Grandma Hiers' Carrot Cake

INGREDIENTS

• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 1 stick salted butter, room temperature
• 2 cups sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
• 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for pans
• Butter, for pans
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, room temperature
• 1 (16-ounce) box powdered sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 3 cups grated carrots
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans, optional
• 4 eggs