apple-pecan carrot cake

Ingredients For apple-pecan carrot cake

• CAKE
• 2 1/3 c

  finely chopped lightly toasted pecans, divided
• 2 c

  all purpose flour
• 2 tsp

  baking soda
• 2 tsp

  apple pie spice
• 1/4 tsp

  salt
• 3 lg

  eggs, lightly beaten
• 2 c

  granulated sugar
• 3/4 c

  vegetable oil
• 3/4 c

  dairy buttermilk
• 2 tsp

  vanilla extract
• 2 c

  peeled and grated granny smith apples
• 1 1/2 c

  grated carrots
• APPLE CIDER CARAMEL SAUCE
• 1 c

  apple cider
• 1 c

  light brown sugar, firmly packed
• 1/2 c

  butter
• 1/2 c

  whipping cream
• MASCARPONE FROSTING
• 1 c

  mascarpone cheese
• 1/4 c

  powdered sugar
• 2 tsp

  vanilla extract
• 1 c

  heavy cream