9 Lighter Carrot Cake Treats: SparkRecipes SlideShow

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9 Lighter Carrot Cake Treats

by Melinda Hershey, Staff Writer

Although it sounds virtuous, most carrot cake can be insanely high in calories, fat and sugar. We've rounded up a collection of lighter carrot treats that you can nibble on, guilt free. (Now that's a tasty way to get your veggies!)

Low-Fat Carrot Cake Muffins

These carrot muffins are made with applesauce instead of oil to help retain their moisture while lowering the fat content. Studded with pineapple and raisins, they would make a sweet treat for breakfast or an on-the-go snack.

Carrot Cake Protein Shake

With plenty of protein and healthy fats, this carrot cake shake makes a perfect post-workout drink or meal replacement.

Carrot Cake Breakfast Cookies

At just 150 calories each, these carrot cake cookies are wholesome enough to eat for breakfast. We like them with a tall glass of milk.

Carrot Cake Pancakes

Carrot cake and pancakes together? Now, that's a breakfast we can get behind! These flavorful carrot cake pancakes might taste indulgent, but they're low in both fat and calories. Top with low-fat cream cheese and a drizzle of maple syrup for an even more decadent morning meal.

Carrot Cake Protein Bars

That's right—you can get more protein by eating carrot cake! Two of these carrot cake protein bars pack in 10 grams of filling protein.

Microwave Carrot Cake in a Mug

How would you like to have a single-serving carrot cake ready in just five minutes? This simple dessert can be made in the microwave for a portion-controlled treat anytime.

Low-Fat, Sugar-Free Carrot Cake

You'd never guess that this healthy carrot cake is both low-fat and sugar-free! Feel free to substitute any nuts of your choice for the walnuts (we love it with pecans, too).

Carrot Cake Oats

We love the sweet flavors of ginger and coconut in this healthy carrot cake oatmeal.

Carrot Cranberry Cake

Tart cranberries are a unique addition to this lightened-up carrot cake recipe. We think it would also work well with dried cherries or apples.