Moist Carrot Sheet Cake Recipe

Carrot Sheet Cake Recipe is a rich, spiced dessert made with finely grated carrots, warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, topped with smooth cream cheese frosting.

This Carrot Sheet Cake Recipe and discovering new things is my real job. The main purpose behind creating this recipe is to bring a sense of comfort, celebration, and ease into everyday baking.

I’ve created carrot sheet cake recipe for home bakers, families, and anyone craving something homemade and deeply flavorful.

Now, I’m presenting simple steps to prepare it, along with serving ideas, helpful tips, health benefits, creative variations, ways to store it, and answers to common questions for a complete experience.

Moist Carrot Sheet Cake Recipe

Moist carrot sheet cake recipe has a rich, tender texture with deep, comforting flavors. The finely grated carrots melt into the batter, bringing natural sweetness and moisture.

Warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves add a cozy, fragrant depth, balanced by the slight tang of buttermilk.

The cake is topped with a creamy, lightly tangy cream cheese frosting that complements the sweet spiced base beautifully.

Each bite is soft and flavorful, making it a dessert that feels both indulgent and homemade, with a taste that lingers pleasantly.

How To Prepare Carrot Sheet Cake Recipe?

Recipe Overview

Preparation Time: 25 minutes

Cooking Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Yield: 10 servings

Kitchen Utensils Needed

• Mixing bowls
• Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
• Rubber spatula
• Whisk
• 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking pan
• Box grater (for the carrots)
• Cooling rack
• Offset spatula (for frosting)
• Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients

For the Carrot Sheet Cake:

• 2 ½ cups (312g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (200g) packed light brown sugar
• 2 ½ cups (400g) finely grated carrots (roughly 1 lb)
• 1 cup (225g) vegetable or canola oil
• ½ cup (120g) buttermilk, at room temperature
• 5 large eggs (280g), at room temperature
• 2 tsp (12g) baking soda
• 1 tsp (4g) baking powder
• 1 tsp (6g) fine salt
• 1 tbsp (7g) ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp (1g) ground nutmeg
• ¼ tsp ground cloves

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, room temperature
• ¾ cup (167g) firm cream cheese, cold
• 2 ¼ cups (285g) powdered sugar
• ¾ tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
• ¾ tsp vanilla extract

How to Make Carrot Sheet Cake Recipe

1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan

Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready when you are. Take a 9×13-inch sheet pan, grease it lightly with butter or oil, then line it with parchment paper. This makes it easier to lift the cake out later.

2. Grate the Carrots

Peel your carrots and grate them finely use the smaller holes on a box grater. You’ll need 2½ cups, which is about 400 grams. Set the grated carrots aside for now.

3. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Whisk everything together so it’s evenly mixed. This ensures the spices and leavening agents are distributed throughout the batter.

4. Mix the Wet Ingredients

In another large bowl, beat the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and eggs together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This takes about 2 minutes with a hand mixer or stand mixer. Add the oil and buttermilk, and mix again until the liquid is smooth and fully combined.

5. Add the Carrots and Combine Everything

Fold the grated carrots into the wet mixture using a spatula or wooden spoon. Once that’s mixed in, slowly add the dry ingredients. Stir just until you no longer see streaks of flour—be careful not to overmix, or the cake can turn out dense.

6. Bake the Cake

Pour the finished batter into your prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Put it in the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the center if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the cake is ready. Let it cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then carefully lift it out and place it on a wire rack to cool completely.

7. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

In a clean bowl, beat the room-temperature butter until it’s smooth. Add the cold cream cheese (this helps keep the frosting thick) and beat until just combined it should still hold its shape. Mix in the lemon juice and vanilla extract. Gradually add powdered sugar while beating until the frosting becomes light and fluffy.

8. Frost and Serve

Once the cake is completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting over the top using a spatula or offset knife. Try to make it as smooth as possible. Cut into squares and serve.

Special Notes

❖ Grating the Carrots: For optimal texture, use finely grated carrots. Coarsely grated carrots may not blend well and can lead to a less uniform cake. A box grater or a food processor with a fine grating attachment works best.

❖ Pineapple Moisture: Drain the crushed pineapple thoroughly before adding it to the batter to avoid excess moisture, which can make the cake too wet. Press the pineapple with a paper towel if needed to remove extra juice.

❖ Frosting Consistency: If your cream cheese frosting is too soft, refrigerate it for 10-15 minutes to firm it up. This will make it easier to spread evenly on the cake.

Nutrition Facts Of Carrot Sheet Cake Recipe

Nutrition	Amount
Calories	410
Fat	22g
Carbohydrates	50g
Sugar	34g
Protein	4g
Fiber	1g
Sodium	280mg

Why My Recipe Works

This carrot sheet cake recipe works because it’s carefully balanced for flavor, texture, and moisture. Freshly grated carrots release natural sweetness and moisture into the batter without making it soggy.

The mix of brown and white sugars gives both depth and structure. Buttermilk adds a subtle tang and keeps the crumb tender. A full tablespoon of cinnamon, along with nutmeg and cloves, brings warmth without overpowering.

The oil keeps the cake soft for days, and the cold cream cheese in the frosting helps it hold shape while staying smooth and spreadable.

Why Should You Make This Recipe

This carrot sheet cake recipe deserves a spot in your kitchen because it delivers a moist, flavorful cake that’s both comforting and special.

It uses simple ingredients you likely already have, yet creates a dessert that feels homemade and thoughtful. The balance of spices and natural sweetness from the carrots makes it enjoyable for all ages.

It’s easy to prepare without complicated techniques, and the cream cheese frosting adds just the right touch of tangy richness.

This carrot sheet cake recipe is a reliable choice when you want a dessert that pleases a crowd or lifts any occasion.

Serving Suggestions

1. Pair with a Scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve a slice of Carrot Sheet Cake recipe with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert combination.

2. Top with Fresh Berries: Add a burst of freshness by topping the carrot sheet cake recipe with a mix of fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries.

3. Drizzle with Caramel Sauce: For an extra indulgent treat, drizzle warm caramel sauce over each slice before serving.

4. Serve with a Cup of Coffee: This carrot sheet cake recipe pairs beautifully with a strong cup of coffee, making it a perfect afternoon treat.

5. Garnish with Toasted Coconut: For a bit of texture and flavor, sprinkle some toasted coconut flakes over the frosted cake.

Health Benefits

Carrot Sheet Cake Recipe contains finely grated carrots, which add a boost of vitamin A, important for eye health and the immune system.

Carrots also provide fiber that supports digestion. Using spices like cinnamon and nutmeg brings antioxidants that may help reduce inflammation.

Although this is a dessert, the presence of eggs offers protein, and the moderate use of oil provides healthy fats that help absorb vitamins.

While still a treat to enjoy in moderation, this cake includes some nutritious ingredients that add a little extra value beyond just sweetness.

Expert Tips

➢ Freshly grated carrots provide a better texture and moisture than pre-shredded ones. Use a fine grater for even-sized shreds that will bake beautifully.

➢ When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can make the cake dense and less tender.

➢ If you like nuts, toast them lightly before adding them to the batter. This enhances their flavor and gives your cake an extra depth.

➢ Sifting flour, baking powder, and spices together ensures an even distribution, which helps the cake rise properly.

➢ Make sure your eggs, butter, and cream cheese are at room temperature for a smoother batter and frosting.

➢ Let your cream cheese frosting chill for about 10-15 minutes before spreading it. This helps it firm up and makes it easier to work with.

➢ Check the cake for doneness by inserting a toothpick. It should come out with just a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.

Tips And Variations

1. Add a Citrus Zest: Incorporate the zest of one orange into the batter for a bright, citrusy flavor that complements the spices.

2. Use Applesauce for Moisture: Replace half of the oil with unsweetened applesauce for a lighter version of the cake without compromising on moisture.

3. Experiment with Frosting Flavors: While cream cheese frosting is traditional, you can also try a lemon glaze or a buttercream frosting for a different twist.

4. Make it a Layer Cake: Double the recipe and bake in two 9-inch round pans for a carrot layer cake that’s perfect for special occasions.

5. Try a Gluten-Free Version: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend to make this cake suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Storage And Shelf Life

When it comes to storing my carrot sheet cake recipe, I always make sure to keep it in an airtight container to preserve its freshness.

I usually store it in the refrigerator, especially with the cream cheese frosting, which needs to stay cool. It lasts about 4–5 days, and each day it seems to get even better as the flavors meld together.

If I want to keep it longer, I’ll freeze individual slices. I wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then store them in a freezer-safe bag.

When I’m ready to enjoy carrot sheet cake recipe, I just let it thaw at room temperature, and it’s like freshly baked again!

Conclusion

My experience with the carrot sheet cake recipe was absolutely delightful. The cake turned out moist and full of flavor, with the perfect balance of spices and sweetness.

The cream cheese frosting added that extra touch of indulgence, making every bite a pure treat. It was a joy to make and even more fun to share with friends and family.

I highly recommend this carrot sheet cake recipe to anyone who loves a delicious, homemade dessert. I’m sure you’ll enjoy it just as much as I did.

I hope you give Carrot Sheet Cake Recipe a try and experience the same satisfaction!

More Delicious Carrot cake Recipes

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