Carrot sheet cake is a delightful and comforting dessert that celebrates the earthy sweetness of carrots. This cake, often topped with creamy cream cheese frosting, has a rich history rooted in Europe and has evolved into a beloved American classic. In this recipe, we’ll explore the long history of carrot cake and provide detailed instructions on how to make a delicious carrot sheet cake, perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a sweet treat.
The roots of carrot cake can be traced back to Europe, where carrots were used in baking during medieval times. Sugar and sweeteners were scarce, so carrots provided a natural sweetness to dishes. Carrot puddings and cakes were popular, especially in England.
The concept of carrot cake made its way to America with European immigrants, and it began to evolve into the form we recognize today. In the early 20th century, as commercial baking products like baking powder and pre-grated carrots became available, carrot cake recipes started appearing in cookbooks.
During World War II, when sugar was rationed, carrot cake’s popularity surged due to its ability to provide sweetness without the need for excessive sugar. It became a common treat on the home front.
In the 1960s and ’70s, carrot cake gained widespread popularity in the United States, thanks in part to its inclusion in the “health food” movement. People began to see it as a nutritious dessert option because of the carrots and nuts it contained.
Today, carrot cake is enjoyed worldwide in various forms, from classic layer cakes with cream cheese frosting to sheet cakes like the one we’ll be making.
INGREDIENTS
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 2 cups grated carrots (about 3-4 medium carrots)
- 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
INSTRUCTIONS
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 13×9-inch (33×23 cm) baking pan.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, allspice). Mix well to evenly distribute the dry ingredients.
- Beat Eggs and Add Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs. Add the vegetable oil and mix until well combined. Pour this wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until the batter is smooth.
- Add Carrots, Pineapple, and Nuts (Optional): Fold in the grated carrots, crushed pineapple, and chopped nuts (if using). These ingredients add sweetness, moisture, and texture to the cake.
- Bake: Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until the frosting is fluffy and well combined.
- Frost the Cake: Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. You can also garnish with additional chopped nuts or grated carrots for decoration, if desired.
- Slice and Serve: Cut the carrot sheet cake into squares or rectangles and serve. Enjoy this delightful and moist carrot cake with cream cheese frosting as a comforting and classic dessert.
Carrot sheet cake is a testament to the adaptability of traditional recipes, using ingredients like carrots to add natural sweetness and nutrition. Whether enjoyed on its own or with a dollop of cream cheese frosting, it’s a timeless dessert that brings warmth and comfort to any occasion.
