Chocolate Carrot Cake
3 cups finely shredded carrots
2 cups sugar
1-1/4 cups canola oil
4 eggs
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup baking cocoa
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
Frosting:
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup butter, softened
3-3/4 cups confectioners' sugar
1/4 cup baking cocoa
3 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
1/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Line two 9-in. round baking pans with waxed paper; grease the paper and set aside. In a large bowl, beat the carrots, sugar, oil and eggs until well blended. Combine the flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt; gradually beat into carrot mixture until blended.
Pour into prepared pans. Bake at 350° for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near 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. Beat in the confectioners' sugar, cocoa and vanilla until smooth. Place bottom layer on a serving plate; top with half of the frosting. Repeat with remaining cake layer. Sprinkle with nuts and chocolate chips. Makes 12-16 servings.
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