Imagine sinking your fork into a moist, decadent carrot cake that rivals the legendary Cracker Barrel recipe - a dessert so irresistible, it'll transport you straight to comfort food heaven! This isn't just another carrot cake; it's a culinary masterpiece that combines the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and incredibly tender layers that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. Whether you're a baking novice or a seasoned pro, this recipe is your ticket to creating a showstopping dessert that looks like it came straight from a professional bakery.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups grated carrots
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated carrots, granulated sugar, and vegetable oil. Mix well until the carrots are evenly coated with the sugar and oil.
- Crack the three large eggs into the bowl and whisk them into the carrot mixture until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. This helps to combine the dry ingredients and aerate the flour.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
- Once the batter is well mixed, divide it evenly between the two prepared cake pans.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer the cakes to a wire rack to cool completely.
- While the cakes are cooling, you can prepare your favorite cream cheese frosting or any frosting of your choice to complement the carrot cake.
- Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of frosting on top of it.
- Carefully place the second cake layer on top of the frosted layer and frost the top and sides of the cake as desired.
- Slice the cake into 12 servings and enjoy your homemade Cracker Barrel-style carrot cake!
Tips
- Always use fresh, finely grated carrots for maximum moisture and flavor.
- Don't overmix the batter - this can lead to a tough, dense cake.
- For extra moisture, consider adding 1/2 cup of crushed pineapple or applesauce.
- Let the cake cool completely before frosting to prevent a melted mess.
- Use room temperature ingredients for smoother mixing and better texture.
- For a professional touch, toast some chopped walnuts to sprinkle on top of the frosting.
- Store the cake in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 38g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 55mg
