Orange and Carrot Cake

Ingredients

• Orange zest (1 tablespoon)
• Powdered sugar (1 cup)
• Cream cheese (8 ounces, softened)
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon)
• Eggs (3)
• Granulated sugar (1 cup)
• Vegetable oil (1/2 cup)
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon)
• Cinnamon (1 teaspoon)
• Baking soda (1 teaspoon)
• Baking powder (2 teaspoons)
• All (purpose flour - 2 cups)
• Oranges (2, zest and juice)
• Carrots (2 cups, grated)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. In a large bowl, combine the grated carrots, orange zest, and orange juice. Set aside.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
4. In another bowl, beat together the vegetable oil, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Fold in the carrot and orange mixture until evenly distributed.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
8. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and orange zest until smooth and creamy.
11. Spread the cream cheese frosting over the cooled cake.
12. Slice and serve the delicious orange and carrot cake.