Serves 16 / Rich and moist, this decadent treat is a hit for birthday parties and autumn potlucks. Prep tip: Because each ingredient goes into the mixer in a specific order and at a precise time, be sure to have all items ready to go before you start. Serving tip: Arrange brightly colored autumn leaves around the plate edge for a beautiful presentation.

Cake
Canola oil, for brushing pans
1 cup quinoa flour
1 cup Alison’s GF Baking Mix
2 teaspoons guar or xanthan gum
1 teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3 eggs
1 3/4 cups unrefined sugar
1 cup canola oil
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups unsweetened shredded coconut
2 cups grated carrots (about 2 large carrots)
1 16-ounce can crushed pineapple, undrained
1 cup finely chopped walnuts

Frosting
3 8-ounce packages Neufchâtel (low-fat) cream cheese, room temperature
4 1/2 tablespoons agave nectar
1 1/2 cups shredded coconut
Zest of 1 medium lemon or orange
1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon or orange juice
1/3 cup toasted or candied walnut halves
1 teaspoon lemon zest
Dash of ground cinnamon

1. Preheat oven to 350˚. Cut two pieces of parchment paper to fit bottoms of two round 9-inch cake pans (do not skip this step or cakes will stick). Brush parchment and sides of pans with a little oil.

2. Mix dry ingredients (quinoa flour through cinnamon) in a medium bowl. In a large bowl, whip eggs and sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed for about 3 minutes, until light and fluffy. Drizzle oil and vanilla into egg mixture; blend 1–2 minutes to fully incorporate. Add dry ingredients, 1/4 cup at a time, scraping bowl sides while blending. Stir in coconut, carrots, pineapple (with juice), and walnuts.

3. Pour batter evenly into prepared pans. Bake for about 1 hour, switching pan positions halfway through baking time. Cakes are done when a deep, rich golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool in pans for 30 minutes.

4. Place two pieces of parchment paper side by side on a cooling rack (to help transport cakes when cool). Run a knife around pan edges. Carefully invert cakes onto parchment; peel away cooking parchments. Let cool completely, at least 2 hours, before transporting and frosting.

5. For frosting, whip cream cheese, agave nectar, coconut, zest, and juice in a food processor or with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 1 minute. Leave at room temperature.

6. To assemble, slip a hand under one parchment and carefully invert cake onto a serving plate. Frost, then invert remaining cake on top. Frost top and sides. Decorate with walnut halves and sprinkle with lemon zest and cinnamon.

PER SERVING: 521 cal, 62% fat cal, 37g fat, 13g sat fat, 72mg chol, 9g protein, 42g carb, 4g fiber, 531mg sodium