Name: My Favorite Carrot Cake Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 3 h 30 min
Yield: serves 10-12
Ingredients: 2 cups (260g) chopped pecans (1 cup for cake, 1 cup for garnish); 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; 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); 16 ounces (450g) full-fat block cream cheese, softened to room temperature; 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature; 4 and 1/2 cups (540g) confectioners' sugar; 1 Tablespoon (15ml) heavy cream or milk; 1 and 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract; pinch of salt, to taste