Copycat Carrot Cake Recipe Paula Deen

Carrot cake recipe Paula Deen style is a rich, moist dessert made with fresh grated carrots, chopped pecans, and a smooth cream cheese frosting.

I have years of experience baking this classic recipe and always return to it for its unbeatable flavor and texture. I first saw this cake being made on a Southern cooking show, and it immediately inspired me to recreate it at home.

The standout feature of this Carrot cake recipe Paula Deen is its dense, flavorful crumb packed with carrots and nuts. Now I’m ready to walk you through the step-by-step process so you can enjoy this traditional favorite too.

Carrot Cake Recipe Paula Deen

This Carrot cake recipe Paula Deen is a classic Southern delight from Paula Deen’s Grandma Hiers. Deeply moist and tender due to the generous amount of oil and fresh, finely grated carrots, it stands out from other versions.

The Carrot cake recipe Paula Deen delicious flavor comes from a blend of spices like cinnamon, complemented by the natural sweetness of the carrots.

Topped with a rich, tangy cream cheese frosting and optional pecans, this Carrot cake recipe Paula Deen is both satisfying and lush. Its foolproof method makes it a go-to recipe.

How To Preparte Carrot Cake Recipe Paula Deen?

Preparation Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: Southern American

Difficulty: Easy

Yield: 12 servings

Kitchen Utensils

• 3 round cake pans (9-inch)
• Large mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or hand mixer
• Rubber spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk
• Grater (for carrots)
• Cooling racks
• Offset spatula or knife for frosting

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting cake pans)
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 4 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1½ cups vegetable oil
• 3 cups freshly grated carrots
• 1½ cups chopped pecans

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 1 (16 oz) box powdered sugar
• 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1 stick (½ cup) salted butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

How To Make Carrot Cake Recipe Paula Deen

Step 1: Prep Your Pans and Oven

First things first—let’s get the oven ready. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, grease two 9-inch round cake pans with butter or non-stick spray. Lightly dust them with flour, then tap out the extra so your cakes will slip out easily later.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Grab a large mixing bowl and add in the granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Give it a good stir so everything is evenly mixed. This step sets the foundation for a flavorful, perfectly spiced cake.

Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients and Carrots

Now crack in the eggs and pour the vegetable oil right into the dry mixture. Stir or beat everything until it comes together. Then fold in the grated carrots and chopped pecans. The batter will look thick—that’s exactly how it should be.

Step 4: Bake the Cakes

Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The cakes should be golden and springy.

Step 5: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese, butter, and a splash of vanilla extract together until it’s smooth and fluffy. Slowly add the powdered sugar a little at a time, beating until the frosting is creamy, luscious, and free of lumps.

Step 6: Assemble the Cake

Place one cooled cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a nice thick layer of cream cheese frosting on top. Gently place the second cake layer over it, then frost the top and sides. Take your time smoothing the frosting with a spatula—it doesn’t need to be perfect, just delicious.

Step 7: Decorate and Serve

For a little extra flair, sprinkle some chopped pecans over the top. Chill the cake for about 30 minutes so the frosting sets nicely. Then, slice it up and enjoy a soft, moist carrot cake that’s loaded with flavor and finished with a creamy, tangy frosting.

Nutrition Facts Of Carrot Cake Recipe Paula Deen

Nutrition	Amounts
Calories	570
Total Fat	35g
Saturated Fat	9g
Cholesterol	80mg
Sodium	410mg
Total Carbohydrate	60g
Sugars	45g
Protein	5g

Why My Recipe Works

My Carrot cake recipe Paula Deen works because it balances moisture, texture, and flavor perfectly. Using fresh grated carrots keeps the cake tender and naturally sweet, while the chopped pecans add a pleasant crunch.

The combination of cinnamon and sugar creates a warm, inviting taste that complements the carrots without overpowering them.

The cream cheese frosting is rich but smooth, enhancing the cake’s flavor without being too heavy. Careful mixing and proper baking time ensure the cake rises evenly and stays moist.

This method has proven reliable every time, delivering consistent, delicious results that make this Carrot cake recipe Paula Deen a favorite.

Why We Love This Recipe

This Carrot cake recipe Paula Deen is loved for its perfect balance of flavors and textures. The moist, tender cake blends the natural sweetness of fresh carrots with the crunch of pecans, creating a satisfying contrast.

The warm spices add depth without overpowering the other ingredients. The cream cheese frosting adds a smooth, tangy finish that complements the cake beautifully. Its rich, comforting taste reminds many of classic Southern baking traditions.

The consistency of results and timeless flavor make this carrot cake a favorite for gatherings and special occasions alike. It’s a true crowd-pleaser that never disappoints.

Servings Suggestions

➤ Dessert parfait: Layer chunks of carrot cake with vanilla custard or Greek yogurt and fresh fruit in a glass for an elegant, layered parfait.

➤ Sheet pan style: Bake the cake as a single sheet and serve it directly from the pan for a more casual, family-style presentation.

➤ Warm slices: For a comforting finish, serve slightly warmed slices. The warmth softens the cake and melts the frosting just enough to enhance its moist texture.

➤ Carrot cake bar: Cut the sheet cake into individual bars for easy handling, ideal for a buffet or party setting.

➤ Garnish with candied ginger: For an extra layer of spice and texture, sprinkle chopped candied ginger over the top of the frosting.

Health Benefits

Carrot cake recipe Paula Deen contains fresh grated carrots, which are rich in beta-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A that supports eye health and immune function.

The pecans provide healthy fats, fiber, and protein, contributing to heart health and sustained energy. Using spices like cinnamon can help regulate blood sugar and offer antioxidant properties.

While this Carrot cake recipe Paula Deen is a treat with sugar and oil, it also includes nutrient-dense ingredients that add some vitamins and minerals compared to many other desserts.

Enjoying Carrot cake recipe Paula Deen in moderation can satisfy sweet cravings while offering small nutritional benefits.

My Tips Tips For Success!

1. Using a fine grater helps the carrots blend seamlessly into the batter, ensuring the cake stays moist and soft without large chunks interrupting the texture. Freshly grated carrots also provide natural sweetness and moisture.

2. Ingredients at room temperature mix more evenly, helping the batter achieve the right consistency. Cold eggs or oil can cause the batter to curdle or mix unevenly, affecting the cake’s texture.

3. Toasting pecans before adding them enhances their nutty flavor and adds a subtle crunch. It also removes any raw taste, making the nuts more aromatic and delicious in the cake.

4. When combining dry and wet ingredients, stir just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing develops gluten, which can lead to a dense, tough cake rather than a tender crumb.

5. Placing the cake pans on the middle rack ensures even heat circulation, preventing the cake from baking unevenly or browning too quickly on one side.

6. Let the cake cool fully on a wire rack to avoid the cream cheese frosting melting or sliding off. This step also helps the flavors settle and makes frosting easier to spread smoothly.

Additions For Make More Delicious

✔ Nuts: In addition to or in place of pecans, walnuts can be used to add a similar nutty crunch. For a different flavor, consider adding macadamia nuts or cashews.

✔ Dried fruit: Stir in golden or dark raisins, dried cranberries, or dried pineapple bits with the carrots for extra sweetness and a chewy texture.

✔ Shredded coconut: Add shredded coconut to the batter and sprinkle some on top for a tropical flavor and texture.

✔ Spices: Enhance the spice profile by including a pinch of ground nutmeg, cloves, or ginger along with the cinnamon. For a more complex, modern take, add some cardamom or a hint of allspice.

✔ Fruit purees: For an added layer of flavor and moisture, mix in a half-cup of crushed pineapple or a half-cup of applesauce. For pineapple, be sure to partially drain it first.

✔ Citrus zest: Adding orange zest to the cake batter and a bit of lemon juice to the cream cheese frosting can brighten the flavors.

Substitutions

◆ Oil substitute: Melted butter can be used for a richer flavor, but it may slightly change the texture. For a healthier option, substitute some of the vegetable oil with unsweetened applesauce, which will keep the cake moist.

◆ Frosting substitute: If cream cheese frosting is not preferred, a classic vanilla buttercream is a good alternative. For a richer, nuttier flavor, consider a brown butter frosting.

◆ Egg substitute: For an eggless version, use a commercial egg replacer or a flax egg (one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water per egg).

◆ Flour substitute: To make the recipe gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Some flour blends may require the addition of xanthan gum.

◆ Nuts: For those with nut allergies, simply omit the pecans from the recipe entirely. The cake will still be delicious and moist without them

Proper Storage

Because it is made with a perishable cream cheese frosting, Carrot cake recipe Paula Deen should always be refrigerated in an airtight container.

The Carrot cake recipe Paula Deen will keep for up to a week, but allowing it to come to room temperature for about an hour before serving will improve the texture and flavor.

For longer-term storage, the unfrosted cake layers can be frozen for up to three months when wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. To serve, simply thaw, frost, and enjoy.

Conclusion

My easy process and simple ideas for making Carrot cake recipe Paula Deene are designed to help everyone enjoy baking without stress.

By sharing clear steps and helpful tips, I hope to make this classic Carrot cake recipe Paula Deen accessible and enjoyable for all skill levels.

Baking should be fun and rewarding, and I wish that my guidance inspires confidence and delicious results in your kitchen.

I’m excited to share these ideas, hoping they bring joy and success to your baking experience.

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