Paula's Carrot Cake

Indulge in the ultimate homemade treat with Paula's Carrot Cake—a moist, spiced masterpiece bursting with rich flavors and textures. This classic dessert combines the comforting warmth of cinnamon with the natural sweetness of grated carrots and crushed pineapple, creating a perfectly balanced medley in every bite. Chopped pecans or walnuts add a delightful crunch, while a luscious cream cheese frosting made with real butter and vanilla tops it all off. Ideal for holidays, celebrations, or simply treating yourself, this easy-to-follow recipe comes together in just over an hour and serves up to 12. Garnish with extra pecans or grated carrots for a show-stopping finish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Perfect for searches like “best carrot cake recipe,” “easy homemade carrot cake,” or “cream cheese frosted desserts,” this recipe is guaranteed to become a family favorite!

Nutriscore Rating: 42/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:75 mins

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 2 cups All-purpose flour
• 2 cups Granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons Ground cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons Baking soda
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 4 large Eggs
• 1.5 cups Vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons Vanilla extract
• 3 cups Grated carrots
• 1 cup Crushed pineapple (drained)
• 1 cup Chopped pecans or walnuts
• 8 ounces Cream cheese
• 0.5 cups Unsalted butter (softened)
• 4 cups Powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract (for frosting)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt until combined.

Step 3

In a separate bowl, beat the eggs. Add vegetable oil and vanilla extract, then mix until well blended.

Step 4

Slowly incorporate the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.

Step 5

Fold in the grated carrots, crushed pineapple, and chopped pecans or walnuts until evenly distributed.

Step 6

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops.

Step 7

Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 8

Remove cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 9

To make the frosting, beat the cream cheese and unsalted butter together in a large bowl until smooth and creamy.

Step 10

Gradually add powdered sugar while continuing to beat the mixture, then add the vanilla extract and mix until fully incorporated.

Step 11

Once the cakes are completely cool, spread a layer of frosting on top of one cake layer, then place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides.

Step 12

Garnish with additional pecans or grated carrots, if desired, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2720.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	9952.9

Total Fat 589.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 165.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 205.0g
Cholesterol 1231.4mg	0%
Sodium 6158.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 1157.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 35.7g	0%
Total Sugars 928.5g
Protein 82.0g	0%

Vitamin D 222.3IU	0%
Calcium 673.4mg	0%
Iron 22.2mg	0%
Potassium 2394.1mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 51.7%

Protein: 3.2%

Carbs: 45.1%