Make our J. Alexander's Carrot Cake Secret Recipe at home tonight for your family. Our Secret Restaurant Recipe tastes just like J. Alexander's.
Prep Time1 hourhr
Active Time1 hourhr
Total Time2 hourshrs
Course: Dessert, Party Recipe
Keyword: J. Alexander's
Ingredients
Cake
1/2cupGolden Raisins
3/4cupboiling Water
2 1/2cupsAll-purpose Flour
2teaspoonsBaking Powder
1 1/2teaspoonsground Cinnamon
1teaspoonBaking Soda
1/4teaspoonSalt
1 1/4cupsCanola or Vegetable Oil
2 1/4cupsgranulated Sugar
4large Eggs
2teaspoonsVanilla Extract
1tablespoonfreshly squeezed Lemon Juice
1tablespoonOrange Extract
1 1/2cupsgrated Carrots
3/4cupchopped Walnuts
1/2cupcanned Pineapple Tidbitswell-drained
Glaze
One 8-ounce package Cream Cheesesoftened
1tablespoonButtersoftened
1tablespoonfreshly squeezed Lemon Juice
1teaspoonVanilla Extract
1tablespoonfinely grated Orange Rind
1tablespoonfinely grated Lemon Rind
1 1/2cupssifted Powdered Sugar
Instructions
Pour boiling water over raisins to cover in small bowl and let set for 20 minutes, drain thoroughly and set raisins aside.
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Grease a 13 x 9 x 2-inch pan.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, baking soda and salt and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the oil, sugar and eggs with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula until well combined. Add vanilla, lemon juice and orange extract, mixing well. Stir in the flour mixture until just mixed. Fold in the carrots, walnuts, pineapple and the plumped raisins, combining well.
Spoon batter into prepared pan.
Bake in preheated oven for 35 - 40 minutes or until tested done when gently pressed in center and cake springs back. Cake will be dense.
Cool in pan on wire rack for 10 minutes; turn out on wire rack. Transfer to serving platter or board. Serve warm or cool completely.
For the glaze, combine cream cheese and butter in a medium mixing bowl; beat with a rubber spatula. Stir in the lemon juice, vanilla, orange and lemon rind, then add powdered sugar. Beat until smooth.
Drizzle glaze over warm pieces as they are cut, or spread over cooled cake and allow to set before serving, as desired.