American Spiced Carrot Sheet Cake

American Spiced Carrot Sheet Cake is one of those desserts that always feels like home. The warm spices, the sweetness of carrots, and the rich cream cheese frosting make it irresistible. I love making this cake when I want something comforting but not too heavy. It’s easy to bake, and the sheet cake format makes it perfect for serving a crowd. Plus, the combination of ginger, cinnamon, and carrots creates a flavor that’s hard to beat.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 1

Servings: 15

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: British

Calories: 320

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

Cake:

2½ cups 275g all-purpose flour
1¾ cups 350g sugar
4 extra-large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
4¼ tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
1¼ cups 300ml sunflower oil
2½ cups 275g carrots, grated
3 tsp ground cinnamon
2 tsp ground ginger
⅔ cup 75g mixed unsalted nuts, chopped

Topping:

1¾ cups 400g full-fat cream cheese
4 tsp clear honey
2 tsp fresh lemon juice
Mixed unsalted nuts chopped (for garnish)

Method

Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Lightly grease a large sheet pan and line it with parchment paper.
Mix the dry ingredients – In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and ginger.
Prepare the wet mix – In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, oil, and vanilla until smooth.
Combine the wet and dry ingredients – Gradually fold the wet mixture into the dry ingredients until just combined.
Add the carrots and nuts – Stir in the grated carrots and chopped nuts. The batter will be thick, but that’s what gives the cake its rich texture.
Pour and bake – Spread the batter evenly into the sheet pan. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely.
Make the topping – Beat the cream cheese, honey, and lemon juice until smooth and creamy.
Frost the cake – Once the cake is cool, spread the cream cheese topping evenly over the top. Sprinkle with chopped nuts for extra crunch and flavor.
Chill and serve – Let the cake chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes before cutting into squares.

Notes

Boost the Flavor with These Tasty Add-Ins

You can add shredded coconut, raisins, or chopped pineapple for extra sweetness and texture. A handful of chopped walnuts or pecans will add a nice crunch. For a spicier kick, try a pinch of nutmeg or cloves. A dash of orange zest can also brighten up the flavors and balance the sweetness beautifully.

Pro Tip: Keep It Fresh

You can store the iced American Spiced Carrot Sheet Cake in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Just make sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or keep it in an airtight container to maintain its moisture and flavor. When you’re ready to enjoy it, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes for the best taste.