Top Carrot Cake Recipe - Zest Plate

Ingredients

• 2 cups chopped pecans
• 1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 4 large eggs
• 3/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• 2 cups grated carrots
• 16 oz full-fat cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups confectioners’ sugar
• 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt