Carrot Sheet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Moist, rich, and lightly spiced, this carrot cake received our Test Kitchens' highest rating. We call for a metal baking pan for the cake; if you use a glass baking dish, which conducts heat better than metal, decrease the baking temperature to 325°, and begin checking for doneness after 25 minutes. For the best frosting consistency, use softened butter and cold cream cheese, and add the powdered sugar in batches.

• Active Time 1 HR
• Total Time 1 HR 40 MIN
• Yield Serves : Makes one 9-by-13-inch sheet cake

Ingredients

Carrot Cake

• 1 cup chopped walnuts
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons cake flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 4 large eggs
• 1 1/4 cups vegetable oil
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup light brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 2 cups finely shredded or grated carrots

Cream Cheese Frosting

• 1 pound cream cheese, softened
• 1 stick unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/4 cups confectioners' sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

How to Make It

Step 1    

Preheat the oven to 350°. Spray a 9-by-13-inch metal baking pan with vegetable spray. Line the pan with parchment paper and spray the paper.

Step 2    

On a rimmed baking sheet, toast the walnuts for about 7 minutes, until lightly browned and fragrant. Remove from the oven, add the butter and toss to coat the walnuts.

Step 3    

In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice and ginger; whisk to blend. In another bowl, whisk the eggs with the oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar and vanilla until smooth. Stir in the dry ingredients just incorporated, then stir in the carrots and walnuts. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 40 minutes, or until a tester inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean.

Step 4    

Transfer the cake to a rack and let cool for 15 minutes. With a paring knife, loosen the cake from the side of the pan. Invert the cake onto the rack and gently peel off the parchment paper. Let cool completely, at least 2 hours.

Step 5    

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle, beat the cream cheese with the butter at medium speed until blended, about 30 seconds. Beat in the confectioners' sugar in two batches, mixing thoroughly between additions, about 1 minute. Beat in the vanilla.

Step 6    

Transfer the cake to a platter and spread the frosting over the top and sides. Serve at room temperature or chilled.

Make Ahead

The frosting can be refrigerated for up to 2 days; bring to room temperature before using. The frosted cake can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.