To-Die-For Carrot Cake

By aobrien1

Ingredients

• Cream Cheese Frosting:
• 1 1/4 c unsweetened applesauce (or oil)
• 2 c sugar
• 3 eggs
• 2 c flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 2 c grated carrots
• 1 c coconut
• 1 c chopped nuts (optional)
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1 cup Dole crushed pineapple (not drained!) {use the pineapple in JUICE not syrup}
• 1/2 c butter (softened)
• 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1 lb powdered sugar

Preparation

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Combine first three ingredients. Add next five ingredients. Stir in remaining ingredients.
Pour into a lightly greased 9 x 13 or two 8 or 9-inch pans.
Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cakes cool completely!

For the frosting:
Beat the butter and cream cheese until fluffy. Add in the vanilla and powdered sugar and beat until smooth.
Invert the cake onto a cake plate or stand.
Apply a generous dollop of frosting and spread.
Gently place the second cake on top and continue frosting.