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1
Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (180 degrees Celsius).
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2
Lightly butter 3 (9-inch/23-cm) round cake pans.
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3
If you don't have 3 pans, use disposable 8-1/2-inch (21.6-cm) round foil pans instead.
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4
Line bottom of pans with a circle of lightly buttered waxed paper.
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5
To plump raisins, place in a small microwave-safe bowl and drizzle with liqueur. Cover with plastic. Microwave on medium until warm, 1 to 2 minutes. Set aside.
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6
Peel carrots; grate using large grating disc of a food processor or a box grater. Grated carrots should measure no more than 3-1/2 cups (875 mL). It's important not to use any more or cake will be soggy.
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7
In a medium-size bowl, using an electric mixer, beat eggs with orange peel, brown sugar, vegetable oil and vanilla until smooth.
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8
In a large bowl, using a fork, stir flour with baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt and allspice.
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9
Make a well in centre.
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10
Pour in egg mixture. Stir just until moist.
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11
Gently stir in carrots, raisins with any remaining liqueur and pine nuts until evenly distributed.
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12
Scrape into prepared pans and smooth tops.
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13
Bake in centre of 350 degree Fahrenheit (180 degrees Celsius) oven until a cake tester inserted in centre of cake comes out clean, 25 to 30 minutes.
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14
Cool cakes in pans 10 minutes; turn out onto a cooling rack; cool completely.
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15
If making ahead, wrap individually in plastic wrap and refrigerate up to 3 days.
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16
For icing, place cream cheese in a large bowl.
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17
Using an electric mixer, beat until creamy.
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18
Beat in icing sugar; add vanilla and orange-flavored liqueur, scraping down sides as needed.
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19
Stir in 1/3 cup (75 mL) coconut.
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20
Place 1 cake on a large plate.
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21
Spread one-third of frosting overtop, just to edges.
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22
Repeat layering with cakes and frosting to form a triple-decker cake.
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23
Sprinkle top with remaining 1/3 cup coconut.
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24
Refrigerate at least 1 hour, or overnight, before serving.
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25
Slice into wedges and serve.
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26
Any leftovers will keep well, covered and refrigerated, up to 5 days.