Sweet Pioneer Woman Carrot Cake Recipe

A Pioneer Woman’s carrot cake transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience that celebrates sweet, nostalgic comfort.

Warm spices and tender carrots mingle together, creating a dessert that feels like a delightful hug from grandma’s kitchen.

Soft, rich textures define this beloved classic that has graced countless family gatherings and special occasions.

Each slice promises a perfect balance between subtle sweetness and deeply satisfying flavor profiles.

Delicate cream cheese frosting adds a luxurious layer of creamy decadence that elevates the entire dessert.

Bakers of all skill levels can confidently tackle this approachable recipe that welcomes creativity and personal touches.

Tips That Keep Your Cake Tender and Tall

• Prevent Carrot Clumping: Toss grated carrots with a bit of flour before adding to the batter to distribute evenly and prevent sinking.
• Boost Moisture Secretly: Swap some oil with applesauce to keep the cake incredibly moist without changing the rich flavor profile.
• Freeze Cake Layers Smartly: Wrap cooled cake layers in plastic wrap and freeze for 30 minutes before frosting to minimize crumbs and create cleaner edges.
• Test Freshness Quickly: Ensure baking powder and baking soda are fresh by checking expiration dates, as stale leavening agents can flatten your cake's beautiful rise.
• Customize Crunch Easily: Lightly toast chopped nuts before adding to the batter or as a topping to intensify their nutty flavor and add delightful texture.

Smart Storage for Carrot Cake with Frosting

Preserve Whole Cake: Carefully encase the entire carrot cake in multiple layers of plastic wrap, followed by a protective aluminum foil shield. This method locks in moisture and prevents freezer burn, keeping your cake tasting freshly baked for up to 3 months. Remove from freezer 24 hours before serving, allowing it to thaw gradually in the refrigerator for optimal texture and flavor.

Slice Storage: Individually wrap cake slices in plastic wrap, then tuck them into a freezer-safe container. Separating slices prevents them from sticking together and allows you to thaw exactly what you want to enjoy. Each slice remains deliciously moist and ready to satisfy your sweet tooth within 2-3 months of freezing.

Refrigeration Strategy: Safeguard your carrot cake in an airtight container, placing wax paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Flavorful Ways to Make Your Carrot Cake Unique

• Tropical Paradise Carrot Cake: Swap out regular flour for coconut flour and add crushed pineapple to the batter. Fold in shredded coconut for extra texture and tropical flavor.
• Spiced Autumn Variation: Incorporate ground nutmeg and ginger alongside cinnamon. Replace pecans with toasted walnuts and add a drizzle of maple syrup between cake layers.
• Chocolate Lover's Dream: Mix cocoa powder into the dry ingredients for a rich chocolate base. Sprinkle mini chocolate chips into the batter and create a chocolate cream cheese frosting instead of traditional white frosting.
• Gluten-Free Garden Cake: Use almond flour and gluten-free baking mix as flour substitutes. Add zucchini alongside carrots for extra moisture and nutrition. Top with sliced almonds instead of pecans for crunch.

Carrot Cake That Brings on the Smiles

Carrot cake magic emerges from simple ingredients, blending rustic charm with sweet sophistication.

Home bakers discover pure comfort in each slice of this classic dessert.

Pioneer Woman’s recipe transforms ordinary moments into delightful celebrations.

Warm spices and cream cheese frosting create nostalgic connections between generations.

Rich textures and complex flavors dance across palates with remarkable harmony.

You’ll want to share this masterpiece – snap a photo, post your culinary triumph, and watch friends marvel at your baking prowess.

Why Carrot Cake Feels Like a Celebration in Every Slice

• Indulge in Comfort Baking: This carrot cake recipe offers a classic, homemade dessert that fills your kitchen with warm, nostalgic aromas and brings pure comfort to your baking experience.
• Effortless Texture Magic: The combination of grated carrots and oil creates an incredibly moist, tender cake with a delightfully soft crumb that melts in your mouth, making every bite pure bliss.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Explosion: Packed with warming cinnamon, sweet carrots, and rich cream cheese frosting, this cake delivers a perfect balance of spices and sweetness that appeals to both kids and adults alike.

The Sweet and Spiced Ingredients That Matter

• Vegetable Oil: Provides moisture and keeps the cake soft and tender.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a light texture.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients together and provide structure to the cake.

• All-Purpose Flour: Main structure of the cake, choose unbleached for best results.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Leavening agents that help the cake rise and become fluffy.
• Ground Cinnamon: Warm spice that adds classic carrot cake flavor.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.

• Carrots: Fresh, finely grated carrots provide moisture and natural sweetness.

• Butter, Cream Cheese: Creamy base for smooth, rich frosting, use full-fat versions.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and classic flavor to the frosting.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting.

• Pecans: Toasted nuts add crunch and nutty flavor to the cake's topping.

How to Bake a Rich, Moist Carrot Cake

Step 1: Prepare Oven And Baking Pans

Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease 2 8-inch round cake pans. Line pans with parchment paper, then grease paper and dust with flour.

Step 2: Create Wet Ingredient Mixture

• Vegetable oil
• Granulated sugar
• Eggs

Stir ingredients until well blended and smooth.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

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

Ensure ingredients are thoroughly combined.

Step 4: Blend Cake Batter

Add dry ingredient mixture to wet ingredients. Stir until just combined. Gently fold in freshly grated carrots.

Step 5: Bake Cake Layers

Pour batter evenly into prepared pans. Bake for 30 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into cake center – it should come out clean.

Step 6: Cool Cake Layers

Let cakes cool in pans on wire rack for 10 minutes. Loosen edges with knife. Remove from pans and cool completely. Peel off parchment paper.

Step 7: Whip Up Cream Cheese Frosting

• Softened butter
• Cream cheese

Mix on medium speed until smooth. Add vanilla extract. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar until frosting is light and fluffy.

Step 8: Assemble Delicious Cake

Place first cake layer on serving plate. Spread frosting over top. Carefully add second layer. Frost entire cake top and sides.

Step 9: Add Crunchy Topping

Sprinkle toasted pecans over frosted cake for delightful crunch and visual appeal.

Pioneer Woman Carrot Cake Recipe

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4.9 from 25 reviews

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

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Description

Pioneer Woman’s carrot cake delivers pure Southern comfort with layers of spiced warmth and cream cheese frosting. Rich, moist crumb packed with nuts and sweet carrots invites you to savor each delightful forkful of homestyle baking magic.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 2 cups grated carrots
• 1 cup vegetable oil

Spices and Leavening Agents:

• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt

Frosting and Topping:

• 1 ½ sticks (12 tablespoons) salted butter, softened
• 12 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 ½ pounds powdered sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ½ cup chopped pecans, toasted
• Additional vegetable oil for greasing pans
• Additional all-purpose flour for dusting pans

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and meticulously prepare two 8-inch round cake pans by greasing them, lining with parchment paper, then re-greasing and dusting with flour.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, whisk together vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and eggs until the mixture achieves a smooth, homogeneous consistency.
3. Sift the flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt in a separate bowl, ensuring even distribution of dry ingredients.
4. Gently incorporate the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined, then delicately fold in the freshly grated carrots.
5. Distribute the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans, creating a uniform layer in each.
6. Slide the pans into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center emerges clean and dry.
7. Allow the cakes to rest in their pans on a wire rack for 10 minutes, then carefully loosen the edges and transfer to the rack, peeling away the parchment paper.
8. For the frosting, cream together softened butter and cream cheese using an electric mixer until silky smooth, then introduce vanilla extract.
9. Gradually add powdered sugar to the butter-cream cheese mixture, beating until the frosting becomes light, fluffy, and spreadable.
10. Position the first cake layer on a serving plate and generously spread a layer of frosting across the top.
11. Carefully place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake, ensuring complete coverage of the top and sides.
12. Complete the presentation by sprinkling toasted pecans over the frosted cake, creating a delightful textural garnish.

Notes

• Precision matters when measuring ingredients to guarantee a perfectly textured carrot cake that wows every time.
• Grate carrots fresh for maximum natural sweetness and moisture that transforms this classic dessert.
• Toast pecans beforehand to unlock deep, rich nutty flavors and create an irresistible crunchy exterior.
• Line cake pan with parchment paper for effortless removal and zero sticking during baking adventures.
• Bring eggs to room temperature to ensure smoother blending and more consistent cake batter magic.
• Sift dry ingredients to eliminate clumps and distribute leavening agents evenly throughout the mixture.
• Soften butter and cream cheese completely for ultra-silky, spreadable frosting that glides like a dream.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 900 kcal
• Sugar: 97 g
• Sodium: 435 mg
• Fat: 50 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 29 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 105 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 180 mg