Best 9 Three Layer Carrot Cake Recipes

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Carrot cake is a beloved classic dessert that is sure to bring a smile to anyone's face. It is a moist and flavorful cake with a sweet cream cheese frosting. The addition of carrots gives the cake a unique texture and flavor that makes it a favorite among people of all ages. If you are looking for the perfect recipe to make a three layer carrot cake, then you have come to the right place. This article will provide you with all the information you need to create a delicious and beautiful carrot cake that will be the star of any gathering.

Let's cook with our recipes!

THREE-LAYER CARROT CAKE



Three-Layer Carrot Cake image

Provided by Food Network

Categories     dessert

Time 2h15m

Yield 12 to 16 servings

Number Of Ingredients 18

2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted after measuring
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 tablespoon ground Ceylon cinnamon
1 tablespoon cocoa powder
1 cup light brown sugar
1 cup granulated sugar
1 1/4 cups peanut oil
4 eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
3 cups finely grated carrots
1 1/2 cups pecans, chopped, not too finely
Frosting, recipe follows
12 tablespoons (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, chilled and cut into 2-inch pieces
24 ounces cream cheese, chilled
1 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar, sifted
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/2 cups chopped pecans

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  • Lightly butter and flour the cake pans.
  • Put the flour, salt, baking soda, cinnamon, and cocoa in a mixing bowl, and whisk together to blend. Put the sugars in a large mixing bowl, and whisk in the peanut oil. Then whisk in the eggs, 1 at a time, followed by the vanilla. When fully blended, add the flour mixture all at once, and mix just until smooth. Stir in the grated carrots and the pecans. Divide the batter evenly between the 3 cake pans. Drop each pan sharply onto the counter from a height of about 6 inches to remove any air pockets. Bake for 25 minutes, or until the center springs back gently when touched. Remove from the oven and place on cooling racks until completely cooled; then unmold.
  • Place 1 of the cake layers, bottom side up, on a cake plate or pedestal. Spoon approximately 1/4 of the frosting onto the layer, and spread it over evenly. Place a second layer, bottom side down, on top of the first, and spread with an equal amount of frosting. Place the final layer, bottom side down, on top of the others and frost the top and sides with the remaining frosting. Store in a cool but not refrigerated area until ready to serve.
  • Place the butter in the mixing bowl of an electric mixer. Mix on medium speed just until the butter begins to become malleable, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add the cream cheese, in pieces, and mix until thoroughly blended. Slowly add the confectioners' sugar and vanilla, and mix until blended. Increase mixer speed slightly, and continue mixing for 2 to 3 minutes, until the frosting becomes light and fluffy. Remove from the mixer, and fold in the pecans.

THREE-LAYER CARROT CAKE



Three-Layer Carrot Cake image

Editor's Note: If you are someone who loves their carrot cake, here is a great recipe for one that is easy and delicious. This recipe is exceptional with its ease and excellence. This particular cake comes out extra moist due to the use of peanut oil as the shortening. This is a secret of the Deep South, where they love to use peanut oil instead of shortening. Additionally, this recipe includes large amounts of pecans and some cocoa, which both aid in making the cake more flavorful with a broader texture to it. The frosting tops off this dessert. Don't worry if you feel there is too much frosting. It usually all gets used. Carrot cake is fairly ubiquitous, but this one is a bit above the rank and file. Peanut oil, common in the Deep South, is the shortening and makes for an exceptionally moist cake. The cocoa and the large amount of pecans-another crop of the region-give a greater depth of flavor and more texture too. It will look like there's a huge amount of frosting, but all of it will be used. No one has ever complained to me that there's too much frosting on their carrot cake. Like many cakes, this one seems to develop more flavor if made several hours, or a day, before serving.

Provided by Edna Lewis, Scott Peacock

Categories     Cake

Number Of Ingredients 19

2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted after measuring
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 tablespoon ground Ceylon cinnamon
1 tablespoon cocoa powder
1 cup light brown sugar
1 cup granulated sugar
1 1/4 cups peanut oil
4 eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
3 cups finely grated carrots
1 1/2 cups not-too-finely-chopped Georgia pecans
__BLANK__
Ingredients for Frosting
12 tablespoons (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, chilled
24 ounces cream cheese, chilled
1 1/2 cups sifted confectioners' sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups chopped Georgia pecans (for the frosting)

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F.
  • Put the flour, salt, baking soda, cinnamon, and cocoa in a mixing bowl, and whisk together to blend. Put the sugars in a large mixing bowl, and whisk in the peanut oil. Then whisk in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla.
  • When fully blended, add the flour mixture all at once, and mix just until smooth. Stir in the grated carrots and the pecans. Divide the batter evenly between the three 9-inch cake pans, lightly buttered and floured. Drop each pan sharply onto the counter from a height of about 6 inches to remove any air pockets.
  • Bake for 25 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the center of the layers springs back gently when touched.
  • Remove from the oven, and place on cooling racks until completely cooled, then unmold.
  • Cut the butter into 2-inch pieces, and put in the mixing bowl of an electric mixer. Mix on medium speed just until the butter begins to become malleable, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Add the cream cheese in pieces, and mix until thoroughly blended. Slowly add the confectioners' sugar and vanilla, and mix until blended. Increase mixer speed slightly, and continue mixing for 2-3 minutes, until the frosting becomes light and fluffy.
  • Remove from the mixer, and fold in the pecans.
  • Place one of the cake layers, bottom side up, on a cake plate or pedestal. Spoon approximately a quarter of the frosting onto the layer, and spread it over evenly.
  • Place a second layer, bottom side down, on top of the first, and spread with an equal amount of frosting. Place the final layer, bottom side down, on top of the others, and frost the top and sides with the remaining frosting.
  • Store in a cool but not refrigerated area until serving.

THREE-LAYERED CARROT CAKE



Three-Layered Carrot Cake image

My mom loved carrots so much she put them in various dishes at least five times a week when I was growing up. Her specialty was a homemade carrot cake that was requested for every special occasion. When I made this for her 70th birthday, she cried with each bite. -Paula Marchesi, Lenhartsville, Pennsylvania

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 1h20m

Yield 16 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 18

6 large eggs, separated
2-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup orange juice
1/3 cup sour cream
1-1/2 cups butter, softened
1-1/2 cups sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon grated orange zest
1-1/2 teaspoons minced fresh thyme, optional
2 cups finely shredded carrots (about 4 medium)
1 cup chopped pecans
FROSTING:
2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
1 tablespoon grated orange zest
1 tablespoon orange juice
8 to 8-1/4 cups confectioners' sugar

Steps:

  • Place egg whites in a small bowl; let stand at room temperature 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 350°. Line bottoms of 3 greased 8-in. square baking pans with parchment; grease paper., In another bowl, whisk flour, baking soda and salt. In a small bowl, whisk orange juice and sour cream. In a large bowl, cream butter, sugars and orange zest until light and fluffy. Add egg yolks, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. If desired, beat in thyme. Add flour mixture alternately with orange juice mixture, beating well after each addition., With clean beaters, beat egg whites on medium speed until stiff peaks form. Fold into batter. Gently fold in shredded carrots and pecans., Transfer to prepared pans. Bake until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, 20-25 minutes. Cool in pans 10 minutes before removing to wire racks; remove paper. Cool completely., For frosting, in a large bowl, beat cream cheese, orange zest and juice until blended. Gradually beat in enough confectioners' sugar to reach desired consistency., Spread frosting between layers and over top and sides of cake. Refrigerate until serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 744 calories, Fat 35g fat (18g saturated fat), Cholesterol 145mg cholesterol, Sodium 420mg sodium, Carbohydrate 104g carbohydrate (88g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 7g protein.

FANTASTIC 3-LAYER CARROT CAKE



Fantastic 3-Layer Carrot Cake image

Make and share this Fantastic 3-Layer Carrot Cake recipe from Food.com.

Provided by what-a-kerfuffle

Categories     Dessert

Time 1h20m

Yield 16 slices, 16 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 19

2 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
3 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
3 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon allspice
1 1/2 cups white sugar
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 cup unsweetened applesauce
4 eggs
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 2/3 cups finely shredded carrots
3/4 cup flaked coconut
1 1/4 cups walnuts, chopped
1 (10 ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained
2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup butter
3 1/2-4 cups powdered sugar

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour three 8" or 9" round cake pans.
  • Mix flour, baking soda and powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. Make a well in the center. Add sugar, oil, applesauce, egg, and vanilla. Mix until just smooth; do not overmix.
  • Use a food processor or blender to puree pineapple. Stir pineapple, walnuts, and coconut into batter. Pour into pans.
  • Bake 35-40 minutes. Use a toothpick to make sure the centers are cooked through.
  • Cool on baking racks. The centers may sink a little.
  • Once thoroughly cooled, level the cakes. You may want to freeze them for a few minutes to make icing them easier.
  • Mix butter and cream cheese until smooth, and add the powdered sugar. Start with 3 1/2 c and add more if necessary.
  • Place the cake layers cut side down to frost. If you have problems with the cake crumbling, put it back in the freezer until it's harder.

CARROT LAYER CAKE



Carrot Layer Cake image

My sister gave me this recipe for what she calls "the ultimate carrot cake," and it really lives up to the name. When people taste it, they're bowled over by the tender, not-too-sweet cake and unexpected pecan filling. -Linda Van Holland, Innisfail, Alberta

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 1h30m

Yield 20 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 24

1 cup sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1/2 cup butter
1 cup chopped pecans
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
CAKE:
1-1/4 cups canola oil
2 cups sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
4 large eggs, room temperature
4 cups finely shredded carrots
1 cup raisins
1 cup chopped pecans
FROSTING:
3/4 cup butter, softened
6 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups confectioners' sugar

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350°. In a large heavy saucepan, combine sugar, flour and salt. Stir in cream; add butter. Cook and stir over medium heat until butter is melted; bring to a boil. Reduce heat. Simmer, uncovered, for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in nuts and vanilla. Cool and set aside. , In a large bowl, beat oil and sugar until well blended. In another bowl, whisk flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda and salt; add to creamed mixture alternately with eggs, beating well after each addition. Stir in carrots, raisins and nuts. , Pour into 3 greased and floured 9-in. round baking pans. Bake until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, 35-40 minutes. Cool in pans 10 minutes before removing to wire racks to cool completely. , For frosting, in a small bowl, beat butter, cream cheese and vanilla until fluffy. Gradually beat in sugar until smooth. Spread filling between layers. Frost sides and top of cake. Store in the refrigerator. Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 641 calories, Fat 41g fat (14g saturated fat), Cholesterol 94mg cholesterol, Sodium 405mg sodium, Carbohydrate 68g carbohydrate (53g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 5g protein.

CARROT CAKE III



Carrot Cake III image

I've tried many carrot cakes, and this is my favorite recipe. If you don't like pecans, feel free to leave them out.

Provided by Tammy Elliott

Categories     Desserts     Cakes     Sheet Cake Recipes

Time 2h

Yield 18

Number Of Ingredients 16

4 eggs
1 ¼ cups vegetable oil
2 cups white sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
3 cups grated carrots
1 cup chopped pecans
½ cup butter, softened
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
4 cups confectioners' sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup chopped pecans

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch pan.
  • In a large bowl, beat together eggs, oil, white sugar and 2 teaspoons vanilla. Mix in flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt and cinnamon. Stir in carrots. Fold in pecans. Pour into prepared pan.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack and cool completely.
  • To Make Frosting: In a medium bowl, combine butter, cream cheese, confectioners' sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Beat until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Stir in chopped pecans. Frost the cooled cake.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 574.6 calories, Carbohydrate 63.7 g, Cholesterol 68.8 mg, Fat 34.8 g, Fiber 2.2 g, Protein 5.1 g, SaturatedFat 9.1 g, Sodium 347.2 mg, Sugar 49.9 g

3-LAYER CARROT CAKE WITH LEMON BUTTERCREAM FROSTING



3-Layer Carrot Cake with Lemon Buttercream Frosting image

This is one of my all-time favorite carrot cake recipes. I inherited this recipe from a close friend about 12 years ago and it's still a favorite!

Provided by Roland G. Mandish

Categories     Desserts     Fruit Dessert Recipes     Lemon Dessert Recipes

Time 2h

Yield 16

Number Of Ingredients 17

1 tablespoon butter, softened
1 pound cooked carrots, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 ½ cups white sugar
1 ½ cups coarsely chopped walnuts
1 (8 ounce) can unsweetened pineapple, drained
1 cup corn oil
4 eggs
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon baking soda
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon salt
1 pound cream cheese, at room temperature
1 ¼ cups butter, at room temperature
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
5 ⅔ cups confectioners' sugar

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Butter three 9-inch round cake pans. Line bottoms with wax paper; grease wax paper with butter.
  • Combine cooked carrots, flour, white sugar, walnuts, pineapple, corn oil, eggs, cinnamon, baking soda, 1 tablespoon vanilla extract, and salt in a large bowl.
  • Pour carrot mixture into a food processor, and blend, working in batches if necessary, until smooth. Divide batter among prepared cake pans.
  • Bake cakes in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the centers comes out clean, about 35 minutes. Cool in the pans for 5 minutes before inverting onto wire racks to cool completely, about 1 hour.
  • Beat cream cheese, 1 1/4 cup butter, lemon juice, and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract together in a large bowl until smooth. Gradually beat in confectioners' sugar until frosting is smooth.
  • Place 1 cake layer on a serving plate and spread with 1/4 of the frosting. Place a second cake layer on top of the first; spread 1/4 of the frosting on top. Place third cake layer on top; frost top and sides with remaining 1/2 of the frosting.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 844.2 calories, Carbohydrate 99.9 g, Cholesterol 117.7 mg, Fat 47.7 g, Fiber 2.6 g, Protein 8.3 g, SaturatedFat 18.7 g, Sodium 492.1 mg, Sugar 77.5 g

TRIPLE-LAYER CARROT CAKE WITH CREAM CHEESE FROSTING



Triple-Layer Carrot Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting image

Simply the best carrot cake!! This is a once-a-year indulgence in our household, but it's worth every last crumb! The cake is so moist, and the frosting is wonderful! Rave reviews every time. From Bon Appetit, October 2004.

Provided by dmcpherr

Categories     Dessert

Time 1h30m

Yield 1 Cake, 10 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 16

2 cups sugar
1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
4 large eggs
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
3 cups finely grated peeled carrots (about 1 pound)
1/2 cup pecan pieces
1/2 cup seedless raisin
4 cups powdered sugar
2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, room temperature
1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
4 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Steps:

  • For cake:.
  • Preheat oven to 325°F Lightly grease three 9-inch-diameter cake pans with 1 1/2-inch-high sides. Line bottom of pans with waxed paper. Lightly grease waxed paper. Using electric mixer, beat sugar and vegetable oil in bowl until combined. Add eggs 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Sift flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg into sugar and oil mixture. Stir in carrots, chopped pecans and raisins.
  • Pour batter into prepared pans, dividing equally. Bake until toothpick inserted into center comes out clean and cakes begin to pull away from sides of pans, about 45 minutes. Cool in pans on racks 15 minutes. Turn out cakes onto racks and cool completely. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Wrap tightly in plastic and store at room temperature.).
  • For frosting:.
  • Using electric mixer, beat all ingredients in medium bowl until smooth and creamy.
  • Place 1 cake layer on platter. Spread with 3/4 cup frosting. Top with another cake layer. Spread with 3/4 cup frosting. Top with remaining cake layer. Using icing spatula, spread remaining frosting in decorative swirls over sides and top of cake. (Can be prepared 2 days ahead. Cover with cake dome and refrigerate.) Serve cake cold or at room temperature.

TRIPLE-LAYER CARROT CAKE WITH CREAM CHEESE FROSTING



Triple-Layer Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting image

An easy Triple-Layer Carrot Cake recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting

Provided by Becky Guyton

Categories     Cake     Mixer     Dessert     Bake     Cream Cheese     Raisin     Pecan     Carrot     Chill     Bon Appétit     Ohio     Vegetarian     Pescatarian     Peanut Free     Soy Free     Kosher

Yield Serves 10

Number Of Ingredients 18

Cake
2 cups sugar
1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
4 large eggs
2 cups all purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
3 cups finely grated peeled carrots (about 1 pound)
1/2 cup chopped pecans (about 1/2 ounce)
1/2 cup raisins
Frosting
4 cups powdered sugar
2 8-ounce packages cream cheese, room temperature
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
4 teaspoons vanilla extract

Steps:

  • For cake:
  • Preheat oven to 325°F. Lightly grease three 9-inch-diameter cake pans with 1 1/2-inch-high sides. Line bottom of pans with waxed paper. Lightly grease waxed paper. Using electric mixer, beat sugar and vegetable oil in bowl until combined. Add eggs 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Sift flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg into sugar and oil mixture. Stir in carrots, chopped pecans and raisins.
  • Pour batter into prepared pans, dividing equally. Bake until toothpick inserted into center comes out clean and cakes begin to pull away from sides of pans, about 45 minutes. Cool in pans on racks 15 minutes. Turn out cakes onto racks and cool completely. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Wrap tightly in plastic and store at room temperature.)
  • For frosting:
  • Using electric mixer, beat all ingredients in medium bowl until smooth and creamy.
  • Place 1 cake layer on platter. Spread with 3/4 cup frosting. Top with another cake layer. Spread with 3/4 cup frosting. Top with remaining cake layer. Using icing spatula, spread remaining frosting in decorative swirls over sides and top of cake. (Can be prepared 2 days ahead. Cover with cake dome and refrigerate.) Serve cake cold or at room temperature.

Tips:

  • Use fresh carrots: Fresh carrots will give your cake a more vibrant color and flavor.
  • Grate the carrots finely: Finely grated carrots will distribute more evenly throughout the cake batter and make the cake more moist.
  • Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing the batter can make the cake tough. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
  • Use a bundt pan: A bundt pan will give your cake a beautiful shape and allow for even baking.
  • Bake the cake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean: This is the best way to ensure that the cake is cooked through.
  • Let the cake cool completely before frosting it: This will help the frosting to set properly.
  • Use a cream cheese frosting: Cream cheese frosting is the perfect complement to carrot cake. It's tangy and sweet, and it pairs perfectly with the moist carrot cake.
  • Decorate the cake with chopped nuts, shredded carrots, or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar: This will add a festive touch to your cake.

Conclusion:

Carrot cake is a delicious and versatile cake that can be enjoyed year-round. It's perfect for any occasion, from birthdays to holidays. With its moist texture, sweet flavor, and beautiful appearance, carrot cake is sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it. So next time you're looking for a special cake to make, give carrot cake a try. You won't be disappointed!

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