Carrot Cake Sheet Cake Recipe

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Carrot Cake Sheet Cake Recipe: Moist, Flavorful & Crowd-Pleasing

If you’re looking for a foolproof dessert that can satisfy a crowd and still deliver big on flavor, this Carrot Cake Sheet Cake is exactly what your baking rotation needs. With a perfectly spiced batter, incredibly moist crumb, and luscious cream cheese frosting, this is the kind of cake that disappears within minutes at any gathering. Whether it’s Easter, a spring brunch, or a cozy family dinner, this recipe is your new go-to.

🥕 Why This Carrot Cake Sheet Cake Stands Out

  • Ridiculously Moist: Thanks to vegetable oil and freshly grated carrots, this cake stays tender for days.
  • Big Flavor in Every Bite: Cinnamon-spiced batter pairs beautifully with sweet carrots and creamy frosting.
  • Feeds a Crowd: Baked in a 9×13-inch pan, it’s the perfect party dessert.
  • Simple to Make: No layers, no decorating stress—just bake, frost, slice, and serve.

🛒 Ingredients for Carrot Cake Sheet Cake

For the Cake:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1½ cups granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 cups grated carrots
  • 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional but adds great crunch)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups confectioners’ sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
  • Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or line with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together:

  • Flour
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Cinnamon
  • Salt

This ensures even distribution of leavening and spices.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl:

  • Beat together sugar, eggs, and vegetable oil until smooth and pale.
  • Gradually stir in the dry ingredients just until combined—do not overmix.

Step 4: Fold in the Good Stuff

  • Stir in grated carrots and nuts if using.
  • The batter should be thick but spreadable.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

  • Pour batter into prepared pan.
  • Use a spatula to smooth the top evenly.
  • Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  • Allow cake to cool completely in the pan before frosting.

🍰 Making the Cream Cheese Frosting

  1. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
  2. Gradually add confectioners’ sugar and vanilla extract.
  3. Beat on medium-high for 2–3 minutes until fluffy and spreadable.

Want extra zing? Add a teaspoon of lemon zest for a bright, tangy kick.

🎨 Frost & Finish

  • Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cake using a spatula or offset knife.
  • For a decorative touch, top with:
    • Chopped pecans or walnuts
    • Shredded carrots
    • A dusting of cinnamon
    • Toasted coconut flakes for tropical flair

🍽️ Serving & Storage Tips

  • Make Ahead: This cake tastes even better the next day—store covered in the fridge overnight.
  • Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
  • Freezing: You can freeze the unfrosted cake for up to 2 months. Thaw and frost before serving.

💡 Expert Baking Tips

  • Grate carrots fresh for best texture—avoid pre-shredded bags.
  • Use oil, not butter, for long-lasting moisture and soft crumb.
  • Let cake cool fully before frosting to prevent melting.
  • For even more flavor, add ½ teaspoon nutmeg or a dash of ginger to the dry mix.

🌟 Why This is the Best Carrot Cake Sheet Cake Recipe

This sheet cake brings together everything you love in a classic carrot cake—moistness, spice, and sweet creaminess—without the fuss of layers or decorating. It’s a stress-free dessert that turns out perfectly every single time.

Whether you’re making it for a potluck, office party, Easter brunch, or just because it’s Tuesday, this recipe never fails to deliver comfort and flavor in every slice.

📝 Final Thoughts

This Carrot Cake Sheet Cake is the kind of dessert people ask for again and again. With a texture so moist it melts in your mouth and a frosting so rich and tangy you’ll want to eat it by the spoonful, it’s an old-fashioned favorite made easy. Simple enough for a weekday treat, yet special enough for a holiday celebration, this is one recipe you’ll want to bookmark and bake on repeat.

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