Classic Southern Living Carrot Cake Recipe

The Southern Living carrot cake recipe is a classic dessert known for its rich flavor and moist texture. Creating and exploring recipes like this one is my passion and daily work.

This Southern Living carrot cake recipe was developed to bring a traditional Southern favorite into home kitchens, offering a reliable way to make a delicious carrot cake.

Rooted in Southern culinary traditions, it combines spices, pineapple, and nuts to create a unique taste experience.

Now, I will share the steps to prepare this Southern Living carrot cake recipe in an easy way, along with serving ideas, helpful tips, variations, preservation methods, and answers to common questions.

Classic Southern Living Carrot Cake Recipe

The classic Southern Living carrot cake recipe delivers a moist and tender texture that feels rich and comforting.

Sweet carrots and crushed pineapple bring natural sweetness and juiciness, while cinnamon and ginger add warm, gentle spice notes.

Shredded coconut and chopped pecans contribute a pleasant texture contrast, offering slight chewiness and crunch. The cream cheese frosting provides a tangy, creamy finish that balances the cake’s sweetness.

This Southern Living carrot cake recipe flavors blend smoothly, creating a deliciously layered experience that feels both homey and indulgent.

How To Prepare Southern Living Carrot Cake Recipe?

Recipe Overview

Preparation Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: Southern / American

Yield: 12 servings

Kitchen Utensils Needed

• Two 9-inch round cake pans
• Mixing bowls (large and medium)
• Electric mixer or hand whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Grater (for carrots)
• Spatula
• Cooling rack
• Sifter (for powdered sugar)

Ingredients

Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 (8-ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained
• 2 cups grated carrots (about 4 medium carrots)
• 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
• 1 cup chopped pecans

Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

How To Make Southern Living Carrot Cake Recipe

1. Start by warming up your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating, grease two 9-inch round cake pans really well then sprinkle a bit of flour over them so the cake doesn’t stick later.

2. In a big mixing bowl, combine all the dry stuff: flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, and a pinch of salt. Give it a good whisk so everything’s mixed evenly.

3. In another bowl, crack in your eggs and beat them. Then pour in the oil and vanilla extract and stir those together until smooth.

4. Now, pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients little by little, stirring gently as you go. Mix just enough so it all comes together; don’t overdo it or the cake might get tough.

5. Next, add your pineapple (make sure you squeeze out extra juice), shredded carrots, coconut flakes, and chopped pecans. Fold these in carefully so the fruit and nuts spread through the batter without smashing.

6. Divide your batter evenly between the two pans, then pop them into the oven. Bake for about 40 to 45 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when a toothpick stuck in the middle comes out clean.

7. Once out of the oven, let the cakes sit in their pans for 10 minutes so they firm up a bit. After that, turn them out onto a cooling rack and let them cool completely.

8. While the cake cools, whip up the frosting. Beat together softened cream cheese and butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and keep beating until it’s light and fluffy. Mix in a splash of vanilla for extra flavor.

9. To put your cake together, place one layer on a plate and spread a thick coat of frosting on top. Then place the second layer on and cover the whole cake with the rest of the frosting, smoothing it all over.

10. Cut yourself a big slice, serves, and enjoys the amazing homemade carrot cake you just made!

Nutrition Facts Of Southern Living Carrot Cake Recipe

Nutrition	Amounts
Calories	450
Fat	28g
Saturated Fat	7g
Cholesterol	65mg
Sodium	320mg
Carbohydrates	47g
Fiber	2g
Sugars	34g
Protein	4g

Why You’ll Love This Southern Living Carrot Cake Recipe

This Southern Living carrot cake recipe creates a moist and tender cake bursting with flavor. Crushed pineapple and shredded coconut add natural sweetness and texture, while warm spices like cinnamon and ginger bring a gentle depth.

The cream cheese frosting adds a smooth, tangy finish that balances the Southern Living carrot cake recipe richness.

This Southern Living carrot cake recipe captures the essence of Southern baking; delivering a delicious dessert that feels both comforting and indulgent. The result is a cake that delights the senses and leaves a lasting impression.

Why My Recipe Works

This Southern Living carrot cake recipe works because it uses oil to keep the cake moist and tender throughout. Adding crushed pineapple and shredded coconut provides natural sweetness and extra moisture, preventing dryness.

The blend of cinnamon and ginger brings warmth without overwhelming the other flavors. Pecans add a subtle crunch that enhances texture.

The cream cheese frosting balances the sweetness with its tangy richness, tying everything together. Thoughtful ingredient choices and careful mixing create a cake that stays soft, flavorful, and delicious every time it’s baked.

My Favorite Ways To Serve It Up

Serving this Southern Living carrot cake recipe chilled brings out the cream cheese frosting’s smooth texture and enhances the flavors.

Adding a sprinkle of chopped pecans on top adds a nice crunch. Pairing a slice with a hot cup of coffee or tea creates a cozy treat.

For an extra touch, a light drizzle of caramel or a dusting of cinnamon on the frosting adds warmth and sweetness. This cake also works well as a dessert for gatherings, where it can be sliced and enjoyed by all.

Health Benefits

This Southern Living carrot cake recipe includes ingredients that offer health benefits alongside its rich taste. Carrots supply beta-carotene, which supports eye health and the immune system.

Pecans provide healthy fats, fiber, and antioxidants that promote heart health. Pineapple contains vitamin C and digestive enzymes that aid digestion.

This dessert delivers nutrients from natural ingredients, making it more than just a sweet treat. Enjoying Southern Living carrot cake recipe in moderation allows for a satisfying indulgence with added nutritional value.

Helpful Tips

1. Always grate carrots finely to ensure they blend smoothly into the batter, creating a moist texture without large chunks.

2. Thoroughly drain the crushed pineapple to keep the batter from becoming too runny, which helps the cake rise properly.

3. Sift the dry ingredients before mixing to avoid lumps and ensure even distribution of spices and leavening agents.

4. Lightly toast pecans in a dry pan to bring out their natural oils and deepen their flavor, adding a pleasant crunch.

5. Allow the cake layers to cool completely on a wire rack before applying the cream cheese frosting to prevent it from sliding off or melting.

6. For extra moisture and flavor, brush the cake layers lightly with a simple syrup infused with vanilla or a splash of rum before frosting. Store the finished cake tightly wrapped in the fridge to maintain freshness and prevent drying out.

Variations

✔ Swap pecans or walnuts or toasted almonds to bring a different nutty crunch and flavor that complements the sweetness of the cake.

✔ Stir in raisins, dried cranberries, or chopped dates to add bursts of chewy sweetness and texture throughout the cake layers.

✔ Replace some or all of the oil with pineapple juice or freshly squeezed orange juice for a lighter, fruitier batter that still stays moist.

✔ Add finely shredded apple alongside the carrots to boost moisture and introduce a subtle tartness that balances the cake’s sweetness.

✔ Experiment with spices by including freshly grated ginger, nutmeg, or even a pinch of cloves to deepen the warm flavor profile.

✔ Enhance the frosting by folding in toasted coconut flakes for extra texture or drizzle caramel or butterscotch sauce on top for a rich, indulgent finish that elevates the dessert.

Additions

➤ Finely chopped crystallized ginger adds a warm, spicy-sweet note that complements the cake’s spices and brightens each slice.

➤ Adding fresh citrus zest, like orange or lemon brings a lively, fragrant aroma that enhances the overall flavor and freshness of the cake.

➤ Toasted sunflower or pumpkin seeds provide an unexpected crunch and nutty flavor, adding texture variety beyond traditional nuts.

➤ Swirling cream cheese mixed with caramel sauce through the batter creates pockets of gooey sweetness, elevating the cake’s richness.

➤ Sprinkling cinnamon sugar on top of the frosting adds a delicate crunch and extra warmth, making the frosting even more inviting.

Storage Instructions

Store the Southern Living carrot cake recipe covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container to keep it moist and fresh. Refrigerate the cake, especially because of the cream cheese frosting, which needs to stay cool to prevent spoilage.

The Southern Living carrot cake recipe will stay fresh for up to 4-5 days in the fridge. Before serving, allow it to come to room temperature for the best flavor and texture.

For longer storage, wrap the cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and freeze them for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before frosting or serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Using my easy ideas and simple method, making this Southern Living carrot cake recipe turned out to be a smooth and successful experience. The steps were clear and manageable, which made the process enjoyable and stress-free.

I hope these tips and ideas help you understand how to make this cake confidently and without trouble. Soon, you’ll be baking your own delicious version that’s moist and full of flavor.

After you try it, I’d love to hear how amazing Southern Living carrot cake recipe tastes and how much you enjoyed the final result. Happy baking and enjoy every bite!

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