Carrot Cake

I'm not a big fan of carrot cake but most of my family loves it. Homemade carrot cake smells absolutely delicious, kind of makes you wonder why i don't eat it. This dessert is actually very popular and apparently very delicious as well. Enjoy!!!






Ingredients for cake:

• 3 cups of peeled, shredded carrots
• 4 eggs, beaten
• 1 3/4 cups light brown sugar
• 2 1/2 cups flour
• 1 1/2 cups oil
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 tsps. cinnamon
• 3/4 tsps. nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp. mixed spice
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• 1 tsp. baking powder
• 1 tsp. salt
• 3/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)

Ingredients for cream cheese icing:

• 3 1/2 cups confectioner's sugar
• 12 oz. of Philadelphia Cream Cheese package
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 1/4 cup vanilla extract
• 1 cup chopped pecans (optional)

Preparation:

1. In a large bowl, combine carrots and sugar and mix well.
2. Add beaten eggs, oil and vanilla, then mix well.
3. Combine sifted flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, spices, baking soda, baking powder and salt.
4. Slowly add the dry ingredients with the wet mixture along with the pecans.
5. Pour into greased 13x9 baking dish.
6. Bake for 40 minutes or toothpick comes out clean at 350 degrees.
7. Allow to cool completely.
8. In a medium mixing bowl, mix sugar, butter, vanilla until smooth, then stir in pecans and apply to the cooled cake.