Step 1

Line the bottoms of 3 9-inch cake pans with parchment paper. Spray with baking spray.

Step 2

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Step 3

Sift first 4 ingredients together

Step 4

Using an electric mixer, beat sugar and oil until mixed well.

Step 5

Add eggs one at a time, beating until blended after each addition.

Step 6

Beat in vanilla extract.

Step 7

With mixer on low speed, add flour mixture, beating just until blended.

Step 8

Stir in carrots and 1 cup walnuts.

Step 9

Pour batter evenly into prepared pans.

Step 10

Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.

Step 11

Cool in pans 10 minutes and then remove from pans and cool completely on wire racks.

Step 12

To make frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and fluffy.

Step 13

Gradually beat in powdered sugar.

Step 14

Beat in vanilla.

Step 15

Spread frosting between layers and on top and sides of cake.

Step 16

Press remaining 1 cup walnuts along the bottom of the bake, going about 2 inches up.