Carrot Cake with Pecans (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Cake Batter

01 - 260g chopped pecans, divided (1 cup for batter, 1 cup for garnish, optional)
02 - 300g packed light or dark brown sugar
03 - 100g granulated sugar
04 - 240ml vegetable oil or canola oil (or melted coconut oil)
05 - 4 large eggs
06 - 133g smooth unsweetened applesauce
07 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
08 - 312g all-purpose flour
09 - 2 teaspoons baking powder
10 - 1 teaspoon baking soda
11 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
12 - 1 and 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
13 - 1 teaspoon ground ginger
14 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
15 - 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
16 - 260g grated carrots

→ Cream Cheese Frosting

17 - 452g full-fat brick cream cheese
18 - 113g unsalted butter
19 - 480g confectioners’ sugar
20 - 1 and 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
21 - pinch of salt, to taste

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 149°C. Spread the pecans on a baking sheet and toast for 7-8 minutes. Let them cool completely.
02 - Increase the oven temperature to 177°C. Grease and line 2 or 3 cake pans with parchment paper.
03 - In a large bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, oil, eggs, applesauce, and vanilla until well combined.
04 - In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves.
05 - Fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients mixture until just combined.
06 - Gently fold in the grated carrots and 1 cup of the toasted pecans.
07 - Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 20-24 minutes for 3 pans or 30-35 minutes for 2 pans. Allow the cakes to cool completely.
08 - Using a mixer, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Add the confectioners’ sugar, vanilla, and salt, then beat until creamy and soft.
09 - Once the cakes are completely cool, frost the top of each layer and stack them. Spread frosting over the entire surface of the cake.
10 - Top the cake with the remaining toasted pecans.
11 - Refrigerate the cake for 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving.

# Notes:

01 - Use freshly ground spices for superior flavor balance.
02 - Grating the carrots finely results in a smoother batter texture.
03 - Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent a dense cake.
04 - Ensure the cakes are fully cooled before frosting to maintain consistency.
05 - Toasting the pecans enhances their nutty flavor—don't skip this step.

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