COCONUT CARROT CAKE

Coconut Carrot Cake image

I found this recipe in a cookbook years ago. It's easy to make, and my family loves its moistness. It's impressive when prepared in three layers. -Shirley Braithewaite, Onaway, Alberta

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 1h

Yield 14 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 18

Ingredients

2 cups sugar
1 cup canola oil
4 large eggs
4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1-1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 can (8 ounces) crushed pineapple
2 cups grated carrots
1-1/2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
FROSTING:
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
Orange paste food coloring
Parsley sprig

Steps:

Preheat oven to 350°. In a large bowl, beat the sugar, oil and eggs until well blended. In another large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, baking soda and salt; gradually beat into sugar mixture until blended. Drain pineapple, reserving juice; set juice aside. Stir in the pineapple, carrots and coconut (batter will be thick). , Transfer to three greased and floured 9-in. round baking pans. Bake at 350° for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks., For frosting, in a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, butter and vanilla until fluffy. Gradually add confectioners' sugar and enough of the reserved pineapple juice to achieve desired spreading consistency. Tint 1/4 cup frosting orange; place in a small resealable plastic bag. Cut a small hole in a corner of the bag; set aside., Place one cake layer on a serving plate; spread with a third of the white frosting. Repeat layers twice. With orange frosting, pipe carrots on top; add parsley sprig for carrot top. Cover and store in the refrigerator.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 664 calories, Fat 33g fat (13g saturated fat), Cholesterol 96mg cholesterol, Sodium 526mg sodium, Carbohydrate 87g carbohydrate (55g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 7g protein.