Low Fat Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Indulge in a guilt-free dessert with this Low Fat Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting, a deliciously moist and healthier twist on a classic favorite. Packed with nutrient-rich shredded carrots, naturally sweetened with crushed pineapple and a touch of applesauce, this cake delivers all the comforting flavors you love—cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of vanilla—without the excess fat. Topped with a velvety low-fat cream cheese frosting, it strikes the perfect balance between decadent and wholesome. Ideal for celebrations or everyday treats, this easy-to-make recipe comes together in just under an hour and serves 12. Perfect your baking game with this lighter take on carrot cake that doesn’t skimp on flavor or texture!

Nutriscore Rating: 57/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups All-purpose flour
• 1.5 teaspoons Baking powder
• 0.5 teaspoon Baking soda
• 1 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
• 0.25 teaspoons Ground nutmeg
• 0.25 teaspoons Salt
• 2 large Eggs
• 0.5 cup Granulated sugar
• 0.25 cup Brown sugar (lightly packed)
• 0.5 cup Unsweetened applesauce
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
• 2 cups Shredded carrots
• 0.5 cup Crushed pineapple (drained)
• 0.25 cup Chopped walnuts (optional)
• 8 ounces Low-fat cream cheese
• 1 cup Powdered sugar
• 0.5 teaspoon Vanilla extract (for frosting)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.

Step 2

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the eggs, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until well combined, about 2-3 minutes using a hand mixer or whisk.

Step 4

Add the unsweetened applesauce and vanilla extract to the wet mixture and mix until smooth.

Step 5

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients using a spatula, mixing just until combined.

Step 6

Stir in the shredded carrots, drained crushed pineapple, and chopped walnuts (if using) until evenly distributed.

Step 7

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth out the top with a spatula.

Step 8

Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.

Step 9

Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before removing or frosting.

Step 10

To prepare the cream cheese frosting, beat the low-fat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a medium bowl until light and creamy. You can use an electric mixer for the best results.

Step 11

Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Slice into 12 servings and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1300.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2858.9

Total Fat 72.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 29.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 453.0mg	0%
Sodium 3198.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 491.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 18.9g	0%
Total Sugars 323.1g
Protein 55.8g	0%

Vitamin D 82IU	0%
Calcium 580.0mg	0%
Iron 15.0mg	0%
Potassium 1690.7mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 22.9%

Protein: 7.9%

Carbs: 69.2%