19 Southern Living's Original Carrot Cake Recipe You Won't Believe The Taste!
Published on: Apr 23, 2024
Southern Living's original carrot cake recipe has stood the test of time and remains a fan favorite among bakers and dessert lovers alike. This classic recipe is a perfect blend of moist cake, rich cream cheese frosting, and the perfect balance of spices. It's no surprise that it has become a staple in many homes and the go-to dessert for special occasions and gatherings. But what makes this recipe truly stand out? Let's take a closer look at the key ingredients and techniques that make this carrot cake a must-try for any baking enthusiast.
Main Ingredients: Water, Salt, Quaker Quick Grits, Cream Cheese, Crushed
Jalapeno cheese grits are a classic Southern side dish that adds a spicy kick to any meal. This recipe from Southern Living takes traditional grits to the next level by incorporating diced jalapenos and sharp cheddar cheese. The result is a creamy and flavorful dish that pairs perfectly with beer can chicken.
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Southern Pound Cake (Classic Pound Cake 101)
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Baking Powder, Salt, Unsalted
Pound cake is a staple in many Southern households, and this classic recipe is a must-try for any beer can chicken dinner. This pound cake from Classic Pound Cake 101 is moist, buttery, and has the perfect crumb. Serve it alongside your beer can chicken for a delicious and indulgent meal.
For a tropical twist on a classic Southern dessert, try this pineapple cake recipe. The moist and flavorful cake is made with crushed pineapple and topped with a creamy whipped frosting. It's the perfect sweet treat to enjoy after a hearty meal of beer can chicken.
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Southern Cornbread – Southern Skillet Cornbread
Main Ingredients: Butter, Yellow Cornmeal, Flour, Baking Soda, Salt
Cornbread is a staple in Southern cuisine, and this recipe for Southern skillet cornbread is a must-try for any beer can chicken dinner. The cornbread is made in a cast-iron skillet, giving it a crispy crust and a moist and fluffy interior. Serve it warm with a pat of butter for the ultimate comfort food experience.
This Southern butter pound cake is a classic dessert that is loved by many. The rich and buttery flavor is perfect for pairing with beer can chicken. The key to this recipe is using quality ingredients, including real butter and vanilla extract, for a truly indulgent treat.
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Southern Chicken and Corn Chowder
Main Ingredients: Bacon, Olive Oil, Onion, Carrots, Celery, Garlic
This hearty and comforting chicken and corn chowder is the perfect dish to warm you up on a chilly evening. The recipe calls for simple ingredients like chicken, corn, potatoes, and cream, making it an easy and delicious meal to pair with beer can chicken.
Brunswick stew is a Southern classic that is often served at cookouts and family gatherings. This recipe is a combination of chicken, beef, and pork, along with vegetables and a flavorful broth. It's a great dish to make ahead of time and serve with your beer can chicken for a complete and satisfying meal.
This Southern smothered chicken is flavored with Cajun seasoning and cooked in a rich and creamy sauce made with onions, garlic, and chicken broth. It's a delicious and easy dish to make that pairs perfectly with beer can chicken and a side of jalapeno cheese grits.
For a refreshing and tangy side dish, try this Southern vinegar slaw. The recipe calls for a simple dressing made with vinegar, sugar, and oil, which gives the slaw a bright and zesty flavor. Serve it alongside your beer can chicken for a balanced and delicious meal.
Cooked with bacon, onions, and garlic, these Southern collard greens are a classic side dish that pairs well with beer can chicken. The collard greens are seasoned with a hint of apple cider vinegar, giving them a tangy and delicious flavor.
This Southern cornbread dressing is a must-try for any beer can chicken dinner. The recipe calls for homemade cornbread, along with sausage, celery, onions, and herbs, for a flavorful and comforting side dish that is perfect for any holiday meal or family gathering.
This Southern smothered oxtails recipe is a hearty and flavorful dish that will take your beer can chicken dinner to the next level. The oxtails are slow-cooked in a rich and savory gravy, making them tender and delicious. Serve them alongside your chicken for a meal that is sure to impress.
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Classic Flaky Southern Biscuits
Main Ingredients: Flour, Whole Milk, Butter, Sugar, Baking Powder, Salt
These classic Southern biscuits are a must-try for any beer can chicken dinner. The recipe calls for simple ingredients like flour, butter, and buttermilk, resulting in flaky and buttery biscuits that are the perfect accompaniment to your chicken.
This Southern baked macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food dish that pairs perfectly with beer can chicken. The recipe calls for a creamy and cheesy sauce made with cheddar and Gruyere cheese, and is topped with a crispy breadcrumb topping.
For a slightly different take on the classic Southern mac and cheese, try this recipe that uses a combination of cheddar and Velveeta cheese for an extra creamy and indulgent dish. Serve it alongside your beer can chicken for a delicious and satisfying meal.
This Southern caramel cake is a decadent dessert that is perfect for a special occasion or holiday meal. The cake is moist and fluffy, and the homemade caramel sauce adds a rich and indulgent flavor. Serve it after your beer can chicken for a sweet and satisfying end to your meal.
These Southern pecan pie bars are a delicious and easy dessert to make for any beer can chicken dinner. The bars are made with a buttery shortbread crust and a gooey pecan filling that is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
These classic Southern collard greens are a must-try for any beer can chicken dinner. The recipe calls for a simple combination of collard greens, bacon, and chicken broth, resulting in a flavorful and comforting side dish that pairs perfectly with your chicken.
This Southern peach cobbler is a classic dessert that is perfect for summer. The recipe calls for fresh peaches, cinnamon, and a buttery biscuit topping for a sweet and satisfying treat. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate indulgence.
Pimento cheese is a beloved Southern appetizer that is perfect for snacking on while your beer can chicken is cooking. This recipe calls for a combination of cheddar and cream cheese, along with chopped pimentos, for a creamy and flavorful spread that pairs well with crackers or vegetables.
The Secret Ingredients
Carrots: The star of the show in this recipe are, of course, the carrots. These bright orange root vegetables not only give the cake its signature color but also add moisture and natural sweetness. The carrots are grated finely and then folded into the batter, ensuring that every bite is bursting with flavor.
Cinnamon and Nutmeg: These two warm spices are essential in creating the perfect balance of flavors in this carrot cake. The cinnamon adds a hint of warmth and depth, while the nutmeg adds a subtle nutty taste that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the carrots. Together, they create a deliciously aromatic base for this classic dessert.
Pecans: This recipe calls for chopped pecans, which add a satisfying crunch to the cake. They also bring a subtle nuttiness that complements the other flavors in the cake. For an extra indulgent touch, you can toast the pecans before adding them to the batter, intensifying their flavor and adding a lovely aroma.
The Perfect Technique
Grating the Carrots: One key technique in this recipe is grating the carrots. It's important to grate them finely so that they integrate well into the batter and add moisture without creating a chunky texture. A box grater or food processor can be used for this step, but make sure not to over-grate the carrots, as they can become too watery and alter the texture of the cake.
Room Temperature Ingredients: To ensure a perfectly moist and tender cake, it's crucial to have all your ingredients at room temperature before beginning. This allows the ingredients to blend together seamlessly and creates a smoother batter. Make sure to take out your eggs, butter, and cream cheese at least 30 minutes before starting.
Cream Cheese Frosting: No carrot cake is complete without a generous layer of cream cheese frosting. To achieve the perfect consistency, make sure your cream cheese and butter are at room temperature before blending. You can also add a touch of vanilla extract for an extra layer of flavor.
In conclusion, Southern Living's original carrot cake recipe is a tried and true classic that has won the hearts of many. With its key ingredients of carrots, cinnamon, nutmeg, and pecans, and its perfect technique of finely grated carrots and room temperature ingredients, this recipe is a must-try for any baking enthusiast. So next time you're looking for the perfect dessert for a special occasion, look no further than this delicious and timeless recipe.
