The Hands-Down Best Trader Joe's Mini Sheet Cake Is A Spiced Classic

We've taste-tested plenty of items at Trader Joe's over the years — hey, someone has to do the tough work — and recently added the lineup of its bargain-priced mini sheet cakes to the list. We also ranked six of TJ's mini sheet cakes, and although decadent flavors like dark chocolate ganache and Chantilly cream vanilla bean were in the mix, the classic carrot cake came out on top. Yes, it was that good.

Our reviewer found the cream cheese frosting to be excellent, but the base of the cake was the real star. The combination of carrots, ground walnuts, and cinnamon worked in harmony to create "the most dynamic flavor and texture of all six cakes." On top of that, the cake doesn't contain raisins — which was a plus due to personal preference. Our taste tester isn't the only one in love with Trader Joe's carrot mini sheet cake. It turns out there are numerous threads online discussing this spiced dessert.

In a Reddit thread titled "A little commotion for the Carrot Cake" the original poster claims, "The flavor, the moistness, the frosting. It's perfect." Another person chimed in with, "WOW! I just tried this for the first time. The cream cheese frosting is UNREAL." Elsewhere on Reddit, many discussed how this cake is a test of willpower. "Had a great workout this evening, went to TJ's, ate half the carrot cake while sitting in my car in the parking garage," described one happy customer. Other Redditors noted, "I can't control myself around this cake lol," and, "Currently 33 weeks pregnant and if I don't give birth to a baby made of this cake, I will be shocked."

Detractors from the carrot cake had comments like, "I've had better, moister, more carrot flavor or more spice. Points, however, for not being overly sweet." A few others agreed it could have more carrot punch, or that homemade tastes better (but, of course, nothing is going to beat your grandmother's carrot cake). And, there were several people who seemed to favor the lemon cake over the carrot (which ranked fourth on our list).

The carrot mini sheet cake seems to be a seasonal offering, and availability varies from store to store. If you're headed to your local Trader Joe's just for this carrot cake, you may want to call ahead — or try the decadent New York-style cheese cake that's sold at a great price instead.