Creating Spiced Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Icing is simple and rewarding. Follow these steps for a delicious outcome:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, beat the oil, eggs, grated carrots, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
5. Add Nuts: Fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans, if using.
6. Divide Batter: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans.
7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Cool: Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for about 15 minutes. Then, transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.
9. Prepare Icing: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy.
10. Assemble the Cake: Once the cakes have cooled, place one layer on a serving platter. Spread a layer of cream cheese icing on top. Place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake.