Ingredients

serves 16 to 20

　　2 cups all-purpose flour

　　2 cups sugar

　　2 teaspoons baking soda

　　2 teaspoons cinnamon

　　1 teaspoon salt

　　4 eggs

　　1 1/2 cups vegetable oil

　　3 cups grated carrots

　　1 1/2 cups chopped pecans (optional)

　　

Frosting

One 8-ounce package cream cheese

　　8 tablespoons (1 stick) butter

　　One 16-ounce box powdered sugar

　　1 teaspoon vanilla

　　1/2 cup chopped pecans

　　

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Add eggs and vegetable oil and mix well; add carrots and pecans. Pour into three 9-inch round greased, floured pans. Bake for approximately 40 minutes. Remove from oven and cool for 5 minutes. Remove from pans, place on waxpaper, and allow to cool completely before frosting.

　　

Frosting

Step 2

Combine all ingredients except for nuts and beat until fluffy. Stir in nuts. Frost cake.

　　Paula Deen's Kitchen Classics