My Favorite Carrot Cake Recipe

INGREDIENTS

2 cups

chopped pecans (1 cup for cake, 1 cup for garnish)

and 1/2 cups (300g) packed light or dark brown sugar

1/2 cup

granulated sugar

1 cup

vegetable oil or canola oil

large eggs

3/4 cup

smooth unsweetened applesauce

1 tsp

pure vanilla extract

and 1/2 cups (312g) all-purpose flour (spoon & leveled)

2 tsp

baking powder

1 tsp

baking soda

1/2 tsp

salt

and 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1 tsp

ground ginger

1/4 tsp

ground nutmeg

1/4 tsp

ground cloves

2 cups

grated carrots (about 4 large)

ounces (450g) full-fat block cream cheese, softened to room temperature

1/2 cup

unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

and 1/2 cups (540g) confectioners' sugar

1 tbsp

heavy cream or milk

and 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

salt, to taste