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Ingredients
2 cups (260g) chopped pecans (1 cup for cake, 1 cup for garnish. Nuts are optional. )*
1 and 1/2 cups (300g) packed light or dark brown sugar
1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
1 cup (240ml) vegetable oil or canola oil (or melted coconut oil)*
4 large eggs
3/4 cup (133g) smooth unsweetened applesauce
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 and 1/2 cups (312g) all-purpose flour (spoon & leveled)
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 and 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
2 cups (260g) grated carrots (about 4 large)
Cream Cheese Frosting
16 ounces (450g) full-fat block cream cheese, softened to room temperature
1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
4 cups (480g) confectioners’ sugar
1 and 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
pinch of salt, to taste