Perfect Carrot Cupcakes

INGREDIENTS

For the cupcakes::

1 1/4 cups

all-purpose flour

1 tsp

baking soda

1/4 tsp

salt

1/2 tsp

ground cinnamon

1/4 tsp

ground nutmeg

1/4 tsp

ground ginger

1/4 cup

canola oil

1 cup

firmly packed light brown sugar

large eggs

1/2 cup

unsweetened applesauce

1/2 tsp

vanilla

1 1/2 cups

finely shredded carrots (about 2 medium carrots)

1/4 cup

plus 2 tablespoons (42 grams) finely chopped walnuts, divided

For the frosting::

8 oz

cream cheese, at room temperature

1 stick

unsalted butter, at room temperature

2 tsp

vanilla extract

2 cups

powdered sugar