Pre heat oven to 350 degrees (180 degrees celcius), Grease and flour 2 8 or 9 inch cake pans (20 or 23 cm)
In a small bowl combine all dry the ingredients excluding sugar, carrots and pecans.
In a large bowl beat the oil and sugar together for 1 minute, then add the eggs and beat together another minute, add the dry ingredient mixture beating for another minute, add the shredded carrots and 1/2 a cup of the chopped nuts(if desired) combining together with a wooden spoon.
Pour into prepared cake pans and bake in pre heated oven for approximately 30-35 minutes, test for doneness with a toothpick, if a few crumbs stick to it or it is dry then the cake is done. Let the cake cool before removing from the pans.
FOR THE FROSTING
In a medium bowl beat together butter and cream cheese on medium-high speed until creamy approximately 1 minute. Lower speed to medium and add powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, beat well after each addition. Add salt, half and half and vanilla and beat until fluffy, about 3 minutes.
Let the cake cool completely then ice with prepared icing. Top with chopped pecans if desired. Enjoy.
