Add pecans, carrots, coconut and pineapple. Mix until incorporated.
1 cup chopped pecans, 1 ½ cup carrots, 1 cup sweetened coconut, 1 cup crushed pineapple
Divide mixture into prepared cake pans.
Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 30-35 minutes.
Cool on a baking rack for 15 minutes. Remove from cake pans and continue cooling until completely cooled.
Frosting
In a mixing bowl add cream cheese and butter. Mix with an electric mixer until smooth.
8 ounces cream cheese, 8 ounces butter, salted
Add vanilla and powdered sugar. Mix on low speed until combined.
1 ½ teaspoons vanilla, 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
Mix in lemon juice.
2 Tablespoons lemon juice
Assemble Cake
Place one cake layer on a dish. Place frosting on top. Place second cake on top. Frost top and sides.
Sprinkle with additional chopped pecans (optional)
Notes
Make certain carrots are fully cooked, mashed and cool
Drain pineapple before adding
Stir batter together with a large spoon or spatula. Don't overmix batter. Just stir until everything is well distributed.
If baking in round pans for a layer cake, line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper and spray the sides of the pan. This will help ensure a clean release.
If baking in a rectangular cake pan, you can leave cake in pan after it's baked and frost once the cake is cool.
Add extra chopped pecans on frosted cake, if desired