Irresistible Carrot Sheet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Hey there, sweet friends! 👨‍🍳 Chef James here, back in my cozy Tiramisucake kitchen.
Today, I’m sharing one of my all-time favorite crowd-pleasers — the bold Carrot Sheet Cake. Moist, warmly spiced, and topped with creamy frosting, it’s the kind of bake that turns ordinary afternoons into cozy family memories.

I still remember the first time I baked this beauty for Easter brunch. The kitchen filled with the aroma of cinnamon, nutmeg, and toasted pecans. When I served it, the room went silent — everyone was savoring that first bite. That’s when I knew this moist carrot sheet cake was a keeper.

Unlike tall layer cakes, this easy carrot sheet cake recipe uses just one pan and minimal effort. It’s the perfect dessert for busy bakers who want big flavor with no fuss.

If you’re new to Southern-style bakes, don’t miss our pillar guide — Texas Sheet Cake Recipe — your home base for all our best one-pan cakes.
You’ll also fall in love with the bright Lemon Sheet Cake, the cozy Pumpkin Sheet Cake, or the tropical Coconut Sheet Cake Recipe — all sweet cousins to today’s recipe.

At Tiramisucake, every dessert follows E-E-A-T principles — experience, expertise, authority, and trust. For food safety on eggs and dairy, check the USDA Food Safety Guidelines before you begin.

Ready to bake something warm, spiced, and absolutely unforgettable? Let’s get started! ❤️

---

💖 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why this Carrot Sheet Cake will win hearts every time 👇

✅ Super moist texture – Oil, pineapple, and carrots keep it soft and tender.
🥕 Perfectly spiced – Cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger bring cozy flavor.
🍍 Naturally sweet – Crushed pineapple adds depth and balance.
🌰 Crunchy option – Add walnuts or pecans for texture.
🧁 Silky frosting – That luscious cream cheese layer completes every bite.
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Feeds a crowd – Perfect for birthdays, potlucks, or Easter brunch.
⏰ Quick & easy – One pan, simple steps, and no stacking required.

So tell me, friends — will you bake this spiced carrot sheet cake for your next holiday, or just because it’s Tuesday? 💌

---

🧈 Ingredients Needed

Let’s break down everything you’ll need for this homemade carrot sheet cake — plus a few Chef James tips for guaranteed success.

🥕 For the Cake

• 2 cups all-purpose flour – The base for a fluffy, soft crumb.
• 2 tsp baking soda + 2 tsp baking powder – For lift and structure.
• 1 tsp salt – Balances sweetness.
• 2 tsp cinnamon + ½ tsp nutmeg + ¼ tsp cloves + ¼ tsp ginger – That signature spiced aroma.
• 3 cups freshly grated carrots – Don’t use pre-shredded; fresh keeps it moist.
• 1 cup vegetable oil – Keeps the crumb rich and soft.
• 4 large eggs, room temperature – Adds structure and moisture.
• 2 cups sugar (1 brown + 1 white) – Perfect balance of sweetness.
• 1 (12 oz) can crushed pineapple, drained – Adds natural sweetness and moisture.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract – For depth and warmth.
• ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional) – Adds crunch and nuttiness.

🍰 For the Cream Cheese Frosting

• 16 oz full-fat cream cheese, softened – The tangy star of the show.
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened – For a creamy, rich base.
• 2–3 cups powdered sugar, sifted – Adjust sweetness to your liking.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract – For that bakery finish.
• 1–2 tbsp heavy cream or milk – For perfect spreading consistency.

💡 Chef James Tip:

“Add a little orange zest to your frosting — it brightens every bite beautifully!”

🛒 Where to shop: Trader Joe’s for cream cheese, Aldi or Costco for pecans & pineapple.

And if fruity cakes make you smile, try the Banana Sheet Cake next — it’s another moist, crowd-favorite dessert topped with the same dreamy frosting!

---

🍳 How to Cook (Step-by-Step Instructions)

Follow these simple steps to bake your easy carrot sheet cake like a pro 👇

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
2. Mix dry ingredients – whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and spices.
3. Combine wet ingredients – oil, sugars, eggs, vanilla, and crushed pineapple.
4. Blend together – add the dry mix into the wet mix slowly until combined.
5. Fold in grated carrots (and nuts, if desired).
6. Pour into pan – spread evenly.
7. Bake for 40–45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
8. Cool completely before frosting.
9. Frost and decorate – with your cream cheese frosting and chopped pecans or cute candy carrots!

⭐ Chef James’s Extra Tip:

“Wrap and chill the cake overnight before frosting — it deepens the flavor and keeps every bite ultra-moist.”

If you’re on a cake adventure, check out our pillar page — Texas Sheet Cake Recipe and explore these sweet cousins:

• The Coconut Sheet Cake Recipe for tropical flair,
• The Lemon Sheet Cake for citrus brightness,
• The Red Velvet Sheet Cake for a Southern classic twist.

Recipe Tips & Variations

Let’s have some fun, sweet friends! Here are my favorite ways to make your carrot sheet cake extra special — whether you’re celebrating Easter, a birthday, or just baking for love.

🧁 1. Classic Cream Cheese Frosting

The traditional pairing — rich, velvety, and tangy.
💡 Chef James Tip: Chill your carrot sheet cake before frosting for a clean, bakery-perfect finish.

---

🥥 2. Tropical Twist

Fold ½ cup shredded coconut into the batter and top with toasted flakes.
It adds a sunny, vacation vibe — a great pairing with our Coconut Sheet Cake Recipe if you love tropical desserts.

---

🍫 3. Chocolate Swirl

Marble a bit of chocolate batter into your carrot sheet cake for a sweet surprise. The spice and cocoa combination is dreamy — try it alongside our Red Velvet Sheet Cake for contrast.

---

🍎 4. Fall-Inspired Version

Add diced apples and extra cinnamon for a harvest-style dessert. You can even serve it warm with caramel drizzle, inspired by our cozy Apple Cinnamon Sheet Cake.

---

🌿 5. Spiced Holiday Upgrade

If you adore bold flavors, add an extra pinch of ginger and nutmeg.
It’s like blending the warmth of Spice Sheet Cake right into your carrot sheet cake batter — perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas gatherings.

---

🧑‍🍳 Chef James’s Suggestion

“I love to drizzle a light lemon glaze over the chilled cake before serving — it cuts through the richness and adds sparkle to every bite.”

For even more sheet cake ideas, don’t forget to explore our full collection on the Texas Sheet Cake Recipe hub — your one-stop home for all our moist, flavorful creations.

---

🧊 Storage & Reheating

One of the best things about this carrot sheet cake is how beautifully it keeps — the flavor actually deepens with time!

At room temperature:
Store under a cake dome or airtight container for up to 2 days.

In the fridge:
Your carrot sheet cake stays fresh for 5 days. Just bring it to room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.

In the freezer:
Slice into squares, wrap tightly in plastic, and freeze for up to 2 months.

To reheat:

• Microwave a slice for 10 seconds for that “just baked” warmth.
• Or pop it in the oven at 300°F for 5 minutes if you prefer a crisp edge.

💡 Chef James Tip:

“If you’re serving from frozen, thaw your carrot sheet cake overnight in the fridge, then frost it fresh before serving.”

Pair leftovers with a cup of espresso or a slice of Lemon Sheet Cake for a delightful dessert duo.

And remember — always follow the USDA Food Safety Guidelines for safe handling of dairy-based frostings.

---

❓ FAQs (People Also Ask)

1. What makes carrot sheet cake so moist?

The mix of oil, crushed pineapple, and freshly grated carrots locks in moisture — no dry crumbs here!

2. Can I use natural sweeteners in carrot sheet cake?

Yes! You can substitute part of the sugar with maple syrup or coconut sugar for a deeper flavor.

3. Can I make carrot sheet cake ahead of time?

Absolutely. Bake it a day before, wrap it tightly, and frost just before serving for the freshest taste.

4. How do I keep cream cheese frosting smooth?

Always start with softened cream cheese and sifted powdered sugar. Beat until fluffy for a silky finish.

5. Can I turn this carrot sheet cake into cupcakes?

Yes — it makes about 24 cupcakes! Bake for 20–22 minutes and frost once cooled. (Similar to our Funfetti Sheet Cake — great for parties!)

6. What’s the best spice blend for carrot sheet cake?

A combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. For a stronger flavor, try our Spice Sheet Cake — it’s pure fall in every bite.

For even more baking inspo, head over to the Texas Sheet Cake Recipe hub — our main library of sheet cakes for every occasion.

---

🍽️ What to Serve With This Recipe

A slice of carrot sheet cake pairs beautifully with simple sides that balance its spice and sweetness:

🍓 Fresh berries – Strawberries or raspberries add a refreshing contrast.
☕ Hot coffee or chai – Complements the cake’s spice and creaminess.
🍨 Vanilla ice cream – Because warm cake and cold cream are perfection.

If you’re planning a dessert table, alternate squares of carrot sheet cake with fruity favorites like the Pineapple Sheet Cake or comforting bakes like the Pumpkin Sheet Cake — both irresistible crowd-pleasers.

And of course, explore our entire sheet cake family through the Texas Sheet Cake Recipe hub — the cornerstone of Tiramisucake’s dessert collection.

More Recipes You’ll Love

If this carrot sheet cake brought joy to your table, you’re going to fall in love with these other one-pan wonders from my Tiramisucake kitchen 👇

🍌 Banana Sheet Cake – Moist, fragrant, and topped with luscious cream cheese frosting.
🍋 Lemon Sheet Cake – Bright, buttery, and perfect for spring celebrations.
🎃 Pumpkin Sheet Cake – A cozy fall favorite full of cinnamon spice.
🍫 Red Velvet Sheet Cake – That deep red Southern charm in a single pan.

For the complete experience, browse our pillar page — Texas Sheet Cake Recipe, where you’ll find every flavor and frosting under the sun — from fruity twists to rich, chocolatey indulgence.

---

📋 Recipe Card

🥕 Carrot Sheet Cake Recipe

Print

🎀 Conclusion

And there you have it — my perfected carrot sheet cake!
Moist, buttery, and packed with spice, it’s a timeless dessert that brings people together with every forkful.

Whether you bake it for Easter, a birthday, or just a cozy weekend treat, this carrot sheet cake never disappoints.

Explore even more delicious options on our Texas Sheet Cake Recipe page — the heart of all our one-pan dessert ideas.

And for food safety guidance, always follow USDA Food Safety Guidelines, and if you’re seeking more culinary inspiration, visit the experts at Food Network.

Bake it, share it, and tell me — do you like your carrot sheet cake with pecans, pineapple, or a hint of citrus?
Until next time — stay sweet and keep baking with love ❤️

— Chef James, Tiramisucake.com