Simple Paula Deen Carrot Cake With Pineapple Recipe Ideas

Carrot cake with pineapple transforms ordinary desserts into extraordinary culinary experiences that spark joy and comfort.

Sweet, moist pineapple elevates this classic recipe with unexpected tropical notes and tender textures.

Warm spices intertwine with fresh carrots, creating a harmonious blend that tantalizes taste buds.

Cream cheese frosting adds luxurious richness, turning each slice into a decadent celebration.

Home bakers appreciate how simple ingredients combine to create something truly memorable.

The magical alchemy of fruits, vegetables, and spices makes this cake irresistible to anyone with a sweet tooth.

She’ll want seconds after experiencing this delightful dessert that feels like a warm hug:

Why Paula Deen’s Carrot Cake with Pineapple is Irresistible

• Burst with Flavor Combinations: Enjoy the perfect harmony of sweet carrots, tangy pineapple, and rich cream cheese frosting that dances on your taste buds with every delightful bite.
• Texture Adventure: Experience a magical mix of moist cake, crunchy pecans, and silky smooth frosting that creates a delectable contrast in every single mouthful of this classic dessert.
• Stress-Free Baking Delight: Whip up this straightforward recipe in just one hour, making it ideal for both novice bakers and seasoned pros who want a hassle-free yet impressive dessert that'll wow family and friends at any gathering.

What You Need for Paula Deen’s Carrot Cake with Pineapple

• All-Purpose Flour: Essential base for cake structure, use fresh and well-sifted flour for smooth texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with cake's golden color and tender crumb.
• Baking Soda: Crucial leavening agent that helps cake rise and become light.
• Ground Cinnamon: Warm spice that adds depth and classic carrot cake flavor.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.

• Eggs: Bind ingredients together and provide moisture and structure.
• Vegetable Oil: Keeps cake incredibly moist and tender, neutral flavor works perfectly.

• Grated Carrots, Crushed Pineapple: Natural sweeteners that add moisture, texture, and subtle fruity notes, fresh and well-drained ingredients recommended.
• Pecans: Provides crunch and nutty flavor, can be toasted for enhanced taste.

• Cream Cheese: Creates tangy, smooth base for classic carrot cake frosting.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps stabilize frosting.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, sweet undertone to frosting.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens frosting, creates smooth consistency.

Making Paula Deen’s Carrot Cake with Pineapple

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour 3 9-inch round cake pans. Line pan bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Create Dry Ingredient Blend

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Baking soda
• Ground cinnamon
• Salt

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

• 4 large eggs
• 1 vegetable oil
• Grated carrots
• Crushed pineapple (drained)
• 1 chopped pecans (optional)

Step 4: Bake Cake Layers

Divide batter evenly among prepared pans. Bake for 40 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool in pans for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack.

Step 5: Whip Up Creamy Frosting

• Cream cheese (softened)
• Unsalted butter (softened)
• Vanilla extract
• Powdered sugar
• Chopped pecans (optional)

Step 6: Assemble Delectable Cake

Layer frosting between cake layers. Cover top and sides completely. Sprinkle extra pecans on top for decoration if desired. Slice and enjoy this mouthwatering dessert!

Tips for Perfecting Paula Deen’s Carrot Cake with Pineapple

• Chill Before Slicing: Refrigerate the cake for 30 minutes to set the frosting and create clean, precise cuts that showcase the cake's beautiful layers.
• Enhance Flavor Overnight: Let the carrot cake rest in the refrigerator, allowing the spices and ingredients to meld together, resulting in a more intensely delicious dessert the next day.
• Press Out Moisture: Thoroughly squeeze the crushed pineapple using a paper towel, removing excess liquid to ensure a perfectly moist yet not soggy cake texture that holds its shape beautifully.

How to Store Paula Deen’s Carrot Cake with Pineapple

• Freezer Protection: Wrap individual cake slices or the entire cake tightly in plastic wrap, then place inside a sealed freezer container. Protect from freezer burn by ensuring no air pockets remain around the cake. These carefully wrapped portions stay delicious for up to 2 months, ready for surprise dessert cravings.
• Refrigeration Strategy: Preserve cake freshness by storing in an airtight container within the refrigerator. Cream cheese frosting maintains moisture and prevents cake from drying out. Consume within 5 days for optimal taste and texture, allowing flavors to meld beautifully.
• Counter Caution: Never leave cream cheese frosted cake at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Bacterial growth can quickly compromise food safety and cake quality. Refrigeration remains the safest storage method for maintaining both flavor and texture.

Creative Variations on Paula Deen’s Carrot Cake with Pineapple

• Gluten-Free Garden Cake: Swap regular flour with almond or coconut flour for a celiac-friendly version. Keep all other ingredients the same, ensuring a moist and rich texture that everyone can enjoy.
• Tropical Carrot Celebration: Add shredded coconut and swap some pecans with macadamia nuts. Include a splash of rum in the frosting for an elevated flavor profile that brings Caribbean vibes to the classic recipe.
• Healthier Nutty Version: Reduce sugar by using honey or maple syrup, replace some oil with applesauce, and incorporate whole wheat pastry flour. Sprinkle chia seeds into the batter for extra nutrition without compromising the cake's delectable taste.
• Spiced Autumn Remix: Enhance the spice blend by adding ground nutmeg and a pinch of cardamom. Garnish with candied ginger pieces and use walnuts instead of pecans to create a warmly spiced, seasonal interpretation of the original carrot cake.

Final Words on Paula Deen’s Carrot Cake with Pineapple

Culinary magic unfolds with Paula Deen’s legendary carrot cake, blending Southern charm and nostalgic flavors into each remarkable slice.

Sweet pineapple and hearty pecans create an irresistible harmony within moist cake layers that whisper comfort and indulgence.

Cream cheese frosting crowns this masterpiece, promising pure deliciousness in every forkful.

Generations of bakers have cherished this recipe, passing down its delectable secrets from kitchen to kitchen.

Family gatherings become extraordinary moments when this spectacular dessert graces the table.

Gourmet experiences await: share this incredible recipe, spark conversations, and let passionate baking enthusiasts explore its delightful magic.

Paula Deen Carrot Cake With Pineapple Recipe

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4.7 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Paula Deen’s carrot cake delights with Southern charm and tropical pineapple sweetness. Moist layers crowned with cream cheese frosting promise rich, comforting flavors that welcome you to savor each memorable bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 cups grated carrots (about 4 medium carrots)
• 1 cup crushed pineapple, well-drained
• 4 large eggs
• 1 ½ cups (355 ml) vegetable oil
• 2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour
• 2 cups (400 g) sugar

Spices and Leavening:

• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt

Frosting and Topping:

• 2 (8 ounces/226 g) packages cream cheese, room temperature
• 1 stick (113 g) salted butter, room temperature
• 1 (16 ounces/454 g) box powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups (226 g) chopped pecans, divided (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 350°F (175°C). Thoroughly coat three 9-inch round cake pans with grease and flour, then line their bottoms with parchment paper to ensure easy cake removal.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, meticulously combine the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt, creating a uniform mixture.
3. Introduce eggs and vegetable oil to the dry ingredient mixture. Utilize a hand mixer to blend the components until they form a smooth, consistent batter. Gently fold in freshly grated carrots, drained crushed pineapple, and 1 1/2 cups of chopped pecans, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.
4. Carefully divide the prepared batter equally among the prepared cake pans, ensuring an even distribution. Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 40 minutes. Test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cakes – it should emerge clean. Once baked, allow the cakes to rest in their pans for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire cooling rack.
5. While the cakes cool, craft the creamy frosting. In a medium bowl, whip cream cheese, softened butter, pure vanilla extract, and powdered sugar using a hand mixer until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. Optional: incorporate an additional 1/2 cup of chopped nuts into the frosting for extra texture.
6. Once the cake layers have completely cooled, begin the assembly process. Apply a generous layer of frosting atop each cake layer, carefully stacking them on a decorative serving plate. Completely cover the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting, creating a smooth finish. For a final touch, sprinkle additional chopped pecans around the cake for a delightful garnish and crunch.

Notes

• Save some extra crushed pineapple for garnishing the cake top or folding into cream cheese frosting for an extra burst of tropical flavor.
• Grate carrots fresh for maximum moisture and sweetness. Pre-shredded carrots from the store can be drier and less flavorful.
• Experiment with different nuts like pecans or walnuts for added crunch and depth. Toast them lightly before adding to intensify their natural oils and nutty taste.
• Room temperature ingredients blend more smoothly, helping create a uniform cake texture. Pull out eggs, butter, and cream cheese about 30 minutes before mixing.
• Check cake doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean with just a few moist crumbs, the cake is perfectly baked.
• Wrap leftover cake tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to maintain moisture for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
• Use full-fat cream cheese for the richest, most luxurious frosting that spreads beautifully and holds its shape.
• Line cake pans with parchment paper for easy removal and to prevent sticking. Grease the paper edges for extra insurance.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 420 kcal
• Sugar: 34 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg