Shortcut Carrot Cake

photo by:kraft

As in all good carrot cakes, fresh veggies balance the sweet cream cheese frosting. The bonus in the shortcut is the time you get back in your day.

time

prep:

30 min

total:

1 hr 30 min

servings

total:

16 servings

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What You Need

pkg. (2-layer size) spice cake mix

large carrots, shredded (about 2 cups)

can (8 oz.) crushed pineapple, drained

cup chopped PLANTERS Pecans, divided

pkg. (8 oz. each) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened

cups powdered sugar

tub (8 oz.) COOL WHIP Whipped Topping, thawed

Make It

HEAT oven to 350°F.

PREPARE cake batter as directed on package; stir in carrots, pineapple and 3/4 cup nuts. Pour into 2 (9-inch) square pans sprayed with cooking spray.

BAKE 25 to 30 min. or until toothpick inserted in centers comes out clean. Cool cakes in pans 10 min. Invert onto wire racks; gently remove pans. Cool cakes completely.

BEAT cream cheese and sugar in large bowl until blended. Whisk in COOL WHIP.

STACK cake layers on plate, spreading frosting between layers and on top and sides of cake. Sprinkle with remaining nuts.

Kraft Kitchens Tips

Substitute

Prepare using PHILADELPHIA Neufchatel Cheese and COOL WHIP LITE Whipped Topping.

Substitute

Substitute a yellow cake mix plus 2 tsp. ground cinnamon for the spice cake mix.

How to Store

Keep refrigerated.

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a cook

posted:6/11/2009

divine!

a cook

posted:6/10/2009

I took this cake to a coworker that loves carrot cake. Everbody loved it and wanted the recipe.

mystevens2

posted:5/30/2009

I made this dessert for easter and everyone loved it...especially my husband! In fact he requested it for his birthday. I love coming to kraftfoods.com for new and different ideas.

myrtrose

posted:5/13/2009

This was just ok. Not alot of carrot cake flavor. The frosting had too much powdered sugar, I could hardly taste the cream cheese. Sorry won't be making this again.

wigglestar1

posted:5/9/2009

This recipe is absolutely delicious! A huge thanks goes out to whoever posted it!!!! Believe me, if you want to be the hit ofthe party, definately make this.

carolmass20089

posted:5/7/2009

I made this recipe for Easter. I did not tell anyone it was a cake mix. Everyone was impressed. Very easy to make and tasted delicious. I would definately make this again. My husband said, how come you didn't bring home the rest!! I let my mom and dad enjoy the last piece.

goldbug14

posted:4/22/2009

If I could give this more than 5 stars, I would! It is the best carrot cake I have ever made. This cake stays super moist in the fridge for a long time. Everyone loved it.

a cook

posted:4/12/2009

So disappointed.... Cake was made acccording to pkg instructions and the other ingredients were added. It was dry and did not taste like carrot cake only spice came through. DEFINITELY not a keeper.

jcarey84

posted:4/11/2009

Wonderful Wonderful Wonderful!!

angiebaumann

posted:4/6/2009

I cannot get a enough of this cake! It tastes so fresh and is supermoist. I would recommend this cake to anyone who loves a good carrot cake! And it makes for good breakfast food too.