CRANBERRY-CARROT LAYER CAKE

Cranberry-Carrot Layer Cake image

This moist cake smothered with rich cream cheese frosting makes any dinner festive. Every autumn, I go to a cranberry festival in Wisconsin and load up on fresh cranberries to freeze for year-round cooking. -Nellie Runne, Rockford, Illinois

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 45m

Yield 14 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 20

Ingredients

4 large eggs
1-1/2 cups packed brown sugar
1-1/4 cups canola oil
1 teaspoon grated orange zest
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
2 cups shredded carrots
1 cup dried cranberries
CREAM CHEESE FROSTING:
2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup butter, softened
4 cups confectioners' sugar
1 tablespoon whole milk
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon grated orange zest, optional
Sugared cranberries, optional

Steps:

In a large bowl, combine the eggs, brown sugar, oil and orange zest. Combine the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, baking powder, salt and cloves; gradually add to egg mixture and mix well. Stir in carrots and cranberries. , Pour into two greased and floured 9-in. round baking pans. Bake at 350° for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely., For frosting, in a large bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until fluffy. Gradually beat in confectioners' sugar, milk, ginger and orange zest if desired. , Cut each cake horizontally into two layers. Place bottom layer on a serving plate; spread frosting between layers and over top and sides of cake. If desired, top with sugared cranberries.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 729 calories, Fat 43g fat (15g saturated fat), Cholesterol 112mg cholesterol, Sodium 420mg sodium, Carbohydrate 84g carbohydrate (67g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 6g protein.