Description

Moist, flavorful, and topped with a dreamy cream cheese frosting, this Carrot Cake Sheet Cake is the perfect dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, celebrating a birthday, or just craving a classic dessert, this easy-to-make sheet cake delivers everything you love about carrot cake—without the fuss of layers. Packed with grated carrots, warm spices, and a tender crumb, it’s a crowd-pleasing favorite you’ll make again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale

For the Carrot Cake:

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking soda
½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
2 tsp cinnamon
½ tsp ground nutmeg
¼ tsp ground ginger
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup light brown sugar, packed
1 cup vegetable oil (or canola oil)
4 large eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
3 cups finely grated carrots (about 5 medium carrots)
½ cup crushed pineapple, drained (optional but adds great moisture)
½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
½ cup raisins (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

8 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
1 tsp vanilla extract
¼ tsp salt
3½ – 4 cups powdered sugar

Optional Garnish:

Chopped nuts
Shredded coconut
Carrot curls or sprinkles

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
In a separate bowl, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.
Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and stir just until combined.
Fold in grated carrots, crushed pineapple, nuts, and raisins if using.

Step 2: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting.

Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and fluffy.
Add vanilla extract and salt.
Gradually mix in powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, until desired consistency and sweetness is reached.
Beat on high for 1–2 minutes until light and creamy.

Step 4: Frost and Garnish the Cake

Once the cake is completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
Sprinkle with chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or decorative carrot shavings if desired.
Slice into squares and serve.

Notes

Grate Carrots Finely – This ensures they blend into the cake and keep it super moist.
Don’t Overmix – Stir just until combined to keep the cake tender.
Cool Completely – Never frost a warm cake or your frosting will melt.
Add Your Twist – Swap walnuts for pecans, or try golden raisins for a sweeter bite.
Use Room Temperature Ingredients – Especially the cream cheese and butter for a smooth frosting.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Cuisine: American