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Carrot Sheet Cake

Carrot Sheet Cake
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Carrot Sheet Cake is a moist, flavorful dessert combining freshly grated carrots, warm spices, and a creamy cream cheese frosting. Baked in a convenient sheet pan, this easy-to-make cake is perfect for any occasion, offering a tender crumb with a delightful balance of textures and flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake Ingredients

  • 2 cups freshly grated carrots
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free version)
  • 1 ½ cups brown sugar
  • 3 large eggs (or 3 flax eggs for vegan adaptation)
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup chopped nuts (optional, can substitute with sunflower seeds for nut-free)

Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened (or dairy-free cream cheese for vegan)
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch sheet pan. Finely grate the carrots and measure all ingredients to stay organized.
  2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt to evenly distribute spices and leavening agents.
  3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, brown sugar, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth and well incorporated, forming the moist base of the batter.
  4. Incorporate Carrots and Mix: Fold the grated carrots and optional nuts into the wet mixture. Gradually add the dry ingredients and mix gently until just combined to maintain a tender texture.
  5. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared sheet pan, spread evenly, and bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  6. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting: While the cake cools, beat together softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until creamy and smooth.
  7. Frost and Serve: Once completely cool, spread the frosting evenly on top. Optionally, sprinkle chopped nuts or shredded coconut before slicing into squares.

Notes

  • Use finely grated carrots to maintain moist crumb and even texture.
  • Mix ingredients only until just combined to avoid a dense, tough cake.
  • Check oven temperature for even baking and to prevent drying out.
  • Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting to avoid melting or runny frosting.
  • Use freshly ground cinnamon and nutmeg for maximum flavor.
  • Room temperature eggs and dairy blend better for improved texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: Carrot Cake, Sheet Cake, Moist Cake, Cream Cheese Frosting, Easy Dessert, Gluten-Free Carrot Cake

Find it online: https://mealsbylina.com/carrot-sheet-cake/