Friends, I don't know about you, but I LOVE a good recipe swap! So, today, that's exactly what we're doing - I'm sharing my favorite carrot cake recipe with you...and if you have a favorite cake recipe you'd like to share, send it to me! 

I just love a good 3-layer cake - and this carrot cake is nothing short of ahhh-maaaa-zzzing! I've taken it to three events in the last year and have yet to come home with anything more than my cake plate! I decorated this cake over on Facebook Live in record time (you can watch the video here - and the photos are of that actual cake - so hopefully that explains why it's not exactly perfect), and I promised y'all the recipe...so here it is! But first...I have to prove my previous statement:

See what I mean?!  Okay...you've seen the proof...on to the recipe! :)

Now, I have to admit, as any good Southern cook would do, I switch things up a bit. :) I follow the cake recipe exactly (with the exception of one change noted below) and I also make the buttermilk glaze recipe as it is written. I do tend to stir almost constantly so it doesn't scorch...which is slightly more than what they recommend. **(As a side note, the glaze may have a strange aftertaste - it will appear (and taste) a bit like thin caramel; however, I've noticed that the aftertaste is odd. The first time I made this, I threw the first batch out and made it again...only to yield the same result. So, just go with it...as long as you've stirred it a plenty and it didn't scorch!)**

For the icing, I do a complete switch-a-roo! I've never actually tried the icing recipe listed with the cake because I've found another cream cheese frosting that I love! I prefer a thicker, not-so-sweet frosting that I can pipe...and since I've found one that I adore, I just go with that! 

Finally, to decorate, I garnish the sides with with chopped pecans and the top with candied carrot curls which I've also linked below! If you try this recipe, be sure to tag us on Facebook or Instagram - I'd love to see your creation. 

Recipes:

For the cake, I use Southern Living's Best Carrot Cake. *I follow this recipe exactly except for one thing - instead of canned coconut, I used sweetened coconut flake.*

For the icing, I use The Kitchen is My Playground's Cream Cheese Frosting - and it is scrumptious! 

For the candied carrot curls, Southern Living wins again! You can find the recipe and instructions, here!  Tip:  If your carrot curls start to stick to your wooden spoon handle, spray with a little nonstick cooking spray! 

So, there you have it! A few decorative tweaks and minor substitutions and you have my dream carrot cake! 

From my kitchen to yours, happy baking! 

Blessings,