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Creamy Carrot Cake Sheet Cake Recipe with Easy Brown Butter Frosting

creamy carrot cake sheet cake - featured image

A moist and rich carrot sheet cake with a nutty, creamy brown butter frosting that offers a cozy, soul-soothing dessert experience perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 1 cup (220g) packed light brown sugar
  • 1 cup (240ml) vegetable oil
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract (optional)
  • 3 cups (about 300g) freshly grated carrots
  • 1 cup (100g) chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
  • ½ cup (85g) crushed pineapple, drained (optional)
  • 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter
  • 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
  • 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch sheet pan or line it with parchment paper.
  2. Grate the carrots finely using a box grater or food processor. Set aside.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
  4. In a large bowl, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil. Whisk until smooth.
  5. Add eggs one at a time to the wet mixture, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
  6. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently with a spatula until just combined.
  7. Fold in grated carrots, nuts, and drained pineapple if using.
  8. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
  9. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  10. While the cake bakes, prepare the brown butter frosting: melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat, swirling occasionally until it foams and turns golden brown with a nutty aroma (about 5-7 minutes). Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  11. In a mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, then slowly pour in the cooled brown butter and vanilla extract. Beat until fluffy and creamy. Add a pinch of salt.
  12. Once the cake is completely cooled, spread the frosting evenly on top using a spatula or offset spatula for a smooth finish.
  13. Chill the cake for at least 30 minutes to set the frosting before slicing and serving.

Notes

Brown butter carefully to avoid burning; remove from heat as soon as it smells nutty and turns amber. Grate carrots finely for best texture. Do not overmix the batter to keep the cake tender. Use room-temperature eggs and cream cheese for smooth blending. Chill frosting before spreading to prevent melting. If frosting is too soft, chill briefly then re-whip before spreading.

Nutrition

Keywords: carrot cake, sheet cake, brown butter frosting, easy carrot cake, moist carrot cake, cream cheese frosting, dessert, baking, homemade cake