Carrot Tea Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Carrot Tea Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Ingredients:
● 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature, plus more for pan
● 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled), plus more for pan
● 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
● 1 tsp. baking powder
● 1/2 tsp. baking soda
● 1/2 tsp. salt
● 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
● 1/2 cup packed dark-brown sugar
● 2 large eggs
● 1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
● 1 cup packed grated carrots (from about 2 carrots)
● 1 bar (8 ounces) reduced fat cream cheese, room temperature
● 5 tbsp honey
● 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract

Directions:
For the cake:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter and flour a 5-by-9-inch (6-cup) loaf pan.
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon; set aside.
Using an electric mixer, beat the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about two minutes. Beat in eggs one at a time, until each one is combined. Add one teaspoon of vanilla. Beat in grated carrots.
With the mixer on low, add the flour mixture in thirds, wiping down the sides of the bowl after each addition. Do not overmix. Transfer the cake batter in to the prepared pan. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in pan for 10 minutes. Carefully, turn cake out onto a wire rack, and let cool completely.

For the frosting:
Beat the cream cheese, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla for 5 minutes or until fluffy. Spread the frosting on top of the cooled cake, and serve at room temperature.
Wrapped in an airtight container, the cake can be kept for three to four days.