This is the best carrot cake ever! I decided that I'm going to start a new tradition & make it for Danny for Father's Day every year :)
Carrot Cake
1 1/2 C. oil (I do 3/4 C. unsweetened applesauce and 3/4 C. oil)
2 C. sugar
3 eggs (I use egg beaters)
2 tsp. vanilla
1 small can (1 C.) crushed pineapple & juice (don't drain the pineapple)
2 C. raw carrots, grated (I used 6 medium carrots)
1/2 C. coconut
2 Tbsp. orange peel
3 C. flour
2 tsp. soda
1/2 tsp. salt (I use 1/4 tsp.)
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 C. chopped nuts (I used 1/2 C. walnuts and 1/2 C. pecans--we're not huge nut fans, but they're really good in this)
1/2 C. raisins (optional)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix all dry ingredients together in a large bowl. Add the rest of the ingredients & mix until just blended. Pour into a greased 9x13 pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes or until inserted toothpick comes out clean. Let cool & then frost with cream cheese frosting. You can also sprinkle some chopped nuts on top of the frosting.
Cream Cheese Frosting
1 pkg. (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
3 2/3 C. powdered sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
1-2 Tbsp. milk (if needed--I used 1 Tbsp.)
Mix all of the ingredients together with a mixer until smooth. Add more powdered sugar or milk if needed.
recipe from Mom
