Favorite Carrot Cake - Diamond Nuts

Ingredients

• 3 cups Diamond of California chopped pecans or pecan pieces
• 1 1/2 cups packed light or dark brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup vegetable or canola oil
• 4 large eggs
• 3/4 cup smooth unsweetened applesauce
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 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 4 large)
• 16 ounces full-fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 4 cups confectioners' sugar
• 2-3 Tablespoons heavy cream
• 1 pinch salt