A Different Carrot Cake

Karen From Colorado's Note:

This carrot cake is like no other you have ever had. Three layers of carrots and fruit topped in a cream cheese frosting with a hint of orange.

• Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 55 mins

Ingredients:

Yield: 1 "3 laye ...

• 2 cups sugar
• ¾ cup vegetable oil
• 3 eggs
• 2 cups flour
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup buttermilk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• 2 cups grated carrots
• ½ cup crushed pineapple , drained
• 1 ½ cups grated coconut
• 1 cup crispy rice cereal
• 1 cup chopped walnuts

Orange Cream Cheese Frosting

• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese , softened
• 6 tablespoons butter or 6 tablespoons margarine , softened
• 6 cups powdered sugar , sifted
• 4 -5 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon orange extract

Directions:

1. Cream sugar and oil together in a large mixing bowl.
2. Add eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition.
3. Combine dry ingredients and add alternately with buttermilk and vanilla, mixing until smooth.
4. Fold in remaining ingredients.
5. Pour equal amounts of batter into 3 well-greased and floured 8 or 9 inch round cake pans.
6. Bake in preheated 350 degree oven for 55 minutes.
7. Cool for 10 minutes in pans.
8. Remove from pans and continue to cool on wire racks.
9. Frost with orange cream cheese frosting.
10. Orange Cream Cheese Frosting:.
11. Beat all ingredients together with an electric mixer until smooth and spreadable.