I’m so excited to share this moist carrot sheet cake with you because it is one of my favorite desserts to bake at home. It has a soft crumb, warm spices, and a creamy frosting that makes every bite unforgettable.
I love how simple this cake is, yet it feels special enough for celebrations and holidays. You can enjoy it as a sweet treat after dinner, bring it to potlucks, or serve it at birthday parties.
The carrot flavor is gentle but rich, and it pairs perfectly with the smooth cream cheese frosting on top. Every slice feels comforting, warm, and full of homemade goodness.
If you love easy desserts that still taste bakery-quality, this carrot sheet cake is perfect for you. I make it often because it works for crowds, and the sheet-cake style makes cutting and serving super easy.
Here is a quick recipe overview to help you understand this dessert at a glance.
Quick Recipe Info
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Calories (per slice) | ~320 |
| Protein | ~4g |
| Carbohydrates | ~42g |
| Fat | ~15g |
| Gluten Free | No |
| Vegan | No |
| Dairy Free | No (contains cream cheese and butter) |
| High Fiber | Moderate (carrots add some fiber) |
| Skill Level | Easy |
| Best For | Parties, holidays, family desserts |
| Texture | Moist, soft, creamy on top |
| Flavor | Sweet, spiced, rich |
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• It is incredibly moist and tender, thanks to freshly grated carrots.
• The frosting adds the perfect creamy sweetness without overpowering the cake.
• The sheet-cake style makes it easy to bake, cut, and serve for any event.
• Every ingredient works together to create warm and comforting flavors.
• It stores well and tastes even better the next day.
• The recipe is beginner-friendly and doesn’t require any special tools.
• It feels homemade and nostalgic, yet still looks beautiful when served.
• The warm spices give the cake a cozy flavor that is perfect all year round.
Ingredients to Make Moist Carrot Sheet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
This recipe uses simple ingredients that create a soft, moist, and flavorful carrot cake. Each ingredient plays a small but important role to bring out the best taste and texture in the dessert.
Ingredients for the Cake
• All-purpose flour – 2 ¼ cups
This creates the structure of the cake and keeps it soft without making it dense. It helps the cake rise perfectly so you get a fluffy sheet cake.
• Granulated sugar – 1 cup
This adds sweetness and helps keep the cake moist. It also balances the spices and carrots for a smooth flavor.
• Brown sugar – 1 cup
Brown sugar adds caramel-like richness and extra moisture. It also gives the cake a deeper, more comforting taste.
• Baking powder – 1 teaspoon
This helps the cake rise evenly in the oven. It makes sure the texture stays light and airy.
• Baking soda – 1 teaspoon
This works with the brown sugar and carrots to lift the cake. It also helps prevent the cake from tasting too heavy.
• Salt – ½ teaspoon
Salt brings out the sweetness and warms the flavors. It helps balance the spices so the cake tastes smooth.
• Ground cinnamon – 2 teaspoons
Cinnamon adds a cozy and warm spice flavor. It enhances the sweetness of the carrots.
• Ground nutmeg – ½ teaspoon
Nutmeg adds a soft and deep aroma that pairs perfectly with cinnamon. It gives the cake a bakery-style flavor.
• Ground ginger – ½ teaspoon
Ginger adds a gentle warm kick to the cake. It helps brighten the spices so the cake tastes balanced.
• Eggs – 4 large
Eggs help bind the ingredients together and give structure. They also help the cake stay moist and fluffy.
• Vegetable oil – 1 cup
Oil keeps the cake extremely soft and moist without making it greasy. It allows the layers to stay tender for several days.
• Vanilla extract – 2 teaspoons
Vanilla enhances the overall flavor of the cake. It brings warmth and smoothness to every bite.
• Freshly grated carrots – 3 cups
Carrots add moisture, natural sweetness, and soft texture. They also help the cake stay tender and fresh longer.
Ingredients for the Cream Cheese Frosting
• Cream cheese – 8 ounces (softened)
This creates the creamy base of the frosting. It gives the cake that classic carrot-cake flavor.
• Unsalted butter – ½ cup (softened)
Butter makes the frosting silky and rich. It blends perfectly with the cream cheese.
• Powdered sugar – 3 cups
This sweetens the frosting and gives it a smooth finish. It makes the frosting thick enough to spread easily.
• Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon
Vanilla adds a nice touch of flavor to the frosting. It also balances the sweetness.
• Pinch of salt
Salt cuts the sweetness slightly so the frosting tastes smooth. It keeps the flavors balanced and clean.
Steps to Make Moist Carrot Sheet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
These steps are simple and easy to follow, and the sheet-cake style makes the entire process beginner-friendly. Each step builds the perfect texture and flavor for a moist and delicious cake.
Step 1: Prepare the baking pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×13-inch pan and line it with parchment so the cake lifts out cleanly.
This step ensures the cake bakes evenly and doesn’t stick to the pan. It also helps you cut neat slices when serving.
Step 2: Mix the dry ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt. Make sure everything mixes evenly so the spices spread well throughout the cake.
Combining them ahead of time keeps the texture smooth and prevents clumps. It also helps the batter rise perfectly when baked.
Step 3: Mix the wet ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla, and oil. Whisk until the mixture becomes smooth and slightly thick.
This step blends all the moisture-rich ingredients together so the cake stays soft. It also helps the sugar melt evenly into the batter.
Step 4: Combine wet and dry ingredients
Pour the wet mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients and gently fold the two together. Mix only until combined so the cake stays light and fluffy.
Overmixing can make the cake dense, so gentle folding is key. You want the batter to stay thick but smooth.
Step 5: Add grated carrots
Fold the freshly grated carrots into the batter until they are evenly spread. Make sure the carrots are freshly grated for the best moisture and texture.
Carrots add natural sweetness and keep the cake soft for days. Properly mixing them helps every bite taste balanced.
Step 6: Pour and bake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread the top evenly. Bake the cake for about 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Let the cake cool completely in the pan so it stays moist. Cooling helps the cake firm up before frosting.
Step 7: Make the cream cheese frosting
In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until creamy. Slowly add the powdered sugar and vanilla, and beat until smooth.
This frosting becomes silky and thick enough to spread easily. A pinch of salt helps balance the sweetness.
Step 8: Frost the cake
Once the cake is fully cooled, spread the frosting in a smooth layer across the top. You can decorate with walnuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon if you like.
Frosting a cooled cake prevents melting and keeps the texture perfect. Slice into squares and serve whenever you are ready.
Serving Suggestions
Carrot sheet cake is delicious on its own, but pairing it with simple sides can make it feel even more special. A glass of cold milk or a warm cup of tea works perfectly with its soft texture and sweet spice flavor.
You can also serve it with fresh berries to add a bright and juicy contrast to the creamy frosting. Strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries all bring a refreshing touch to each slice.
If you’re serving this cake at a gathering or party, cut it into neat squares for easy handling. Place the squares on a large platter so guests can grab a piece without cutting.
For a more elegant presentation, sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on top of the frosting before serving. This adds a slight crunch that makes every bite more exciting.
You can also dust a little cinnamon or powdered sugar on top to make it look prettier. These tiny details make the cake feel bakery-quality without extra effort.
If serving to kids, add fun sprinkles or a drizzle of caramel. These small decorations make the cake feel playful and perfect for birthdays.
This cake also pairs beautifully with vanilla ice cream for a warm-and-cold contrast. The creamy cold ice cream melts into the warm spices in the cake, creating a rich dessert experience.
If you’re serving it at a brunch, pair it with scrambled eggs, fruit cups, or breakfast casseroles. The cake adds a sweet touch to balance a savory spread.
Overall, the cake is versatile and fits many situations, whether casual or special. Every serving idea brings out a different side of this soft and flavorful cake.
Meal Prep Tips: Can We Make Moist Carrot Sheet Cake in Advance?
Yes, you can easily make this carrot sheet cake ahead of time, and it actually tastes even better the next day. The spices settle, the carrots release flavor, and the cake becomes extra moist after resting overnight.
If you want to bake it early, you can prepare the cake one day before serving. Just bake it, let it cool, and wrap the pan tightly with plastic wrap to protect the moisture.
You can store the unfrosted cake at room temperature for up to 24 hours without losing softness. Keeping it unfrosted helps prevent condensation or sogginess.
If you prefer to frost it in advance, that works too because the frosting helps keep the cake moist. Simply frost the cake and refrigerate it, then slice when you’re ready to serve.
For longer storage, you can even freeze the sheet cake to save time on busy weeks. Freeze it without frosting for the best texture and thaw it overnight before adding the topping.
If you want to prep in steps, you can make the frosting ahead as well. Store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container so it stays smooth and easy to spread.
Before using the chilled frosting, let it soften at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes. This makes it creamy again and easier to spread over the cooled cake.
You can also grate the carrots the day before baking and store them in a sealed container. This helps reduce your prep time without affecting the moisture of the cake.
Meal prepping this dessert is a great idea when planning parties or busy weeks. The cake holds up beautifully and tastes just as fresh as the day it was baked.
Cooking Tips
Using freshly grated carrots gives the best texture and moisture, so avoid pre-shredded ones when possible. Store-bought shredded carrots tend to be dry, which can make the cake less soft.
Make sure not to overmix the batter because too much mixing creates a dense texture. Fold the ingredients gently until everything is just combined.
A metal 9×13 pan works better than a glass one for even baking. Metal pans distribute heat more consistently and help the cake rise properly.
Keep an eye on the cake during the last few minutes of baking to prevent overbaking. A slightly underbaked carrot cake tastes moister and richer than a completely dry one.
Room-temperature eggs help the batter mix more evenly and rise better. Cold eggs can cause the oil and sugars to separate slightly.
Measure the flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup instead of scooping. Scooping packs the flour, making the cake heavy instead of fluffy.
Use parchment paper at the bottom of the pan to remove the cake easily. This helps you cut clean slices without the edges breaking.
Let the cake cool fully before spreading the cream cheese frosting. Warm cake can melt the frosting and create a messy layer instead of a smooth top.
If the frosting is too thick, add a teaspoon of milk at a time to loosen it. If it’s too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar until it reaches the right thickness.
These simple tips help you achieve bakery-style texture and flavor every time you bake this moist carrot sheet cake. With a little care, each slice will come out perfect and full of rich, spiced sweetness.
Variations of Moist Carrot Sheet Cake
You can switch up the spices to create new flavor profiles that match different seasons. Try adding pumpkin spice, cardamom, or extra nutmeg for different warmth levels.
If you enjoy texture, add chopped walnuts, pecans, or shredded coconut to the batter. These mix-ins create a more rustic and hearty carrot cake.
Raisins add a sweet chewiness that pairs beautifully with the soft cake. They also bring a classic old-fashioned carrot cake taste many people love.
If you prefer a lighter frosting, you can make a whipped cream topping instead of cream cheese frosting. This gives the dessert a softer and fluffier finish.
To make it richer, you can add pineapple chunks or crushed pineapple to the batter. This adds moisture and a tropical sweetness that blends well with carrots.
Chocolate chips can also be mixed into the batter for a fun twist. The chocolate melts slightly and creates little pockets of warmth and sweetness.
If you want to create a healthier version, you can use whole-wheat flour for part of the batter. It will add fiber but still keep the cake soft when mixed with all-purpose flour.
You can also replace part of the oil with applesauce to reduce fat. The applesauce keeps the cake moist while adding a gentle fruit flavor.
For a festive variation, add orange zest to the frosting or the cake batter. It gives a bright citrus scent that pairs beautifully with warm spices.
This cake can also be turned into cupcakes or a layered cake using the same batter. Adjust the baking time, and you can create many forms of this delicious dessert.
Storage Instructions
You can store this carrot sheet cake in the refrigerator to keep it fresh and safe to eat. The cream cheese frosting requires it to stay chilled for the best texture and flavor.
Make sure to cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. This prevents the cake from drying out and protects the frosting from absorbing unwanted odors.
If storing unfrosted, you can keep the cake at room temperature for up to 24 hours. After that, place it in the fridge to make sure the moisture stays locked in.
The cake stays fresh in the refrigerator for four to five days. The longer it sits, the more the flavors blend together, making it taste richer.
For freezing, store the unfrosted cake wrapped in two layers of plastic wrap. Place it inside a freezer-safe bag to prevent freezer burn.
You can freeze the cake for up to two months without losing texture. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and frost it once completely thawed.
If you want to freeze frosted slices, flash-freeze them first on a baking sheet. Once firm, wrap each slice tightly to keep the frosting intact.
Frozen frosted slices can be thawed in the fridge whenever you want a quick dessert. They usually taste just as fresh as the first day.
Proper storage keeps this cake moist, rich, and ready to enjoy anytime. With a little care, your carrot sheet cake stays soft and delicious for days.
Can We Reheat Moist Carrot Sheet Cake?
Yes, you can gently reheat carrot cake if you prefer it slightly warm. A warm slice tastes soft, fragrant, and comforting, especially during cold seasons.
To reheat a slice, microwave it for about 10 to 15 seconds. This warms the cake without melting the frosting too much.
If reheating a larger portion, use the oven set to low heat. Cover the pan with foil and warm it for about 8 to 10 minutes.
Avoid overheating because the cake can dry out quickly. A short warm-up is enough to soften the crumb and bring out the spices.
Reheated carrot cake tastes almost fresh from the oven. The flavors become stronger and the texture becomes more tender.
Recipe FAQs
Why is my carrot cake dry?
Your cake might be dry if it was overbaked or if too much flour was added. Try measuring the flour more gently next time.
Can I skip the nuts in carrot cake?
Yes, the cake stays moist and flavorful without nuts. They are optional and only add texture.
Can I use another oil instead of vegetable oil?
Yes, you can use canola oil or even melted coconut oil. Just avoid olive oil because the flavor is too strong.
Can I grate carrots in advance?
Yes, but store them in a sealed container to keep them from drying out. Freshly grated carrots always work best.
Can I make this cake in a round pan?
Yes, you can divide the batter into two 9-inch round pans. Adjust the baking time so it doesn’t overbake.
Why did my frosting turn runny?
Your frosting might be runny if the butter or cream cheese was too warm. Chill it slightly and beat it again to thicken it.
Can I reduce the sugar in the recipe?
Yes, but the cake may become less moist. Sugar helps hold moisture and affects texture.
Can I make this cake gluten free?
Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture will be slightly different but still soft and tasty.
Conclusion
This moist carrot sheet cake with cream cheese frosting is one of the easiest yet most impressive desserts you can make at home. It has warm spices, a soft crumb, and a creamy topping that makes every bite comforting.
Whether you make it for a party, a family gathering, or a simple treat after dinner, it always brings smiles to the table. The recipe is beginner-friendly, easy to follow, and customizable in many ways.
Each slice delivers the perfect balance of sweetness and spice. With simple ingredients and thoughtful tips, you can bake a cake that tastes bakery-quality every time.
