Carrot Cake Sheet Cake is a classic dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. This moist and flavorful cake is topped with a creamy cream cheese frosting, making it an irresistible treat for family gatherings, holidays, or any special event. Easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser, this carrot cake sheet cake is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 2 cups grated carrots
- 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
For the Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
- Mix Wet Ingredients:
- In another bowl, beat the granulated sugar, eggs, and vegetable oil until smooth and well combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in Carrots and Nuts:
- Gently fold in the grated carrots and chopped pecans or walnuts (if using) until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 2: Bake the Cake
- Pour Batter into Pan:
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Cool:
- Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
Step 3: Prepare the Frosting
- Beat Cream Cheese and Butter:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter together until smooth and creamy.
- Add Confectioners’ Sugar and Vanilla:
- Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the vanilla extract and beat until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
Step 4: Frost the Cake
- Frost the Cake:
- Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top of the cake using a spatula or a butter knife.
- Decorate:
- If desired, sprinkle additional chopped nuts on top of the frosting for decoration.
- Serve:
- Cut the cake into squares and serve.
Cooking Notes and Tips
- Grating Carrots: Use a fine grater to grate the carrots finely, ensuring they blend well into the cake batter.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure the cream cheese and butter are at room temperature for a smooth and creamy frosting.
- Storage: Store the carrot cake sheet cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Variations
Raisin and Pineapple Carrot Cake
- Add Raisins and Pineapple:
- Add 1/2 cup of raisins and 1/2 cup of crushed pineapple (drained) to the batter for extra flavor and moisture.
Vegan Carrot Cake
- Substitute Ingredients:
- Use flax eggs (3 tablespoons ground flaxseed mixed with 9 tablespoons water) instead of eggs and replace the cream cheese and butter with vegan alternatives.
Gluten-Free Carrot Cake
- Use Gluten-Free Flour:
- Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version of this delicious cake.
Serving Suggestions
With a Cup of Tea or Coffee
- Tea or Coffee:
- Serve a slice of carrot cake sheet cake with a hot cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat.
As a Dessert
- Dessert:
- Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent dessert.
For Breakfast or Brunch
- Breakfast or Brunch:
- Enjoy a slice of this moist carrot cake for breakfast or brunch with a side of fresh fruit.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time? A: Yes, you can bake the cake a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Frost it just before serving.
Q: Can I freeze this cake? A: Yes, you can freeze the unfrosted cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before frosting and serving.
Q: How can I make the cake more moist? A: Adding a small amount of crushed pineapple or applesauce to the batter can help make the cake even more moist.
Q: Can I use a different type of frosting? A: Yes, you can use a simple glaze, buttercream, or even a whipped cream frosting if you prefer.
Carrot Cake Sheet Cake is a delicious and versatile dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With its moist and flavorful cake and creamy cream cheese frosting, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy making and sharing this delightful treat, and don’t forget to experiment with different variations and serving suggestions!
