Home-Style Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Indulge in the rich, homemade flavors of this Home-Style Carrot Cake, inspired by the classic taste of Cracker Barrel Old Country Store. Featuring a harmonious blend of finely shredded carrots, crushed pineapple, and aromatic spices, this moist and delectable cake is generously topped with a creamy, luscious cream cheese frosting and garnished with crunchy chopped pecans. Perfect for family gatherings, celebrations, or any sweet craving, this cake promises to delight your taste buds and leave a warm, comforting impression.
24
Servings
N/A
Calories
22
Ingredients
Ingredients
english walnuts
3/4 cup (finely chopped)
carrots
2 cups (finely shredded)
crushed pineapple
1 cup (8oz can with juice)
shredded coconut
1/2 cup (finely shredded)
raisins
1/2 cup (soaked in water until plump and then drained)
vegetable oil
1 1/4 cups (none)
sugar
1 1/2 cups (none)
brown sugar
1/2 cup (none)
eggs
3 (none)
flour
3 cups (none)
baking powder
2 teaspoons (none)
baking soda
2 teaspoons (none)
vanilla extract
2 teaspoons (none)
ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons (none)
ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon (none)
ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon (none)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
cream cheese
8 ounces (none)
butter
1/2 cup (room temperature)
vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (none)
powdered sugar
2 cups (none)
chopped pecans
1/2 cup (to garnish)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking pan and set it aside.
2
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Mix these dry ingredients well and set aside.
3
In a large mixing bowl, blend together the vegetable oil, sugar, brown sugar, vanilla, and eggs using an electric mixer until the mixture is smooth and fluffy.
4
Add the crushed pineapple (along with its juice), finely chopped walnuts, shredded coconut, shredded carrots, and plumped and drained raisins into the sugar mixture. Stir well to combine.
5
Gradually incorporate the dry ingredient mixture into the wet mixture, adding about half at a time. Ensure that all ingredients are blended through completely.
6
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
7
Allow the cake to cool in the pan on a wire rack.
8
For the Cream Cheese Frosting: In a separate bowl, beat together the cream cheese and room-temperature butter until light and fluffy using an electric mixer. Add the vanilla extract, then slowly mix in the powdered sugar, a little at a time, until well blended. Increase the mixer speed and beat the frosting until it is light and fluffy.
9
Once the cake has cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
10
Garnish with chopped pecans by sprinkling them across the frosted surface.
11
Slice into 24 pieces and serve. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What restaurant inspired this Home-Style Carrot Cake recipe?
This recipe is inspired by the classic taste of Cracker Barrel Old Country Store.
What size baking pan is needed for this carrot cake?
You will need a 9x13-inch baking pan.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 24 servings.
How long should the carrot cake bake?
The cake should bake for 40-50 minutes.
What spices are used to flavor the cake?
The cake uses ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and ground cloves.
What type of oil is used in the batter?
The recipe calls for 1 1/4 cups of vegetable oil.
How many carrots are required for the recipe?
You will need 2 cups of finely shredded carrots.
What kind of nuts are included inside the cake batter?
The batter includes 3/4 cup of finely chopped English walnuts.
What is used to garnish the top of the cake?
The cake is garnished with 1/2 cup of chopped pecans sprinkled over the frosting.
Do I need to drain the crushed pineapple?
No, you should use the crushed pineapple along with its juice.
How should the raisins be prepared before adding them to the batter?
The raisins should be soaked in water until plump and then drained.
Is coconut included in this carrot cake recipe?
Yes, the recipe includes 1/2 cup of finely shredded coconut.
What types of sugar are used in the cake batter?
The batter uses both 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar and 1/2 cup of brown sugar.
How many eggs are needed for this recipe?
This recipe requires 3 eggs.
How do I know when the cake is finished baking?
The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
When should the cream cheese frosting be applied?
The frosting should be spread evenly over the top once the cake has completely cooled.
What are the ingredients for the cream cheese frosting?
The frosting consists of cream cheese, butter, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar.
What is the preparation for the butter used in the frosting?
The butter should be at room temperature.
How much cream cheese is needed for the frosting?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of cream cheese.
How much flour is used in this recipe?
The recipe requires 3 cups of flour.
What leavening agents are used in the cake?
Both baking powder and baking soda are used (2 teaspoons of each).
How should the dry ingredients be added to the wet mixture?
Incorporate the dry ingredients gradually, adding about half at a time.
What is the total amount of vanilla extract used in the entire recipe?
The recipe uses a total of 3 teaspoons of vanilla: 2 in the cake and 1 in the frosting.
How should the baking pan be prepared?
The 9x13-inch pan should be greased and floured.
How should the cake be cooled?
Allow the cake to cool in the pan on a wire rack.
How much salt is in the cake?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
What is the texture of the frosting supposed to be?
The frosting should be beaten until it is light and fluffy.
What are the tags associated with this recipe?
Tags include dessert, carrot cake, homemade cake, cream cheese frosting, nuts, and baking.
Can I use an electric mixer for this recipe?
Yes, an electric mixer is recommended for blending the sugar mixture and for making the frosting.