Carrot Cake

I love love love carrot cake, there is not a person I know who does not love carrot cake. My guess is the combination of all the ingredients are well balanced. My grandmother always made the best carrot cake of all times. So one day while cleaning out i came across the recipe and today i decided to put my own twist to this classic recipe. I swear this came out better than expected with my little changes to the original recipe. You are going to love love this.

Ingredients
2 Cups flour
1 cup brown sugar( maple syrup can be substituted)
1/2 cup unsweetened apple sauce
1/2 cup vegetable oil
3 cups shredded carrots ( about 6 large carrots)
2tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
2 tsp combined spices ( cinnamon, nutmeg, clove)
4 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup raisins 

Frosting 
6 ounces cream cheese( softened)
3 tbsp unsalted butter (softened)
2 tsp vanilla extract
zest of 1 orange
2 1/4 cups confectioner sugar
1 cup chopped walnuts(optional)

Method

1. Preheat oven 350 degrees, spray 9 inch pan with non stick cooking
2. In a bowl mix together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and spices
3. In a next bowl add the carrots and half of the dry ingredients 
4. In a next bowl mix together the oil, sugar, apple sauce, vanilla and eggs
5. Pour wet ingredients into dry and combine. Fold the carrots
6. Pour into prepared baking pan and bake for 30 minutes  or until toothpick comes out clean
7. Allow to cool

Frosting

1. In a electric mixer add butter, cream cheese, orange zest and vanilla until well combines
2. Add powdered sugar and mix until creamy
3. Smear frosting all over cake
4. Add chopped walnuts all over the outside of the frosted cake
5. Decoration of your choice
6. Enjoy

Tell me what you think!