Carrot Cake

Prep Time: 25 minutes                                  Cook Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 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 white 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 
• 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)
• 1/2 cup of fresh blueberries

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 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) caster sugar
• 1 Tablespoon (15ml) heavy cream or milk
• 1 and 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt, to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 300°F (149°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Spread the chopped pecans on the sheet and toast for 7-8 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 10-15 minutes.
   
   
2. Turn the oven up to 350°F (177°C). Grease 3-inch cake pan, line with parchment paper, then grease the parchment paper.
   
   
3. Whisk the brown sugar, granulated white sugar, oil, eggs, applesauce, and vanilla together in a large bowl until combined and no brown sugar lumps remain. In another large bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves together. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and, using a rubber spatula or wooden spoon, fold the ingredients together until just combined. Fold in the carrots and 1 cup of the toasted pecans (leave some pecans for garnish).
   
   
4. Pour the batter evenly into the cake pans. If using three cake pans, bake for 20-24 minutes. If using two cake pans, bake for 30-35 minutes. Test the center with a toothpick. If it comes out clean, the cakes are done. If not, continue to bake until cooked through. Do not over-bake. Allow the cakes to cool completely in the pans set on a wire rack. The cakes must be completely cool before frosting and assembling.
   
   
5. Make the frosting: In a large bowl using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a whisk or paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese and butter together on medium-high speed until smooth, about 2 minutes. Add the caster sugar, cream/milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat on low speed for 30 seconds, then increase to high speed and beat for 3 minutes until completely combined and creamy. Add more caster sugar if frosting is too thin, more milk if frosting is too thick, or an extra pinch of salt if frosting is too sweet. Frosting should be soft, but not runny.
   
   
6. Assemble and frost: First, using a large serrated knife or cake leveler, layer off the tops of the cakes to create a flat surface. Place 1 cake layer on your cake stand or serving plate. Evenly cover the top with frosting. Top with 2nd layer, more frosting, and then top with the 3rd layer. Spread remaining frosting all over the top and sides. Decorate the sides and top of the cake with the remaining toasted pecans and fresh blueberries.
   
   
7. Refrigerate cake for at least 15-20 minutes before slicing and serve.