Carrot and Almond Cake with ARLO Culinary Argan Oil

1. Preheat the oven: 

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8-inch round cake pan. 

2. Prepare the cake batter: 

• In a large mixing bowl, combine grated carrots, ground almonds, all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. 
• In another bowl, whisk together ARLO culinary argan oil, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. 
• Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir to combine. 
• Fold in the orange zest and chopped walnuts (if using) for texture. 

3. Bake the cake: 

• Pour the cake batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top. 
• Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. 
• Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. 

4. Prepare the icing: 

• In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, ARLO culinary argan oil, vanilla extract, and fresh orange juice. Mix until smooth and creamy. 

5. Assemble the cake: 

• Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the cream cheese icing evenly over the top of the cake. 
• Garnish the cake with fresh orange zest, edible flowers, and carrot decorations (such as thin carrot ribbons or carrot slices for a beautiful touch). 

6. Serve: 

• Slice and serve this moist, nutty Carrot and Almond Cake with the creamy, smooth frosting enhanced by the richness of ARLO Culinary Argan Oil. 

For the cake: 

• 1 1/2 cups grated carrots (about 3 medium carrots) 
• 1 cup ground almonds (almond flour) 
• 1 cup all-purpose flour 
• 1 tsp baking powder 
• 1/2 tsp baking soda 
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon 
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg 
• 1/2 tsp salt 
• 1/2 cup ARLO culinary argan oil 
• 1/2 cup brown sugar (or maple syrup for a lighter taste) 
• 2 large eggs 
• 1 tsp vanilla extract 
• Zest from 1 orange (for the cake) 
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or almonds (optional, for texture) 

For the icing: 

• 1/2 cup cream cheese (softened) 
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar 
• 1 tbsp ARLO culinary argan oil 
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract 
• 1 tbsp fresh orange juice 

Topping: 

• Orange zest (for garnish) 
• Edible flowers (for decoration) 
• Carrot decorations (thin carrot ribbons or thinly sliced carrot rounds)