24 KARAT CAKE

Steps:

• Prepare Cake:.
• Place oil in mixing bowl of electric mixer. Mix on low speed, adding sugar.
• Mix all dry ingredients together.
• Add eggs to oil and sugar mixture; mix.
• Add dry ingredients and mix.
• Add the carrots, pecans, raisins and crushed pineapple. Fold together.
• Coat three 10 x 2 inch round cake pans with vegalene spray. Press a circle of parchment paper into the bottom of each pan and spray again to coat with vegalene. Coat the pans with flour and remove the excess.
• Divide the batter evenly between the cake pans.
• Bake at 300°F for 18 to 22 minutes or until a toothpick or cake tester inserted in center of cake comes away clean.
• Remove from oven and allow to cool 20 to 30 minutes. Invert the cake pan onto a parchment paper-lined sheetpan. Refrigerate until cold before assembly.
• Prepare Filling:.
• Place sugar, flour and salt in saucepan. Mix until well combined.
• Gradually stir heavy cream into dry ingredients. Add butter and stir.
• Place saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly until mixture comes to a simmer.
• Simmer, stirring constantly for 20-30 minutes or until the mixture is light golden brown. Cool to room temperature and then stir in nuts and vanilla.
• Refrigerate until needed.
• Prepare Frosting:.
• Place butter and cream cheese into the bowl of electric mixer. Mix at medium high speed until mixture is very light and fluffy.
• Gradually add sugar and heat on high speed until light, fluffy and lump-free. Fold in vanilla.
• Hold at room temperature - do not refrigerate.
• Assemble your creation:.
• Place a cake layer onto a 12" plate and top with half of the Pecan Caramel Filling, spreading evenly to the edges.
• Top with second layer and then remaining Pecan Caramel Filling. Spread evenly to the edges.
• Top with the third layer. Use a spatula to remove any excess filling from around the edges.
• Frost the cake with Cream Cheese Frosting about 1/4 inch all over. Sprinkle top of cake with additional pecan pieces, if desired.
• Refrigerate at least 2 hours before slicing.
• Remove the cake from the refrigerator. Heat a knife with hot water and cut the cake into 8 or 10 portions. Heat the knife between each cut for a neat, precise cut.
• Place onto plates and serve immediately.