Easter, Inspiration and Carrot Cake

It is customary to have lunch at my parents' house every Easter.  Since my Mom makes the lunch, I usually like to bring dessert, and this year was no exception.  I thought, what could I make that would go well with the Easter theme?  And then carrot cake came to mind.  Carrots remind me of bunnies and bunnies remind me of Easter. Now I needed a delicious carrot cake recipe.  Of course, the first that came to mind was Susan Branch's Three Layer Carrot Cake.  If you don't know who Susan Branch is, well let me tell you!  She is by far one of the most inspirational people in my life.  She is a wonderful author and artist.  Her recipes, art, and writing have inspired me for years.  You know, if I was ever asked to choose any person in the world to meet and talk to, the name "Susan Branch" would roll off my tongue, straightaway!

 www.susanbranch.com

This was my first Susan Branch book, bought over 10 years ago.

Inside this book are recipes for many delicious desserts, including her delicious three-layer carrot cake.  I have made this cake before and it is absolutely yummy!  I have since adapted the recipe and altered it for this year's Easter celebration. 

Carrots, vanilla, and spices

 

Stirring coconut and walnuts into the batter

Cooling three 9 inch rounds on racks.  The kitchen smelled divine!

 

 Icing the carrot cake with cream cheese frosting and decorating it with mini cadbury eggs.

The carrot cake was ready for travel to Toronto.  

Our Easter lunch was delicious, as usual.  We had oven-roasted chicken and potatoes.   For dessert, we had carrot cake!  It was a happy Easter.  I hope your Easter was delicious too!