Baking spray (recommended: Baker's Joy)
3/4 cup vegetable oil
1 1/2 cups white sugar
1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
4 large eggs, at room temperature
3 cups grated carrots (about 6 to 8 carrots)
1/2 cup drained crushed pineapple
2 1/2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour, plus 1 tablespoon
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cardamom
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
3/4 cups toasted pecans, chopped
3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 1/2 packages (12 ounces) cream cheese, at room temperature
6 cups confectioners' sugar, sifted
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
4 ounces fine white chocolate, melted and cooled
2 tablespoons heavy cream
1 cup sliced almonds, toasted and coarsely chopped