Pumpkin Carrot Cake

for the cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 2 tsp baking powder

• 1 tsp baking soda

• 1 tsp salt

• 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice

• 3 tsp cinnamon

• 1/2 cup oil (olive, canola, vegetable)

• 3/4 cup brown sugar

• 3/4 cup granulated cane sugar

• 3 large eggs

• 2 tsp vanilla extract or almond extract

• 1 and 1/4 cup canned pumpkin puree

• 1/2 cup buttermilk

• 2 cups shredded carrot

• 1/2 cup applesauce OR grated apple

  
  

for the frosting:

• 8 oz. whipped cream cheese OR regular cream cheese block

• 4 tbsp butter, room temperature

• 1/4 cup brown sugar

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar, sifted

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• Optional decoration: toasted walnuts (mixed with honey and pumpkin pie spice before toasting until browned), and food coloring for orange and green frosting

Step One

Preheat an oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. In a large bowl, mix together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices.

(2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 tsp baking powder, 1 tsp baking soda, 1 tsp salt, 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice, 3 tsp cinnamon)

Step Two

In a medium bowl, whisk together the sugars, eggs, and vanilla until just combined.

(3/4 cup brown sugar, 3/4 cup granulated cane sugar, 3 eggs, 2 tsp vanilla, 1/2 cup oil)

Step Three

To the wet mixture, add the pumpkin puree, buttermilk, shredded/grated carrot, and grated apple/applesauce. Fold in gently.

Step Four

Add a third of the wet mixture to the dry at a time, mixing between each add. Make sure not to overmix after the third addition! Pour the combined mixture into a circular cake tin (I used 9 inch diameter) and bake for about 35-40 minutes.

Step Five

Remove cake from the oven when done and allow to cool. Meanwhile, combine the frosting ingredients and whip/whisk until fluffy.

Step Six

After cake has cooled, apply a 'crumb coat' with the frosting -- or an initial thin layer that will hold the crumbs together and allow you to easily add extra layers/designs! After the crumb coat, place in the fridge anywhere from 30 minutes to 45 minutes.

Step Seven

Remove from fridge after crumb coating has set. Now, you can add a second thicker layer of frosting, as well as toasted walnuts for decoration! Enjoy your cinnamony cake and share a slice with your friends :)