This recipe comes from Michael Jubinsky, a long-time King Arthur spokesman, now retired. Says Michael, "It's "worth its weight in gold!" See other wonderful sourdough cake recipes in our King Arthur Flour 200th Anniversary Cookbook.
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9" x 13" pan or two 8" x 2" round pans.
To make the cake: Combine the oil and sugar, and stir in the starter. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each.
Fold in the pineapple, carrots, walnuts, coconut, and vanilla.
In a separate bowl, combine the flour, cinnamon, salt, and baking soda.
Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring just to combine. Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
Bake the cake for 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, and the sides are just beginning to pull away from the edge of the pan.
Remove the cake from the oven and cool it completely on a rack before frosting.
To make the frosting: Combine the butter, cream cheese, and vanilla; beat until light and fluffy.
Add the sugar gradually, beating to combine.
Stir in the nuts and/or ginger. Add the milk, a little at a time, until the frosting is a spreadable consistency.
Serve the cake at room temperature. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Unfrosted, the cake can be frozen, well wrapped, for up to 3 months. Frost just before serving.
