Indulge in the Ultimate Moist Spiced Carrot Sheet Cake with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting
Prepare to be captivated by this incredible Spiced Carrot Cake! This recipe takes the beloved classic and transforms it into an effortlessly easy sheet pan version, perfect for any occasion without the fuss of multiple layers. Each bite is a symphony of flavors, thanks to a generous blend of warming spices: cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and cardamom. What truly elevates this cake is the luxurious brown butter cream cheese frosting, adding a depth of nutty, rich flavor that perfectly complements the spiced carrot base. And the best part? This cake skips butter in the batter, instead relying on vegetable oil, sour cream, and applesauce to guarantee an exceptionally moist and tender crumb that stays fresh for days. It’s a delightful twist on a timeless dessert, making gourmet taste accessible right in your own kitchen!
Carrot cake has long been a cherished dessert, celebrated for its unique blend of earthy sweetness and comforting spices. It’s undoubtedly one of my absolute favorite treats! I adore the natural sweetness of fresh carrots combined with the aromatic warmth of various spices. However, I often find myself wanting to enjoy this delightful cake without the time commitment and intricate assembly required for a traditional multi-layer cake. That’s precisely why I crafted this single-layer, easy carrot cake recipe, designed for maximum flavor with minimal effort. Imagine simply spreading the luscious frosting directly onto the cooled cake with an offset spatula – it’s quick, easy, and still delivers a stunningly beautiful and incredibly delicious dessert. This sheet pan approach makes serving a breeze, whether for a family gathering, a casual snack, or even a special holiday like Easter. No complicated techniques, just pure carrot cake bliss!
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Why You’ll Adore This Spiced Carrot Sheet Cake
This isn’t just another carrot cake recipe; it’s a testament to how simple baking can still yield extraordinary results. Here’s why this Spiced Carrot Sheet Cake will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen:
- Explosion of Flavor: Every slice is bursting with the natural sweetness of fresh carrots, perfectly complemented by a harmonious blend of warm, inviting spices. The balance is just right, ensuring a comforting and complex taste.
- Irresistible Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting: The star of the show! Browning the butter before incorporating it into the cream cheese frosting adds a rich, nutty, and deeply complex flavor that elevates the entire cake. It’s a game-changer that pairs exquisitely with the spiced carrot cake.
- Unbeatably Moist Texture: Thanks to the thoughtful inclusion of vegetable oil, sour cream, and applesauce in the batter, this cake achieves an unparalleled moistness. You won’t miss the butter here; these ingredients ensure a tender crumb that stays wonderfully soft for days.
- Effortless Single-Layer Design: Forget the stress of stacking and leveling multiple cake layers. This easy sheet pan carrot cake bakes in a single layer, making it incredibly simple to frost and serve. It’s perfect for busy bakers who don’t want to compromise on taste.
- Nut-Free Enjoyment: This recipe is specifically crafted as a delicious carrot cake without nuts, making it a great option for those with allergies or preferences. Everyone can enjoy a slice without worry.
Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Carrot Cake
Crafting a truly exceptional carrot cake relies on a selection of quality ingredients that work in harmony to create its signature flavor and texture. Here’s a closer look at the key components that make this Spiced Carrot Sheet Cake so special:
- Aromatic Spices: The soul of this cake lies in its carefully selected spice blend, featuring a generous amount of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and cardamom. These spices create a warm, inviting, and truly unforgettable flavor profile that perfectly complements the carrots.
- Fresh Shredded Carrots: Naturally, you can’t have carrot cake without the star ingredient! I personally prefer using finely shredded carrots as they integrate more seamlessly into the batter, ensuring even distribution and a tender texture. However, a slightly more coarse grate will also work beautifully if that’s your preference.
- Unsweetened Applesauce: While it might seem unconventional in a cake, applesauce is a secret weapon for moisture. It contributes to an incredibly tender crumb and allows us to achieve a rich, moist cake without excessive amounts of oil or butter. Be sure to use smooth, unsweetened applesauce to control the sugar levels and consistency.
- Vegetable Oil and Sour Cream: These two ingredients are crucial for achieving the signature moistness of this simple carrot cake. Vegetable oil provides a consistent, even moisture throughout the cake without adding a strong flavor, while sour cream adds a subtle tang and helps keep the cake incredibly tender and rich. This combination ensures a lusciously moist cake that defies dryness.
- Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Essential for a smooth, lump-free frosting. When combined with brown butter and powdered sugar, it creates a decadent, tangy, and sweet topping that is truly irresistible.
For precise measurements and a complete list of ingredients, please refer to the detailed recipe card below.
Exciting Substitutions & Creative Variations
This Spiced Carrot Sheet Cake recipe is wonderfully versatile, allowing for several delicious adjustments to suit your taste or dietary needs. Feel free to get creative and make it your own:
- Add a Nutty Crunch: For those who love texture, incorporating about ½ to 1 cup of finely chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter (along with the shredded carrots) will add a delightful crunch and extra depth of flavor.
- Breakfast-Friendly Option: If you’re looking for a lighter, less indulgent treat, you can easily omit the frosting for a delicious breakfast version. The spiced carrot cake on its own is fantastic with a cup of coffee. Alternatively, for a truly unique morning meal, explore my Carrot Cake French Toast recipe!
- Alternate Baking Vessels: This versatile batter can be baked in various forms. Instead of a sheet pan, consider using cupcake tins (for individual servings) or loaf pans (for a denser, more bread-like cake). Keep in mind that baking times will vary; cupcakes generally require less time, while loaf pans might need longer.
- Personalize Your Presentation: Elevate the visual appeal of your carrot cake! Decorate the frosted cake with colorful sprinkles, candied carrot ribbons, or even finely chopped nuts (if you choose to add them). You can also dye your cream cheese frosting with a touch of food coloring for a festive touch.
Please note: This recipe has been thoroughly tested with the ingredients and methods described. If you experiment with other substitutions or variations, we’d love to hear about your results in the comments below! Your feedback helps other bakers in our community.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Spiced Carrot Cake
Making this moist and flavorful Spiced Carrot Sheet Cake is simpler than you might think. Follow these easy steps for a perfect bake every time:
Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, thoroughly whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and all the warm spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and cardamom). Whisking ensures even distribution of the leavening agents and spices, which is crucial for a perfectly risen and flavorful cake.
Step 2: Prepare Wet Ingredients. In a separate, larger mixing bowl, begin by whisking together the granulated sugar and brown sugar with the vegetable oil until well combined and slightly lightened. Then, incorporate the room temperature eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, sour cream, and applesauce. Mix thoroughly after each addition, ensuring everything is smooth and fully integrated. This creates a rich, moist base for the cake.
Step 3: Combine and Fold. Gently sift the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, folding them together with a spatula until just a few dry streaks of flour remain. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough cake. Finally, fold in the freshly shredded carrots until they are evenly incorporated throughout the batter. This ensures a tender cake with perfectly distributed carrots.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection. Pour the carrot cake batter into a prepared 9×13 inch baking pan, ensuring it’s evenly spread. Bake in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for approximately 40-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, transfer the pan to a wire rack and allow the cake to cool completely before even thinking about frosting it. Patience here is key for the best results!
Step 5: Prepare Brown Butter. To create that irresistible brown butter cream cheese frosting, start by browning your unsalted butter. Melt the butter in a light-colored pan over medium heat, stirring constantly. Watch carefully as it transforms from yellow to golden brown, and small brown bits form at the bottom. Once you detect a fragrant, nutty aroma, immediately pour the browned butter (including the solids!) into a heat-resistant bowl and let it cool completely to room temperature. This step is crucial for the unique flavor.
Step 6: Make and Frost. In a large mixing bowl, beat the room temperature cream cheese until it’s perfectly smooth and creamy. Gradually add the completely cooled brown butter, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar, mixing until the frosting is light, fluffy, and evenly combined. Once your carrot cake is completely cool, spread this decadent brown butter cream cheese frosting generously and evenly over the top. Now, slice, serve, and savor!
Expert Baking Tips for the Best Carrot Cake
Achieving a bakery-quality carrot cake at home is entirely possible with a few insider tips. Here’s how you can ensure your Spiced Carrot Sheet Cake turns out perfectly every time:
- For Cupcake Lovers: If you’re craving individual portions or prefer cupcakes over a sheet cake, you’re in luck! This recipe is easily adaptable. However, for best results and specific guidance on baking times and techniques for smaller portions, I recommend checking out my dedicated carrot cake cupcakes recipe.
- Mastering the Spice Level: I am a true enthusiast of baking with spices, and this carrot cake reflects that with its bold, complex flavor profile. The recipe calls for a generous amount of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, along with cloves and cardamom. If you prefer a more subtle spice kick, I highly recommend decreasing the cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger measurements by ¼ to ½ teaspoon each. Taste preference varies, so feel free to adjust to your liking!
- The Golden Rule of Cooling: Patience is paramount in baking, especially when it comes to cooling your cake. Absolutely do not remove the cake from its pan or attempt to frost it until it has cooled completely. Removing it too soon risks the cake falling apart due to its delicate structure when warm. Frosting a warm cake will cause the frosting to melt, creating a sticky, messy disaster and potentially ruining the beautifully baked top layer. Allow ample time for the cake to reach room temperature, or even chill it slightly, for the best frosting application and structural integrity.
- Room Temperature Ingredients are Key: For both the cake batter and the frosting, ensuring your wet ingredients (eggs, sour cream, cream cheese, and even the cooled brown butter) are at room temperature is vital. This allows them to emulsify properly, creating a smoother, more uniform batter and a lump-free, creamy frosting. Cold ingredients can lead to a curdled appearance or an uneven texture.
- Don’t Skimp on Fresh Carrots: The quality of your shredded carrots makes a noticeable difference. Use fresh, firm carrots and grate them yourself just before mixing the batter. Pre-shredded carrots can sometimes be dry and lack the vibrant flavor and moisture that fresh carrots provide.
Common Questions About Spiced Carrot Cake
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions to help you bake your best carrot cake:
Yes, absolutely! While brown butter adds a unique nutty depth, you can certainly use the same amount of softened, room temperature unsalted butter as a direct substitute. The frosting will still be wonderfully creamy and delicious, just without that distinct browned butter flavor profile.
The most common reason for curdled cream cheese frosting is adding warm or hot brown butter to cold cream cheese. The temperature difference causes the fats to separate. To prevent this, ensure your brown butter has cooled completely to room temperature (it should be slightly solidified but still soft) before incorporating it into the cream cheese. You can speed up the cooling process by refrigerating the browned butter in a shallow bowl, but be careful not to let it solidify too much; it should still be spreadable.
Yes, this carrot cake is an excellent make-ahead dessert! You can bake the cake layer, let it cool completely, and then freeze it. Once you’re ready to serve, simply thaw the cake and then prepare and apply the brown butter cream cheese frosting. Freezing the unfrosted cake can actually help lock in moisture, making it even better when ready to enjoy. Refer to the “Storage” section below for more detailed instructions.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips for Your Spiced Carrot Cake
Proper storage is essential to keep your delicious carrot cake fresh and moist. Here’s how to store it and even make it ahead of time:
Room Temperature (Unfrosted)
If you’ve baked the cake layer but haven’t frosted it yet, you can store the unfrosted carrot cake tightly covered at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. This is a convenient option if you plan to frost it closer to serving time.
Refrigerator (Frosted)
Once frosted with the luscious brown butter cream cheese frosting, the cake should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay wonderfully fresh and delicious for up to 1 week. Bring slices to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Freezing Instructions
This spiced carrot cake freezes beautifully! For frosted cake, cut it into individual slices, then wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply defrost individual slices in the refrigerator overnight (if frosted) or at room temperature for a few hours (if unfrosted) and savor your delicious treat!
Make Ahead of Time
To prepare this cake in advance, bake the cake layer as directed and allow it to cool completely. Once cool, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, and freeze it. When you’re ready to assemble and serve, remove the cake from the freezer and prepare the brown butter cream cheese frosting. Spread the frosting over the cold cake. The frosting helps to lock in moisture as the cake thaws. Refrigerate the frosted cake until it’s completely thawed and you’re ready to serve, then bring it to room temperature for optimal flavor and texture.
Discover More Delicious Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed this Spiced Carrot Cake, you’re sure to find more culinary delights in my collection. Explore these other fantastic recipes that celebrate comforting flavors and easy baking:
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The Best Carrot Cake Cupcakes
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Carrot Cake French Toast
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Spiced Walnut Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
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Easy Banana Snack Cake with Frosting
Did you try this delectable Spiced Carrot Sheet Cake recipe?
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Thank you for baking with us!
-Kayla
📖 Recipe
Spiced Carrot Cake with Brown Butter Frosting
Kayla Burton
Pin Recipe
Equipment
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9×13″ cake pan
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Mixing bowls
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Measuring spoons
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Scale or measuring cups
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Sifter
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Whisk
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Spatula
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Ingredients
Carrot Cake
- 2¼ cups (280 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon (1 teaspoon) baking powder
- 1½ teaspoon (1½ teaspoon) baking soda
- 1 teaspoon (1 teaspoon) salt
- 2½ teaspoons (2½ teaspoons) ground cinnamon
- ¾ teaspoon* (¾ teaspoon*) ground nutmeg
- ¾ teaspoon* (¾ teaspoon*) ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon (¼ teaspoon) ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon (¼ teaspoon) ground cardamom
- 1½ cups (300 g) light brown sugar packed
- ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (250 ml) canola or vegetable oil
- 4 large (4 large) eggs room temperature
- 1 teaspoon (1 teaspoon) vanilla extract
- ¼ cup (60 g) sour cream room temperature
- ¼ cup (62 g) applesauce room temperature
- 3 cups (~6 medium carrots) (345 g) shredded carrots
Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting
- ½ cup (1 stick) (113.5 g) unsalted butter browned and cooled
- 8 oz (1 block) (226.8 g) cream cheese room temperature
- 1 teaspoon (1 teaspoon) vanilla extract
- 4 cups (480 g) powdered sugar
Instructions
Carrot Cake
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Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a 9×13 inch cake pan with parchment paper, ensuring it covers the bottom and extends up the sides for easy removal later.
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In a medium bowl, thoroughly whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and cardamom until well combined. Set this dry mixture aside.
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In a separate large mixing bowl, whisk together the light brown sugar and granulated sugar with the canola or vegetable oil until smooth. Then, gradually add the room temperature eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, room temperature sour cream, and unsweetened applesauce. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure all ingredients are fully incorporated.
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Sift the reserved dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Using a spatula, gently fold them together until just a few streaks of dry flour are still visible. Be careful not to overmix. Finally, fold in the freshly shredded carrots until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
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Pour the prepared batter into the lined cake pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Transfer the baked cake to a wire rack and allow it to cool completely to room temperature before applying any frosting. Once completely cooled, you can easily lift the cake out of the pan by grasping the edges of the parchment paper.
Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting
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To make the brown butter, place the unsalted butter in a light-colored pan over medium heat. Stir constantly as it melts, foams, and then begins to turn golden brown, releasing a delightful nutty aroma. Once small brown bits form at the bottom, immediately remove from heat and pour into a heat-resistant bowl. Let it cool completely to room temperature. It should still be soft, not solid.
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In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the room temperature cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the cooled brown butter, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar. Mix until all ingredients are well combined and the frosting is light, fluffy, and free of lumps.
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Once your spiced carrot cake is completely cool, spread an even and generous layer of the brown butter cream cheese frosting over the top. Use an offset spatula for a smooth finish. Cut the cake into 24 pieces (or fewer for larger servings) and enjoy this delightful treat!
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Notes
*If you prefer a less intense spice flavor, consider reducing the ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger by ¼ to ½ teaspoon each to match your preference.
Nutrition Information: The provided nutritional information is an estimate per serving and is calculated using an online calculator. The calorie accuracy is not guaranteed and may vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.
For Cupcakes: If you’re looking to convert this recipe into delicious cupcakes, please see my dedicated Carrot Cake Cupcakes recipe for tailored instructions.
The provided nutritional information is an estimate per serving. Accuracy is not guaranteed.