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1
For the cake: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment and lightly coat with cooking spray.
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2
Spread the pecans on a rimmed baking sheet and toast until light brown and fragrant, 7 minutes.
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3
Set aside 12 pecan halves to decorate the finished cake; chop the remaining pecans.
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4
Set aside 1 cup of the chopped pecans to use in the batter; reserve the rest for decorating the finished cake.
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5
Whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg and 1 teaspoon salt in a medium bowl.
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6
Whisk together the eggs and granulated sugar in a large bowl until smooth, about 1 minute.
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7
Whisk in the oil until well combined.
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8
Add the grated carrots, vanilla and 1 cup chopped pecans, and mix well.
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9
Add the dry ingredients, and stir until just combined.
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10
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
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11
Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the cakes are nicely browned, about 30 minutes.
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12
Let cool on a cooling rack for 10 minutes.
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13
Loosen the edges with a spatula, turn the cakes out and let cool completely, right-side up, on the cooling rack, about 2 hours.
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14
Remove the parchment before frosting.
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15
For the frosting: Beat the cream cheese and butter in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, scraping down the side as necessary, until smooth, about 2 minutes.
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16
Add the confectioners' sugar, vanilla and 1/2 teaspoon salt; gradually increase the mixer speed to medium-high, and beat until the sugar is incorporated and the frosting is fluffy and smooth, about 3 minutes.
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17
With the mixer on medium-high, add the cream a few drops at time until it's all incorporated.
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18
Continue beating for 1 more minute until the frosting is slightly lighter in color and creamy.
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19
To assemble: Place one of the cake layers on a serving plate, and spread 1 cup of the frosting over the top.
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20
Top with the other layer, and use the remaining frosting to frost the top and sides of the cake.
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21
Arrange the 12 whole pecans on top of the cake like the numbers on a clock face, and sprinkle the remaining chopped pecans in between.