Chocolate Carrot Cake

Yes, you read that right.  Chocolate carrot cake...who would have thought you could combine those, right?  I got this recipe from a Taste of Home Fall Baking book.  It's actually a very good cake and I love the chocolate cream-cheese icing that goes with it.  Give it a try!  It's a little more guilt-free since it has veggies in it :o)

Chocolate Carrot Cake

Ingredients:
2 cups flour
2 cups sugar
1/2 cup baking cocoa
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
4 eggs
1-1/4 cups oil
3 cups finely shredded carrots
FROSTING:
1 package (8 oz.) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup butter, softened
3-3/4 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup baking cocoa
3 tsp vanilla
1/4 cup chopped walnuts, optional
1/4 cups chocolate chips, optional

Directions:
1.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Grease and flour two 9-in. round baking pans. 
2.  In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, and salt.  Add the eggs, oil, and carrots; beat until combined.  Pour into prepared pans.
3.  Bake at 350 degrees 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. 

4.  For frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until fluffy.  Beat in the powdered sugar, cocoa, and vanilla until smooth. 
5.  Place bottom layer on a serving plate.  Top with half of the frosting.  Repeat with remaining cake layer.  Sprinkle with walnuts and chocolate chips, if desired.