Copycat Cracker Barrel Carrot Cake: Moist, Flavorful & Decadent

When I first recreated Cracker Barrel’s famous carrot cake in my own kitchen, I was amazed at how a humble homemade version could capture all the magic of the restaurant experience. Each forkful delivers that incredible moisture and perfect spice balance I remember from family dinners at Cracker Barrel, topped with that heavenly cream cheese frosting I could never get enough of.

My secret? It’s all in the combination of freshly grated carrots, juicy pineapple (yes, juice and all!), coconut, walnuts, and those plump raisins that burst with sweetness.

Copycat Cracker Barrel Carrot Cake

This copycat Cracker Barrel carrot cake achieves outstanding texture and flavor through the perfect balance of moisture-adding ingredients. The undrained crushed pineapple provides natural sweetness and incredible moisture, while combining cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves creates that classic warm spice profile. The cream cheese frosting strikes the ideal balance between sweetness and tanginess, complementing the cake perfectly without overwhelming it. Each bite delivers a harmonious blend of textures from the tender cake, crunchy nuts, chewy raisins, and smooth frosting.

Ingredients for Homemade Carrot Cake

You will love the flavors in this delicious carrot cake recipe. This also makes a wonderful cake to share at a party or as a gift.

For the Cake

• Carrots – Provide natural sweetness, moisture, and the cake’s signature flavor
• Crushed pineapple – Adds incredible moisture and tropical sweetness
• Shredded coconut – Creates texture and subtle coconut flavor throughout
• English walnuts – Add satisfying crunch and nutty flavor to the cake
• Raisins – Provide bursts of concentrated sweetness and chewy texture
• Vegetable oil – Creates a moist, tender crumb that stays fresh for days
• Granulated sugar – Sweetens the cake and helps create a proper texture
• Brown sugar – Adds depth of flavor with caramel notes and additional moisture
• Eggs) – Provide structure, richness, and help bind all ingredients
• All-purpose flour – Forms the structure of the cake
• Baking powder – Helps the cake rise properly
• Baking soda – Works with the acidic ingredients to create additional lift
• Ground cinnamon – Provides the signature warm spice flavor
• Ground nutmeg– Adds aromatic depth to the spice profile
• Ground cloves – Contributes a subtle warming note to the spice blend
• Salt – Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness
• Vanilla extract – Adds aromatic sweetness and depth of flavor

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

• Cream cheese – Creates the tangy base of the frosting
• Unsalted butter – Adds richness and stability to the frosting
• Powdered sugar – Sweetens and thickens the frosting
• Vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor with aromatic sweetness
• Pecans – Optional garnish that adds crunch and visual appeal

How to Make Cracker Barrel Carrot Cake

1. In a large bowl mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
2. In another mixing bowl, mix together the vegetable oil, sugars, vanilla, and eggs until fluffy.

3. Add pineapple, walnuts, coconut, carrots, and raisins and blend.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet.

5. Pour the batter into the baking pan and bake at 350°F for 40 to 50 minutes.
6. While the cake is baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting.
7. Use an electric mixer on high speed to mix cream cheese and butter until light and fluffy.
8. Reduce the mixer speed to low and add vanilla and a little powdered sugar at a time until all has been blended well.
9. Turn the mixer to medium-high speed and beat until the frosting is light and fluffy.
10. Once the cake is cool frost the cake with the the cream cheese frosting.
11. Sprinkle chopped pecans over frosting.

Recipe Notes

• Do not drain the pineapple juice from the crushed pineapple. The juice keeps the cake nice and moist.
• When preparing the raisins, make sure you soak in water until plump. You DO want to drain the water out of the raisins before adding to the mixture.
• After spreading the cream cheese frosting on top, add some crushed pecans for an added crunch.
• You can make carrot cake cupcakes instead of a full-sized cake. Reduce the baking time to about 25 minutes, or until done.

Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving

• Refrigerator Storage: Cover and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days

• Freezing Instructions:
  • Freeze unfrosted cake for up to 3 months, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil
  • For the frosted cake, freeze unwrapped for 1 hour to set the frosting, then wrap tightly

More Copycat Cracker Barrel dessert recipes

• Easy Banana Pudding
• Campfire Smores
• Chocolate Pecan Pie
• Chocolate Fudge Coca Cola Cake
• Chocolate Cherry Cobbler
• Strawberry Shortcake
• Pumpkin Custard Recipe

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Be sure to check out even easier cake recipes and copycat restaurant dishes.

What is your favorite Cracker Barrel dessert? This one, of course!  Let us know in the comments below what you think about this Cracker Barrel carrot cake.  And remember to follow us on Facebook and Instagram so you never miss a copycat recipe again!