preheat oven to 350. line 12 muffin cups with paper liners

in medium bowl, sift together both flours, baking soda, salt, and spices

in large bowl whisk together oil, brown sugar, and eggs until well combined

whisk in applesauce, vanilla, and carrots

add dry ingredients and mix until just combined

stir in walnuts

divide batter between muffin cups

bake about 20 minutes

transfer to wire rack to cool

Frosting

use electric mixer, beat together cream cheese, confectioners sugar, and lemon zest until smooth and creamy

frost cupcakes and sprinkle with walnuts

can be stored in refrigerator for 3 days