1 1/2 cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, melted, plus more for pans
3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for pans
1 cup (3 ounces) pecan halves
1 pound large carrots, peeled
3 large eggs, room temperature
1/3 cup nonfat buttermilk
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 cups sugar
1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Orange Cream Cheese Frosting, recipe follows
Candied Carrot Strips, recipe follows
3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
3 (8-ounce) bars cream cheese, room temperature
3 cups confectioners' sugar, sifted
1 tablespoon freshly grated orange zest
2 tablespoons freshly grated ginger
Pinch salt
4 to 5 large carrots, peeled
6 cups sugar
4 cups water