Carrot Cake Cupcakes

INGREDIENTS

1 1/2 cups

vegetable oil

1/3 cup

plain unsweetened applesauce

2 cups

granulated sugar

1 tsp

salt

large eggs

2 cups

all-purpose flour

1 tbsp

ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp

ground ginger

1/2 tsp

pumpkin pie spice (if you don't have, replace with additional ginger)

2 tsp

baking soda

3 cups

grated carrots

1 1/2 cups

chopped pecans, walnuts or raisins (OPTIONAL)

8 oz

cream cheese (brick, not tub, room temperature)

1/2 cup

butter (softened)

2 1/2 cups

powdered sugar

1/2 tsp

salt

1 tsp

vanilla extract