Name: Chai Spiced Carrot Cake Cupcakes
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Yield: 2 dozen
Ingredients: 1 cup coconut oil, melted (or canola oil/vegetable oil); 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup light brown sugar, packed; 3/4 teaspoon salt; 4 large eggs, at room temperature; 3 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom; 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger; 1/2 teaspoon ground all-spice; 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves; 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons baking soda; 3 cups carrots, finely grated; 8 ounces cream cheese, VERY soft; 4 ounces unsalted butter, VERY soft; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 3 and 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar, sifted; 1/2 cup toasted pecans or walnuts, finely chopped (optional)