The Best Carrot Cake Tray Bake You’ll Ever Taste

Indulge in the cozy flavors of carrot cake without the guilt! This Carrot Cake Tray Bake is a lighter take on the classic, featuring grated carrots, warm spices, and a luscious cream cheese frosting. Perfect for dessert, snack time, or even breakfast, this easy recipe is sure to become a household favorite. A wholesome treat that’s as comforting as it is delicious—carrot cake lovers, rejoice!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Weight Watchers-Friendly: 4 SmartPoints® per slice (Blue Plan).
• Quick & Easy: Ready in under 45 minutes—no layering required!
• Nostalgic Flavor: All the cinnamon-spiced warmth of traditional carrot cake.
• Meal Prep Star: Stays fresh for days and freezes beautifully.

Ingredients 

For the Cake:

• 1.5 cups grated carrots (about 3 medium carrots)
• 1 cup whole wheat flour (or gluten-free 1:1 flour)
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1.5 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce (replaces oil)
• 2 large eggs (or 3 egg whites for fewer points)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar substitute (e.g., Swerve)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup crushed pineapple, drained (optional, adds natural sweetness)

For the Frosting:

• 4 oz low-fat cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar substitute (e.g., Swerve Confectioners)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1-2 tbsp unsweetened almond milk (to thin if needed)

Optional Add-Ins:

• 1/4 cup raisins (adds 1 SmartPoint® per serving)
• 2 tbsp chopped walnuts (adds 1 SmartPoint® per serving)

Instructions

Prep the Oven:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking tray with parchment paper.

Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

Combine Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, beat eggs, applesauce, sugar substitute, and vanilla. Fold in grated carrots and pineapple (if using).

Bake:
Gently mix wet and dry ingredients until just combined. Pour into the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.

Make the Frosting:
Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar substitute, and vanilla until smooth. Spread over cooled cake.

Nutrition & SmartPoints®

Per serving (1/12th of tray, with frosting):

• Calories: 110
• Protein: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 2g
• Fat: 3g
• SmartPoints®: 4 (Blue Plan, without optional add-ins)

Points may vary with substitutions or add-ins.

Serving Suggestions

• With Coffee or Tea: Pair with a cup of black coffee or chai tea (0 points).
• Add Fresh Fruit: Serve with sliced strawberries or apple for extra fiber.
• Portion Control: Cut into smaller squares for a 2 SmartPoints® snack.

Pro Tips

• Boost Nutrition: Add 1/4 cup oats or 1 tbsp flaxseed to the batter.
• No Sugar Substitute?: Use 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup (adjust points).
• Dairy-Free Frosting: Swap cream cheese for dairy-free alternatives.
• Freeze for Later: Wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Kid-Friendly: Let them decorate with a sprinkle of cinnamon or mini carrot shapes!

Why This Recipe Works for Weight Loss

• Veggie-Packed: Carrots add fiber and natural sweetness.
• Smart Swaps: Applesauce and sugar substitutes slash calories and points.
• Portion Control: Pre-sliced tray bake prevents overeating.

This Carrot Cake Tray Bake is the ultimate proof that healthy eating doesn’t mean missing out on life’s sweet moments. Moist, spiced, and topped with a velvety frosting, it’s a dessert you can feel good about sharing—or keeping all to yourself! Whether for a birthday, potluck, or Tuesday afternoon pick-me-up, this cake delivers joy in every bite.