Evening dessert and gourmet coffee are served to guests at Elderberry Inn Bed and Breakfast Forest City Iowa. After making several different carrot cake recipes over the years, I have found one that seems to be a favorite of my guests and makes a great presentation.

Carrot Cake Extraordinaire
2 c. flour
2 t. baking soda
1/2 t. salt
1 t. cinnamon
3 large eggs
1 3/4 c. sugar
3/4 c. oil
3/4 c. buttermilk
2 t. vanilla
2 c. grated carrots
1 (8 oz.) can crushed pineapple (drained)
1/2 c. flaked coconut
1 c. pecans, chopped
Stir first 4 ingredients together in a medium bowl. In a large bowl beat eggs and next 4 ingredients at medium until smooth. Add flour and beat on low until smooth. Fold in carrots, pineapple, coconut and nuts. Pour into a greased 9×13 pan. Bake at 350 for 35-45 minutes or until tester inserted in middle comes out clean. To make a layer cake use three 9-inch greased pans. Bake at 350 for 25 to 30 minutes. Cool. Frost with cream cheese frosting.

Cream Cheese Frosting
1 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese
1/2 c. butter
1 lb. powdered sugar
1 t. vanilla
Cream butter and cream cheese, add powdered sugar and vanilla. Beat until fluffy.