Carrot Cake

Ingredients: 

1/4 cup chopped walnuts
1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup canola oil
1/3 cup low-fat (1%) buttermilk
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups grated carrots - (abt 3 med)
1/2 cup well-drained crushed pineapple
=== FROSTING ===
1 cup powdered sugar sifted
1/4 cup neufchatel cheese softened
1/4 cup yogurt cheese
= (or fat-free brick-style cream cheese)

Yield: 

12 Servings

Method: 

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Spray a 9-inch tube or bundt pan with nonstick cooking spray.

In a shallow microwavable dish, spread the walnuts in a single layer and microwave on high, stirring every 30 seconds, until lightly toasted and fragrant, about 2 minutes. Set aside.

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, allspice, and salt. Add the oil, buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla; beat until smooth. Stir in the reserved nuts, the carrots, and the pineapple. Spread evenly in the prepared pan and bake, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, about 35 - 40 minutes. Cool completely before frosting.

To make the frosting, in a medium bowl, stir together the powdered sugar and neufchatel cheese until smooth. Gently stir in the yogurt cheese, just until blended (do not stir excessively; the frosting will thin). Spread on the cake and refrigerate until chilled, at least 2 hours.

This recipe yields 12 servings. Serving size: 1 piece.

Exchanges Per Serving: 2 Carbohydrate, 1 1/2 Fat.

Nutrition Facts: Calories 218; Calories from Fat 74; Fat 8g; Saturated Fat 1g; Cholesterol 39mg; Sodium 283mg; Dietary Fiber 1g; Sugars 20g; Protein 4g.