Dino’s 24 Karrot Cake and Basic Carrot Cake Recipe to enjoy

Branson Landing is one exciting development in Branson, an open-air shopping mall boasting over  100 specialty stores and restaurants.    One of the popular shops in Branson Landing is Dino’s 24 Karrot Cake Company & Cafe.  Dino’s so famous in Branson for its legendary treat for all  sweet lovers — Carrot Cake (Dino mentions of Beyonce and Denzel Washington as some of his wealthy clientele).   So we all had a slice from Dino’s decorated carrot cake — so moist, so crazy-delicious, so-not-enough for just a slice.

At Dino’s I was introduced to America’s favorite Gospel Trio, the “Voices of Glory”, 5th placer in last year’s America’s Got Talent.  Their uncle/manager Gerard Cole introduced me also to the kids parents — so much love in this family, really!   Check their website for their CD as well as schedule of tours and performances:  www.voicesofglory2020.com

Basic Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Meaning, no canned crushed pineapple added!  And yes, lots of oil to ensure a super moist cake.  Some would substitute applesauce for half of the oil…but this is a basic recipe, remember.

Cake:
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups white sugar
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 1/4 cups canola or corn oil
4 large eggs
3 cups grated carrots
1 cups coarsely chopped walnuts

Frosting:
1 box (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
1 stick (1/2 cup) butter, softened
about 3 to 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
2 teaspoons Nielsen-Massey pure vanilla extract
coarsely chopped walnuts, for garnish

Use two 9-inch or 3 8-inch round pans, greased, line bottom with parchment paper, greased again and floured.   Preheat oven to 350 F.

Mix all cake ingredients using electric mixer, combining well until smooth.  Divide into prepared pans.  Bake for about 35 to 45 minutes, or until toothpick inserted into center of cake comes out clean.  Let cakes cool while preparing frosting.

For the frosting, beat cream cheese and butter in a large mixing bowl until well blended.  Add powdered sugar, a cup at a time.  Stir in vanilla extract and beat until smooth and creamy.  Fill and frost cake, and garnish top of cake with chopped walnuts.  Simple but divine..it’s carrot cake!

Also took pics of other Dino’s cake…yumm!

Read more at Celebr-eat-y By Sarah Lee