Creative Carrot Cake with Spiced Cream Cheese Frosting

This delightful carrot cake harmoniously blends traditional flavors with a creative twist. Moist and fluffy, it's packed with freshly grated carrots, warm spices, and a hint of orange zest. Topped with a spiced cream cheese frosting that features a touch of cardamom and vanilla, this cake is perfect for any occasion. It's a sweet treat that respects dietary needs while delivering on flavor and texture.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 4 large eggs
• 2 cups grated carrots
• 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 orange
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom (for frosting)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cardamom, and salt.
3. In another bowl, mix the vegetable oil and eggs until well combined. Stir in the grated carrots, crushed pineapple, walnuts, orange zest, and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. For the frosting, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until creamy. Stir in the vanilla extract and cardamom.
8. Once the cakes are completely cool, spread a layer of frosting on top of one cake layer, place the second layer on top, and frost the top and sides of the cake.
9. Decorate with additional chopped walnuts or orange zest if desired. Serve and enjoy!