National Carrot Cake Day Timeline

1960s

Red, white, and orange

Carrot cake became a popular dessert at dinner tables across America.

1940s

Carrots went to war

The British government encouraged citizens to use carrots as a replacement for sugar and other sweeteners, which were in short supply during the war. The government suggested using carrots in cakes and puddings.

1827

The French were first

The earliest known recipe for carrot cake was published in Britain — inside a French cookbook.

1600s

Carrots went Dutch

There are many reports that the Dutch first cultivated orange carrots during the 17th Century.