There’s something magical about a Southern carrot cake. Picture this—a dense, moist cake layered with warm spices, studded with perfectly sweetened carrots and crunchy nuts, all tied together with a drizzle of tangy, velvety buttermilk glaze. Sounds heavenly, doesn’t it?
The Southern Living carrot cake with buttermilk glaze is more than just a dessert. It’s full of tradition, memories, and great taste. Whether you’re baking for family, a special event, or just for yourself, this recipe is sure to impress.
Today, I’ll walk you through the ingredients, steps, and techniques to perfect this iconic Southern favorite.
Why You Should Try This Southern Living Carrot Cake Recipe
Southern cuisine is renowned for its rich flavors and soulful recipes, and this carrot cake is no exception. Here’s why you should give this recipe a try:
- Classic Southern Taste: Full of cinnamon, nutmeg, and shredded carrots, this is the classic version of a favorite dessert.
- Special Buttermilk Glaze: Instead of just cream cheese frosting, this cake adds a tangy buttermilk glaze that soaks into the layers, making it extra moist.
- Great for Any Occasion: Perfect for Easter, a picnic, or a cozy get-together, this cake is sure to be the star of the table.
Ingredients Needed for the Southern Living Carrot Cake
This recipe uses simple pantry items and a few fresh ingredients to make something delicious. Here’s what you need for the cake and glaze.
For the Cake:
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda
- ½ teaspoon of ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon of salt
- 1 ½ cups of granulated sugar
- 1 cup of brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup of vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 3 cups of finely grated carrots (about 5–6 medium carrots)
- 1 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- 1 cup of crushed pineapple, drained
For the Buttermilk Glaze:
- 1 cup of sugar
- ½ cup of buttermilk
- ½ teaspoon of baking soda
- ½ cup of unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon of light corn syrup
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
Equipment Needed
Before you begin, make sure you have the following tools on hand:
- A stand mixer or hand mixer
- Two 9-inch round cake pans
- Parchment paper
- A cooling rack
- A saucepan for the glaze
- A rubber spatula for folding ingredients
Step-by-Step Recipe for Southern Living Carrot Cake
Step 1: Get Your Workspace Ready
First things first—preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab two 9-inch round cake pans and grease and flour them so nothing sticks. For an extra smooth release, line the bottoms with parchment paper. Easy peasy!
Step 2: Mix the Dry Stuff
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, baking soda, nutmeg, and salt. This spice blend is what gives the cake that cozy, “fresh out of grandma’s kitchen” vibe.
Step 3: Whip Up the Wet Ingredients
In a stand mixer (or with a handheld one), beat the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, making sure each is mixed in nicely before adding the next.
Step 4: Add Carrots and Pineapple
Now for the fun part—fold in the grated carrots, crushed pineapple, and nuts if you like them. These are the goodies that bring texture and a natural sweetness to your cake.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture a little at a time, stirring just until everything is combined. Don’t overmix! You want a soft, tender cake, not a dense one.
Step 6: Time to Bake
Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans. Pop them in the oven for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean when you test the center. Let the cakes cool in their pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 7: Make That Buttermilk Glaze
While the cake cools, grab a saucepan and combine sugar, buttermilk, baking soda, butter, and corn syrup. Bring it to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally, and let it bubble for 4–5 minutes until it thickens slightly. Take it off the heat and stir in some vanilla extract. Smells amazing, right?
Step 8: Glaze It Up
While the cake layers are still a little warm, poke holes in them with a skewer or fork. Then drizzle the buttermilk glaze over the top, letting the cake soak up all that tangy, sweet goodness.
Step 9: Frost and Enjoy
You can finish the cake with your favorite cream cheese frosting for extra decadence, or just serve it as-is with the glaze. Either way, this cake’s a total showstopper. Get ready for compliments!
Southern Living Carrot Cake Recipe with Buttermilk Glaze
Equipment
- A stand mixer or hand mixer
- Two 9-inch round cake pans
- Parchment paper
- A cooling rack
- A saucepan for the glaze
- A rubber spatula for folding ingredients
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda
- ½ teaspoon of ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon of salt
- 1 ½ cups of granulated sugar
- 1 cup of brown sugar packed
- 1 cup of vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 3 cups of finely grated carrots about 5–6 medium carrots
- 1 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts optional
- 1 cup of crushed pineapple drained
For the Buttermilk Glaze:
- 1 cup of sugar
- ½ cup of buttermilk
- ½ teaspoon of baking soda
- ½ cup of unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon of light corn syrup
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Get Your Workspace Ready
- First things first—preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab two 9-inch round cake pans and grease and flour them so nothing sticks. For an extra smooth release, line the bottoms with parchment paper. Easy peasy!
Step 2: Mix the Dry Stuff
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, baking soda, nutmeg, and salt. This spice blend is what gives the cake that cozy, “fresh out of grandma’s kitchen” vibe.
Step 3: Whip Up the Wet Ingredients
- In a stand mixer (or with a handheld one), beat the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, making sure each is mixed in nicely before adding the next.
Step 4: Add Carrots and Pineapple
- Now for the fun part—fold in the grated carrots, crushed pineapple, and nuts if you like them. These are the goodies that bring texture and a natural sweetness to your cake.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
- Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture a little at a time, stirring just until everything is combined. Don’t overmix! You want a soft, tender cake, not a dense one.
Step 6: Time to Bake
- Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans. Pop them in the oven for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean when you test the center. Let the cakes cool in their pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 7: Make That Buttermilk Glaze
- While the cake cools, grab a saucepan and combine sugar, buttermilk, baking soda, butter, and corn syrup. Bring it to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally, and let it bubble for 4–5 minutes until it thickens slightly. Take it off the heat and stir in some vanilla extract. Smells amazing, right?
Step 8: Glaze It Up
- While the cake layers are still a little warm, poke holes in them with a skewer or fork. Then drizzle the buttermilk glaze over the top, letting the cake soak up all that tangy, sweet goodness.
Step 9: Frost and Enjoy
- You can finish the cake with your favorite cream cheese frosting for extra decadence, or just serve it as-is with the glaze. Either way, this cake’s a total showstopper. Get ready for compliments!
Notes
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (assuming 12 servings):
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 68g
- Protein: 5g
Indulgent? Absolutely. Worth it? Every bite!
Serving Suggestions for Southern Living Carrot Cake
While this cake is delicious on its own, here are a few ideas for serving it up Southern-style:
- Serve the carrot cake slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a comforting dessert.
- Pair it with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or spiced chai tea to complement the warm flavors.
- Top each slice with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of chopped nuts for added texture and flair.
- Dress it up for special occasions with edible flowers or a light dusting of powdered sugar.
- Enjoy it alongside a fresh fruit salad for a balanced and vibrant treat.
Storage and Leftovers
Here’s the thing—this carrot cake is so delicious, there probably won’t be any leftovers. But just in case, here are some storage tips:
- Refrigerator: Store the cake in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, just thaw at room temperature.
Pro Tips for Making the Perfect Southern Living Carrot Cake
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor and texture, ensure your ingredients—like carrots, eggs, and spices—are fresh. Freshly grated carrots will add moisture and sweetness to the cake.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can make the cake dense and heavy.
- Prepare Your Pans Properly: Grease and line your cake pans with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure clean layers every time.
- Add a Personal Touch: Enhance your carrot cake with optional mix-ins, like chopped pecans, raisins, or shredded coconut, for added texture and flavor.
- Cool Completely Before Frosting: Allow your cake layers to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting to avoid melting and sliding layers.
- Make the Frosting Ahead: Prepare your cream cheese frosting in advance and chill it slightly so it holds its shape beautifully when spread.
- Decorate Creatively: Garnish with a sprinkle of nuts, a dusting of cinnamon, or even small carrot-shaped designs for a charming finishing touch.
FAQ
Can I Use Pre-Shredded Carrots?
Yes, you can use pre-shredded carrots, but freshly grated carrots are recommended for the best texture and moisture in your cake. Freshly grated carrots tend to retain more freshness and natural sweetness.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum or a similar binding agent to maintain the cake’s structure and texture.
What If I Don’t Have Buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk, you can easily make a substitute by mixing 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar with 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes, and it’s ready to use.
Can I Use a Different Type of Sweetener?
Yes! You can use coconut sugar, honey, or maple syrup instead of granulated sugar for a different flavor. Just remember, liquid sweeteners might change the batter a bit, so adjust the liquids if needed.
How Should I Store the Cake?
Keep your cake fresh by storing it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for a week or freeze for 3 months. Let it cool completely before wrapping it in plastic or sealing it in a bag.
Can I Add Mix-Ins to the Batter?
Yes, mix-ins like chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruits can be a wonderful addition! Gently fold them into the batter before baking, ensuring they’re evenly distributed without overmixing. Aim for about 1 cup of mix-ins per recipe to enhance the flavor without overwhelming the batter.
Bring a Taste of the South to Your Table
Southern Living carrot cake is a classic dessert that everyone will love. With simple ingredients and easy steps, this recipe is great for any occasion or just because. Bake some love and happiness into every slice! Enjoy baking, eating, and sharing this Southern favorite with friends and family!
I am so excited for you to try this amazing carrot cake recipe from Southern Living! It’s the perfect way to bring a taste of the South to your table and share it with your loved ones. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just a regular day at home, this indulgent and delicious cake will be a hit.
