Ingredient:

• 2 cups finely grated carrots (about 6 big or 8 smallish carrots)*
• 1 cup (125 grams) whole wheat pastry flour, whole wheat flour or all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon fine salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons packed coconut sugar or brown sugar
• 1 cup buttermilk**
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Butter, for griddle
• Maple cream cheese topping
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons real maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons milk (more depending on desired consistency)
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• Dash of ground cinnamon
• Optional: Chopped toasted walnuts or pecans, for garnish