I just made Delia's ultimate carrot cake today following the recipe to a T. I have one word for it UGGHHH. At the moment it is lying like a lead brick at the bottom of my stomach. It is interesting you leave out the mixed spice and cinnamon, marie, because I felt the amount stated in the recipe is far too much. Half a level tsp of mixed spice would have been enough and I didn't like the topping. Mascarpone with sour fromage frais does not work in my opinion. A buttercream or cream cheese with lemon or orange zest would have been nicer. The way you make it sounds better.