Carrot Cake in a Sheet Pan
This tender, flavor-packed Carrot Sheet Cake is loaded with shredded carrots, pineapple, and crunchy nuts, making it an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert everyone will enjoy.
Carrot Sheet Cake
Cake Ingredients
| INGREDIENTS | AMOUNT |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups |
| Granulated sugar | 1 1/2 cups |
| Baking powder | 2 teaspoons |
| Baking soda | 1 teaspoon |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Vegetable oil | 1 cup |
| Eggs | 4 |
| Vanilla extract | 2 teaspoons |
| Grated carrots | 3 cups |
| Crushed pineapple, drained | 1 cup |
| Chopped walnuts or pecans | 1 cup |
| Raisins (optional) | 1/2 cup |
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Oven
Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease and flour a 9×13-inch sheet pan so the cake releases easily once baked.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. This forms the base of your batter.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk the oil, eggs, and vanilla until fully blended. Slowly add this mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring just until smooth.
Step 4: Add Carrots & Pineapple
Fold in the grated carrots and drained pineapple, making sure they’re evenly mixed throughout.
Step 5: Add Nuts & Raisins
Stir in the chopped nuts and raisins (if using) for extra texture and flavor.
Step 6: Bake
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and level the top. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool the Cake
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes before transferring it to a rack to cool completely.
Step 8: Frost Your Cake
While it cools, prepare your frosting of choice—cream cheese frosting is classic. Once the cake is fully cooled, spread the frosting generously over the top.
Step 9: Slice & Enjoy
Cut into squares and serve. Your guests will love the moist texture and rich, warm flavors.
Classic Cream Cheese Frosting
This creamy, tangy frosting pairs perfectly with the spiced carrot cake.
Frosting Ingredients
| INGREDIENTS | AMOUNT |
|---|---|
| Cream cheese, softened | 8 ounces |
| Unsalted butter, softened | 1/2 cup |
| Powdered sugar | 3 cups |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt (optional) | Pinch |
Frosting Instructions
Step 1: Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until completely smooth.
Step 2: Mix in the vanilla and a pinch of salt.
Step 3: On low speed, slowly add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time.
Step 4: Increase to medium-high and beat for 1–2 minutes until fluffy and creamy.
Step 5: Spread the frosting over the cooled carrot cake.
Step 6: Chill for 15–30 minutes if you want the frosting to firm up before slicing.
