Carob Cake and Frosting

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup carob powder
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup coconut milk
• 2 tablespoons carob chips
• For the Frosting:
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup carob powder
• 2 tablespoons coconut milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, sugar and carob powder. Mix well.
3. In a medium bowl, beat together the melted butter, eggs, vanilla and coconut milk until smooth. Add to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
4. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and sprinkle with carob chips. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
5. Remove from the oven and cool completely.
6. For the frosting: In a medium bowl, beat together the butter, powdered sugar, carob powder, coconut milk and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Spread over the cooled cake.

Interesting Facts

• Carob is a pod that grows on the carob tree, a species of flowering tree found in the Mediterranean region.
• Carob powder is a natural sweetener that has a chocolate-like flavor but is naturally low in fat and calories.
• Carob powder is a good source of dietary fiber, vitamins and minerals.