Carrot Walnut Spice Cake

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 4 large eggs
• 3 cups grated carrots
• 1 cup chopped walnuts
• 1/2 cup raisins (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• Optional: extra walnuts for decoration

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch cake pan or two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger.
3. Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat together sugar, oil, and eggs until smooth and well combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
4. Add Carrots and Nuts: Fold in the grated carrots, chopped walnuts, and raisins if using.
5. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan(s) and smooth the top. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Make Frosting: Beat together cream cheese, butter, and vanilla until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and beat until creamy and spreadable.
7. Cool and Frost: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cool, frost with the cream cheese frosting and sprinkle with extra walnuts if desired.
8. Serve: Cut into squares or slices and enjoy the rich, spiced flavor of this classic carrot cake!