or more if needed to thicken

Nutrition

  • Calories : 1180 calories
  • Carbohydrate : 127 grams
  • Cholesterol : 210 milligrams
  • Fat : 72 grams
  • Fiber : 4 grams
  • Protein : 12 grams
  • SaturatedFat : 25 grams
  • Sodium : 1000 milligrams
  • Sugar : 95 grams
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