Carrot Cake Sheet Cake (Printer-Friendly)
Ultra-moist carrot cake with cream cheese frosting, spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg. Perfect for cozy celebrations.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Carrot Cake Base
01 -
2 cups all-purpose flour
02 -
2 teaspoons baking powder
03 -
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
04 -
1/2 teaspoon salt
05 -
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
06 -
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
07 -
1 cup granulated sugar
08 -
1 cup packed brown sugar
09 -
1 cup vegetable oil
10 -
4 large eggs
11 -
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
12 -
2 cups finely grated carrots (about 4 medium carrots)
13 -
1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained
14 -
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
15 -
1/2 cup raisins (optional)
→ Cream Cheese Frosting
16 -
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
17 -
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
18 -
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
19 -
3 to 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
20 -
Pinch of salt
→ Optional Garnishes
21 -
Chopped nuts
22 -
Toasted coconut
23 -
Extra grated carrot for garnish
# Steps to Follow:
01 -
Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
02 -
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well blended. Set aside.
03 -
In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until mixture is smooth and cohesive.
04 -
Stir grated carrots and drained crushed pineapple into the wet mixture. If desired, fold in chopped nuts and raisins.
05 -
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently with a spatula until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
06 -
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center emerges clean. Let cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
07 -
In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat softened cream cheese and butter together until creamy. Mix in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Gradually add powdered sugar, 1/2 cup at a time, beating until the frosting is smooth and spreadable.
08 -
Once the cake is completely cool, spread cream cheese frosting evenly over the surface. Decorate with chopped nuts, toasted coconut, or extra grated carrot if desired.
# Helpful Hints:
01 -
Grate carrots finely for optimal moisture and even texture throughout the cake.
02 -
Ensure pineapple is well-drained to prevent excess moisture.
03 -
Do not overmix the batter to maintain a tender crumb.
04 -
Wait until the cake is fully cooled before frosting to prevent melting.
05 -
Customize with raisins, coconut, or your preferred nuts for added flavor.