Ingredients:

  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
   3      cups          all purpose flour
   2      cups          sugar
   1      cup           coconut
   2 1/2  teaspoons     baking soda
   2 1/2  teaspoons     cinnamon
   1      teaspoon      salt
   2      cups          shredded carrots -- (4 medium)
   1 1/3  cups          vegetable oil
   2      teaspoons     vanilla
   1      teaspoon      grated orange peel or
   1 1/2  teaspoons     orange extract
  11      ounces        or 1 1/4 cups mandarin oranges -- undrained
   3                    eggs
                        *** CREAM CHEESE FROSTING ***
   8      ounces        cream cheese -- softened
   2      tablespoons   melted margarine or butter
   1      teaspoon      vanilla
   3      cups          powdered sugar
   1      cup           chopped nuts -- optional

Preparation:

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease 13x9x2 pan. In large bowl blend all cake ingredients and beat 2 minutes at high speed. Pour into greased pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 45-55 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool. Frost with cream cheese frosting, if desired. Cream cheese frosting With mixer, combine cream cheese, butter, vanilla and powdered sugar; spread on cooled cake. Top with nuts, if desired.