Carrot Ginger Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

INGREDIENTS

• 2/3 cup chopped pecans
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground cloves
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1/4 cup canola oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups peeled, grated carrots
• 2/3 cup golden raisins
• 2 tsp peeled and finely grated fresh ginger
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 12 oz. low-fat cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 1/2 cups powdered (confectioner's) sugar