Cracker Barrel Carrot Cake Recipe

There’s just something about the Cracker Barrel’s Carrot Cake that keeps cake lovers (like me!) coming back for more.

You can make this at home by following a simple recipe that captures all the warm spices and moist texture.

I always add pineapple and coconut to mine because it gives the cake an extra layer of moistness and flavor.

A key trick is to use an electric mixer to beat the cream cheese and butter frosting until it’s light and fluffy.

How to Make Cracker Barrel Carrot Cake

Ingredients

• 2 cups All-Purpose Flour
• 2 tsp Baking Soda
• 1 tsp Baking Powder
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 1 tsp Cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp Nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp Cloves
• 1 cup Vegetable Oil
• 1 cup Granulated Sugar
• 1 cup Brown Sugar
• 4 Eggs
• 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
• 1 cup Crushed Pineapple (drained)
• 1 cup Walnuts (chopped)
• 1 cup Shredded Coconut
• 3 cups Carrots (grated)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.

Mix the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves in a medium bowl.

Set aside.

Step 2:

In a large bowl, beat together the vegetable oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth and fluffy.

Add the flour mixture gradually, mixing just until combined.

Don’t overbeat.

Step 3:

Fold in the grated carrots, crushed pineapple, chopped walnuts, and shredded coconut until well incorporated.

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.

Step 4:

Bake for 40 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool completely on a wire rack before frosting with your favorite cream cheese frosting.

Step 5:

Serve and enjoy!

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

Choose Fresh Carrots

Make sure to use freshly grated carrots instead of pre-shredded ones.

This will give the cake better moisture and flavor!

Adjust Sugar Levels

You can adjust the sugar according to your taste preferences.

Reducing the sugar a bit won’t affect the texture much if you prefer a less sweet cake.

Pineapple Draining

Draining the pineapple well is essential to avoid a soggy cake.

You can even pat it dry with a paper towel for extra assurance.

Nut Variations

Feel free to substitute walnuts with pecans if that’s what you have on hand.

Both types of nuts work beautifully in this recipe and add a nice crunch.

Frosting Tip

Ensure the cake is completely cooled before applying the cream cheese frosting.

Warm cake can cause the frosting to melt and not hold its shape.

What to Serve with Cracker Barrel Carrot Cake

Fresh Fruit Salad

You might find a fresh fruit salad with a citrus glaze an exciting accompaniment to carrot cake.

The vibrant sweetness and slight tanginess of the fruits complement the cake’s richness beautifully.

It’s not only refreshing, but it also adds a splash of color to your dessert spread!

Vanilla Ice Cream

Vanilla ice cream is a classic pairing that you can rarely go wrong with.

The ice cream’s creamy texture and mild sweetness contrast with the spicy, nutty flavors of carrot cake in the most delightful way.

Plus, the cold ice cream and warm cake create a fabulous temperature contrast you will love.

Grilled Peaches

Consider trying grilled peaches as a side with your carrot cake.

Grilling caramelizes the sugars in the peaches, adding a depth of flavor that meshes surprisingly well with the spices in the cake.

This pairing is a perfect mixture of a traditional dessert with a twist.

Whipped Cream with Cinnamon

For something light yet flavorful, a dollop of whipped cream, possibly infused with a touch of cinnamon, could work wonders.

The airy texture of the whipped cream rounds off the denser cake beautifully.

Adding a pinch of cinnamon introduces an extra layer of warmth that echoes the cake’s spices.

Chocolate Espresso

If you’re ready to explore a unique and robust accompaniment, think about serving a piece of dark chocolate with espresso.

This pairing brings an unexpected, but a nice complexity to the table, as bittersweet chocolate and espresso can elevate the cake’s earthy tones.

For a bolder experience, feel free to experiment with this daring choice!

Variations and Substitutions

Alternative Sweeteners

You might want to swap out the traditional sugar for honey or maple syrup.

This can add a subtle sweetness with a touch of flavor complexity.

Keep in mind, you’ll need to reduce the liquid a little to compensate for the added moisture.

Flour Choices

Feel free to experiment with whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose.

It gives the carrot cake a slightly nuttier flavor and a denser texture.

If you’re aiming for gluten-free, try using almond flour or a reliable gluten-free baking mix.

Spice Adjustments

The spice combination is essential, but you can tweak it if you’re feeling adventurous.

Add a pinch of cardamom or allspice to jazz up the classic carrot cake spices.

This gives a warm and aromatic twist that’s quite enjoyable.

Nut Options

Pecans or walnuts are traditional choices, but you can try pistachios or almonds for a change.

Chopped nuts enhance the texture and give a satisfying crunch to each bite.

Toasting the nuts lightly can also bring out their rich flavors beautifully.

Cream Cheese Frosting Variations

Try mixing a bit of citrus zest into the frosting for a burst of freshness.

Lemon or orange zest pairs well with the creaminess of the frosting.

Adding a touch of vanilla extract can also deepen the frosting’s flavor profile.

How to Store Leftover Carrot Cake

Use Plastic Wrap

Once your carrot cake is cooled, tightly wrap any leftovers in plastic wrap.

This helps keep it fresh by preventing exposure to the air, which can dry out the cake.

For larger pieces, you might need to use an extra layer of wrap to cover all surfaces.

Airtight Containers

For storing in the fridge, place the wrapped cake inside an airtight container.

This prevents any fridge odors from affecting its delicious flavor!

An airtight container also adds an extra barrier against dryness.

Freezing for Longevity

If you need to store the cake for a longer period, freezing is key.

You should wrap the leftover cake with plastic wrap, then cover it with aluminum foil.

Carrot cake can be frozen for up to one year but tastes best when enjoyed within six months.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Choosing Low-Quality Carrots

Selecting fresh, firm carrots is crucial for great flavor and texture in your cake.

Avoid using carrots that are limp or old, as they can impact both moisture and taste.

Grating fresh carrots instead of pre-packaged ones can make a big difference in your cake’s quality.

Overmixing the Batter

Mixing the batter too much can lead to a dense, tough cake that won’t have the desired tender crumb.

Combine wet and dry ingredients just until they are blended together.

Excessive mixing develops gluten, which isn’t ideal for a tender crumb.

Incorrect Baking Time and Temperature

Make sure to check your oven’s temperature accuracy, as an incorrect setting causes uneven baking.

Overbaking results in a dry cake, while underbaking leaves it raw in the center.

Set a timer and check for doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out clean.