1. **Preheat the Oven:**
– Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. **Prepare the Dry Ingredients:**
– In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. **Mix the Wet Ingredients:**
– In a large mixing bowl, combine the oil, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
4. **Combine the Mixtures:**
– Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Fold in the grated carrots and chopped walnuts.
5. **Bake:**
– Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. **Prepare the Frosting (if using):**
– In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until well combined and fluffy.
7. **Frost the Cake:**
– Once the cake has completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting on top. Garnish with extra chopped walnuts, if desired.
8. **Serve:**
– Slice and enjoy your delicious carrot and walnut cake!
### Tips:
– For added flavor, you can mix in some raisins or pineapple.
– This cake keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for a few days.
Enjoy baking your Carrot and Walnut Cake!
