My Favorite Carrot Cake Recipe | Sally's Baking Addiction

Ingredients

• 2 cups chopped pecans (optional)
• 1 1/2 cups packed light or dark brown sugar
• 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
• 1 cup vegetable oil or canola oil (or melted coconut oil)
• 4 large eggs
• 3/4 cup smooth unsweetened applesauce
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour (spoon and leveled)
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 2 cups grated carrots (about four large)
• Cream cheese frosting
• 16 ounces full fat black cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened to room temperature
• 4 1/2 cups confectioners sugar
• 1 tablespoon heavy cream or milk
• 1 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt to taste