Spiced Paula Deen Carrot Cake Recipe with Creamy Frosting

Carrot cake by Paula Deen blossoms from simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece that redefines dessert indulgence.

Warm spices and tender carrots weave a delectable narrative of comfort and elegance.

Each forkful promises a blissful journey through layers of sweet, moist goodness.

The cream cheese frosting whispers decadence, transforming ordinary baking into an extraordinary experience.

Packed with robust flavors and silky textures, this cake transcends traditional dessert boundaries.

Wholesome and irresistible, the recipe welcomes both novice and seasoned bakers to create magic in their kitchen.

One slice will seduce your taste buds and ignite a passion for homemade baking brilliance.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Calories: 485 kcal

Servings: 11

Ingredients List for Paula Deen’s Carrot Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: Select unbleached flour for a more natural flavor and better texture.
• Baking Powder: Choose aluminum-free for a cleaner taste and healthier option.
• Baking Soda: Ensure it's fresh and not expired for optimal rising.
• Salt: Use fine sea salt for even distribution and enhanced flavor.
• Ground Cinnamon: Opt for freshly ground or high-quality Ceylon cinnamon for depth.
• Ground Nutmeg: Grate whole nutmeg for maximum aromatic intensity.
• Ground Ginger: Select fresh, vibrant ground ginger for a zesty kick.

• Eggs: Pick farm-fresh eggs at room temperature for better mixing.
• Granulated Sugar: Use pure cane sugar for a cleaner sweetness.
• Vegetable Oil: Choose light, neutral-flavored oil like canola for smooth texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Select pure vanilla extract for rich, authentic flavor.

• Carrots: Use fresh, organic carrots and grate just before mixing for maximum moisture.
• Crushed Pineapple: Pick ripe, sweet pineapple and drain excess liquid thoroughly.

Carrot Cake Baking Gear – Paula Deen Style

• Oven: Essential for baking at steady 350°F temperature.
• 9×13 inch baking pan: Perfect size for spreading cake batter evenly.
• Cooking spray or butter: Helps prevent cake from sticking to pan.
• Flour: Used for dusting pan to ensure easy cake removal.
• Medium mixing bowl: Ideal for combining dry ingredients.
• Whisk: Helps blend dry ingredients smoothly.
• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for beating eggs and mixing wet ingredients.
• Electric mixer or hand whisk: Creates light, fluffy texture for eggs and sugar.
• Spatula: Great for folding ingredients and scraping bowl edges.
• Grater: Used for shredding fresh carrots.
• Wire cooling rack: Allows cake to cool evenly and prevents soggy bottom.
• Toothpick: Helps check cake's doneness by testing center.
• Knife: Used for slicing and serving cake.
• Offset spatula or butter knife: Helps spread cream cheese frosting smoothly.

How to Bake Paula Deen’s Carrot Cake

• Prepare Your Baking Space

Set your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 inch pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.

• Create Flavor Foundation

Whisk together flour, spices, and leavening agents in a bowl until perfectly blended, creating a fragrant dry mixture that promises deliciousness.

• Blend Wet Ingredients

Beat eggs until light and fluffy, then mix in sugar, oil, and vanilla, transforming the ingredients into a smooth, creamy base that will give your cake incredible moisture.

• Combine Batter Magic

Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture, stirring until the batter becomes silky and no flour streaks remain. This is where the cake’s magic begins.

• Incorporate Delightful Extras

Fold in freshly grated carrots and crushed pineapple, ensuring these delectable ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the batter for maximum flavor in every bite.

• Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and slide into the preheated oven. Bake for 40-45 minutes, watching for that golden-brown top that signals a perfectly cooked cake.

• Cool and Transform

Allow the cake to rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Let it cool completely, giving the flavors time to settle and develop their full potential.

• Finish with Frosting Flourish

Crown your creation with a luscious layer of cream cheese frosting. Slice, serve, and watch as smiles spread with each delightful bite of this classic carrot cake.

Customizing Paula Deen Carrot Cake Flavors

Explore creative twists and expert techniques to elevate this classic dessert.

Toss in chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and rich, toasty flavor. Fold them into the batter just before baking for maximum texture.

Experiment with cream cheese frosting variations by adding orange zest, a splash of rum, or a hint of maple syrup to create a unique flavor profile.

Replace some vegetable oil with unsweetened applesauce to reduce fat content while maintaining moisture. Use whole wheat flour for added nutrition without compromising taste.

Wrap the unfrosted cake tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Frost just before serving to keep the texture perfect and prevent sogginess.

Serve Carrot Cake Like Paula Would

• Garnish with Texture and Crunch: Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans across the frosted cake for an extra layer of nutty goodness and satisfying crunch.
• Pair with Creamy Companions: Serve each slice alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to enhance the cake's rich, moist texture.
• Create Decorative Flair: Use fresh carrot curls or edible flowers on top of the frosting to add a beautiful, elegant touch that makes the dessert look as delicious as it tastes.
• Serve with Complementary Beverages: Enjoy this carrot cake with a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or a cold glass of milk to balance the sweetness and create a delightful tasting experience.

Storing Paula Deen’s Famous Carrot Cake

• Store Smartly: Transfer leftover carrot cake to an airtight container to maintain moisture and freshness for up to 5 days at room temperature.
• Refrigerate for Longer Life: Cream cheese frosting requires refrigeration. Wrapped tightly, the cake stays delicious for 7-10 days in the fridge, preserving its soft texture and rich flavor.
• Freeze for Future Enjoyment: Slice the cake into individual portions, wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen carrot cake remains tasty for 2-3 months, offering a convenient dessert option anytime.
• Thaw with Care: Remove frozen cake slices from the freezer and let them defrost in the refrigerator for several hours. Bring to room temperature before serving to restore the original tender texture and delightful taste.

Moist Paula Deen Carrot Cake Recipe

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4.9 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 11 1x

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Description

Paula Deen’s carrot cake blends classic Southern baking with rich cream cheese frosting. Moisture-packed layers combine warm spices and sweet carrots for a comforting dessert that welcomes you to savor each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 cups (750 g) grated carrots
• 4 eggs
• 1 ½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (240 ml) vegetable oil
• 2 cups (480 ml) all-purpose flour
• 1 (8 oz / 226 g) can crushed pineapple, drained
• 2 tsps (10 g) baking powder
• 2 tsps (10 g) baking soda
• 2 tsps (4 g) ground cinnamon
• 2 tsps (10 ml) vanilla extract
• 1 tsp (5 g) salt
• 1 tsp (2 g) ground nutmeg
• ½ tsp (1 g) ground ginger

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Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep: Warm the oven to 350°F (175°C) and thoroughly grease a 9×13 inch baking pan, dusting lightly with flour to prevent sticking.
2. Dry Ingredient Fusion: Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ground ginger in a medium bowl until perfectly blended.
3. Egg Transformation: Whip eggs until light and voluminous, then gradually mix in sugar, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract, beating until the mixture becomes thick and luxurious.
4. Batter Construction: Fold dry ingredients into the egg mixture, creating a smooth, uniform batter, then gently incorporate freshly grated carrots and crushed pineapple, ensuring even distribution.
5. Baking Process: Pour the complete batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly, and bake for 40-45 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center emerges clean.
6. Cooling and Finishing: Allow the cake to rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before adorning with cream cheese frosting.

Notes

• Measure Precisely: Use exact measurements for dry ingredients to ensure consistent cake texture and prevent a dense or crumbly result.
• Moisture Matters: Fresh, finely grated carrots provide optimal moisture and sweetness, so avoid using pre-shredded or dried carrots.
• Cooling Technique: Let the cake cool completely before frosting to prevent the cream cheese frosting from melting and becoming runny.
• Pineapple Prep: Drain crushed pineapple thoroughly to avoid excess liquid that could make the cake soggy and affect its overall structure.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 11
• Calories: 485
• Sugar: 42 g
• Sodium: 365 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 62 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 186 mg