Paula Deen’s Quick & Dreamy Carrot Cake Recipe for Beginners

Paula Deen’s carrot cake transforms humble root vegetables into a decadent dessert marvel that dances between rustic comfort and elegant indulgence.

Sweet, spiced, and impossibly moist, this recipe captures the essence of homemade baking magic.

Each slice promises a symphony of warm cinnamon, delicate nutmeg, and tender carrots blending into a harmonious treat.

The cream cheese frosting adds a luxurious layer of creamy richness that elevates the entire experience.

Hearty ingredients merge seamlessly, creating a dessert that feels simultaneously nostalgic and sophisticated.

Bakers of all skill levels can confidently craft this crowd-pleasing confection with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction: Get ready to wow your friends and family.

Why Paula Deen’s Carrot Cake Recipe is So Loved

• Craft a Comforting Homestyle Dessert: This carrot cake delivers a classic, nostalgic flavor that reminds you of grandma's kitchen, bringing warmth and memories with every delightful bite.
• Celebrate Effortless Baking Success: The straightforward recipe means even novice bakers can create a professional-looking dessert with minimal cooking skills, ensuring a foolproof and delicious result every single time.
• Enjoy Nutritious Indulgence: Packed with grated carrots and subtle spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, this cake offers a sneaky way to incorporate vegetables into a sweet treat, making it feel slightly more virtuous than traditional desserts.
• Experience Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for potlucks, birthdays, or casual weekend gatherings, this carrot cake appeals to all ages and can be easily customized with different frostings or toppings to suit any occasion.

The Essentials for Paula’s Carrot Cake Delight

• All-Purpose Flour: A key base for the cake's structure and texture.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
• Baking Soda: Provides additional leavening and helps balance the cake's acidity.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
• Ground Cinnamon: Adds warm, classic spice flavor characteristic of carrot cake.
• Ground Nutmeg: Provides a subtle, aromatic warmth to the cake.
• Ground Ginger: Contributes a gentle, spicy note to the overall flavor profile.

• Eggs: Bind ingredients together and provide structure to the cake.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps create a tender crumb.
• Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender, preventing dryness.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and enhances the cake's overall flavor.

• Carrots, Pineapple: Add moisture, natural sweetness, and contribute to the cake's unique texture. Fresh, finely grated carrots work best for even distribution.

Bake a Moist Carrot Cake Just Like Paula Deen

Step 1: Prepare Baking Zone

Warm up your oven to 350°F. Grab a 9×13 inch baking pan and coat it with butter or cooking spray, then dust with flour to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Dry Ingredient Blend

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground nutmeg
• Ground ginger

Whisk these ingredients together until perfectly mixed.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

• Granulated sugar
• Vegetable oil
• Vanilla extract

Continue beating until the mixture looks thick and creamy.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gently fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients. Stir until everything is evenly incorporated with no flour streaks.

Step 5: Add Vegetable and Fruit

• Freshly grated carrots
• Crushed pineapple

Mix until ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Pour batter into the prepared pan. Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean.

Step 7: Cool the Cake

Let the cake rest in the pan for 10 minutes. Carefully transfer to a wire rack and allow to cool completely.

Step 8: Frost and Serve

Once cooled, spread cream cheese frosting over the entire cake. Slice, serve, and enjoy this delightful dessert!

Carrot Cake Tips for Maximum Flavor and Texture

• Customize Your Creation: Experiment with personal touches like nuts, raisins, or coconut flakes to make the cake uniquely yours.
• Monitor Baking Precisely: Check the cake around 35 minutes since ovens vary, ensuring perfect doneness without overcooking.
• Prep Ingredients Strategically: Bring eggs and butter to room temperature for smoother mixing and superior cake texture.
• Squeeze Out Extra Moisture: Thoroughly drain pineapple chunks to prevent a soggy cake foundation.
• Grate Carrots Fresh: Use hand-grated carrots for maximum flavor and optimal cake consistency, avoiding pre-packaged alternatives.

Store Your Carrot Cake Without Losing Moisture

• Refrigerator Method: Preserve cake perfection by storing in an airtight container lined with paper towels to absorb excess moisture. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, ensuring no air pockets remain. Keeps cake fresh for up to 5 days, maintaining its delectable texture and preventing flavor absorption from other foods.
• Freezing Method: Slice cake before freezing for easier portioning. Wrap each section individually in plastic wrap, then place in a heavy-duty freezer bag. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Label with date and contents. Freezes beautifully for 2-3 months, allowing you to enjoy a slice of happiness whenever craving strikes.
• Counter Storage Method: Best for short-term enjoyment within 2 days. Cover loosely with a cake dome or clean kitchen towel to prevent drying. Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources.

Paula’s Carrot Cake With a Twist: Fun Ideas

• Nutty Carrot Crunch: Add 1 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for extra texture and a rich, toasted flavor that complements the sweet carrots.
• Coconut Caribbean Remix: Fold 1 cup of shredded coconut into the batter and sprinkle toasted coconut flakes on top of the cream cheese frosting for a tropical-inspired version.
• Chocolate Chip Carrot Delight: Mix 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips into the batter to create a decadent and unexpected layer of chocolatey goodness throughout the cake.
• Zesty Orange Carrot Splash: Add 2 tablespoons of orange zest to the batter and replace half of the vanilla extract with orange extract for a bright, citrusy undertone that elevates the classic carrot cake flavor.

What You’ll Think After One Slice of This Cake

Moist, rich carrot cake emerges as Paula Deen’s signature dessert masterpiece.

Classic southern baking techniques shine through each delectable slice.

Spices like cinnamon and nutmeg dance harmoniously with sweet carrots and pineapple.

Cream cheese frosting crowns this irresistible treat with creamy perfection.

Home bakers can easily recreate this legendary recipe with simple ingredients and straightforward steps.

You’ll find this carrot cake becoming an instant family favorite – so grab your mixing bowl, share this delightful recipe, drop a comment below, and spread some sweet southern baking love!

Paula Deen Carrot Cake Recipe

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4.6 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Paula Deen’s carrot cake blends Southern charm with rich, moist layers of spiced goodness. Cream cheese frosting crowns this classic dessert, inviting you to savor each delectable bite of comfort and tradition.

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Ingredients

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Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups (480 milliliters) all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons (10 grams) baking powder
• 2 teaspoons (10 grams) baking soda
• 1 teaspoon (5 grams) salt
• 2 teaspoons (4 grams) ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon (2 grams) ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon (1 gram) ground ginger

Wet Ingredients:

• 4 eggs
• 1 ½ cups (300 grams) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons (10 milliliters) vanilla extract

Produce and Fruit:

• 3 cups (750 grams) grated carrots
• 1 (8-ounce / 226 grams) can crushed pineapple, drained

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating it to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Thoroughly coat a 9×13 inch (23×33 centimeters) baking pan with grease and a light dusting of flour.
2. Combine all dry ingredients in a medium mixing bowl, whisking together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ground ginger until evenly distributed.
3. In a spacious mixing bowl, vigorously whip the eggs until they become light and airy.
4. Gradually incorporate sugar, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract into the whipped eggs, continuing to beat until the mixture becomes thick and creamy.
5. Gently fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring until a smooth, uniform batter forms.
6. Carefully fold in the freshly grated carrots and crushed pineapple, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
7. Transfer the complete batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
8. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean when the cake is fully baked.
9. Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to rest in the pan for 10 minutes to facilitate easier removal.
10. Carefully transfer the cake from the pan onto a wire cooling rack, letting it cool completely to room temperature.
11. Once fully cooled, apply cream cheese frosting or your preferred frosting evenly across the top of the cake.
12. Slice, serve, and savor the delightful carrot pineapple cake.

Notes

• Grate carrots fresh for maximum flavor and ideal cake texture, bypassing pre-shredded options.
• Thoroughly drain pineapple chunks to prevent soggy cake consistency and maintain perfect moisture balance.
• Bring eggs and butter to room temperature for smoother mixing and more uniform cake structure.
• Fold batter gently to avoid developing tough gluten, keeping the cake tender and light.
• Monitor baking closely around 35-minute mark, testing with a toothpick for perfect doneness.
• Allow cake to cool completely before frosting, ensuring smooth and stable icing application.
• Customize your creation by incorporating nuts, raisins, or coconut for personal flair and added texture.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 503 kcal
• Sugar: 36 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 65 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg