1 1/2 c. unsweetened applesauce
4 eggs or substitute 8 egg whites or 2 eggs plus 4 egg whites
1/2 c. vegetable or Canola oil
1 1/2 c. brown sugar
1 1/2 c. grated carrots
2 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
4 tbsp. buttermilk
1 tsp. or less salt
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
2 1/4 c. plain flour
1 c. raisins (optional)
1 c. pecans, chopped (optional)
1/2 c. coconut (optional)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Beat eggs/egg whites and brown sugar; add oil, applesauce, carrots and buttermilk. In another bowl combine salt, soda, flour and cinnamon. While mixing, add dry ingredients gradually to egg/sugar mixture. If desired, add raisins and pecans or coconut or all three.

Pour into Pam sprayed or other vegetable oil sprayed 13x9x2 pan. Bake 45 minutes and cool thoroughly if you are going to frost it. If not, eat is warm; it's delicious without frosting. Makes muffins as well.

OPTIONAL FROSTING:

Combine 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, 3 ounces softened lite cream cheese and 1/4 cup butter. Gradually beat in 2 1/4 cups confectioners sugar. Beat well and frost cake.