Triple Decker Carrot Cake
[Vegan]

To Make the Cake:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Combine the flax with the hot water and let stand to thicken.
3. In a large bowl combine the sugars with the oil, vanilla extract and the flax mixture, whisk smooth
4. Add the orange zest.
5. Then, sift together all of the dry ingredients directly into the bowl and whisk smooth.
6. Add the grated carrots and apple and the nuts then mix smooth.
7. Pour batter into greased 7-inch cake pans and bake for approximately 25-40 minutes depending on the size of your pans. Bake until they are done.
8. Cool cakes while you prepare the cream cheese frosting.

To Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:

1. Smooth cream cheese and butter with a paddle attachment.
2. Add sifted confectioners sugar and blend on low just to combine.
3. Add extract then add optional buttercream icing.
4. Mix until smooth.

To Make the Buttercream:

1. Cream the butter and shortening together with a paddle attachment until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the alternative milk of your choice and continue whipping for about 1 more minute.
3. Add the sifted confectioner's sugar and blend on low until smooth.
4. Add the vanilla extract.
5. Blend until smooth.