Carrot Cake J Alexander Recipe has long been a beloved dessert in many households, known for its moist texture and vibrant flavor.
A fan of carrot cake, you’re in for a treat. I’ve always loved experimenting with different recipes, and today, I’m sharing my take on the Carrot Cake J Alexander Recipe.
This version brings all the classic flavors together with a twist. It’s moist, flavorful, and topped with a creamy, dreamy frosting. Every bite feels like a celebration, and trust me, your taste buds will thank you.
I’ve perfected this recipe over time, and I’m excited to show you just how simple it is to make. Whether it’s for a special occasion or a cozy afternoon treat, this carrot cake will become your go-to dessert. Let’s dive right in and get baking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
You’ll absolutely love this Carrot Cake J Alexander Recipe for so many reasons. First, it’s incredibly moist, with the perfect balance of sweetness from the carrots and pineapple.
The rich, creamy cream cheese frosting adds an irresistible touch that perfectly complements the spiced cake. It’s a simple yet impressive dessert that’ll wow your guests without requiring advanced baking skills.
Plus, it’s versatile—you can easily tweak it by adding nuts, coconut, or even a dash of orange zest for extra flavor.
Celebrating a special occasion or just indulging in a sweet treat, this carrot cake will quickly become your favorite. Once you try it, I’m sure it will make its way into your regular dessert rotation!
How To Prepare Carrot Cake J Alexander Recipe
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Additional Time: 2 hours (cooling and setting)
Total Time: 3 hours 5 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Yield: 12 servings
Kitchen Utensils
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls (large and medium)
- Medium saucepan
- Electric mixer with paddle attachment
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or rubber spatula
- Toothpick or cake tester

Ingredients
For this Carrot Cake J Alexander Recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Carrot Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups finely grated carrots (about 3-4 medium carrots)
- 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut (optional)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Instructions
1. Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two round 9×13 inch cake pans with parchment paper for easy removal later.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Whisk the ingredients together until evenly mixed. Set aside.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the oil, sugar, and eggs until smooth. Add the vanilla extract and mix again. This creates the wet base for the cake.
4. Incorporate the Carrots and Other Add-ins
Fold in the grated carrots, pineapple, walnuts, and shredded coconut. The mixture should be thick but moist, thanks to the moisture from the carrots and pineapple.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, folding gently with a spatula. Be careful not to overmix—just combine until the flour is fully incorporated into the batter.
6. Bake
Pour the batter evenly into the two prepared cake pans. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Once done, remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for about 20 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the cake is cooling, beat the cream cheese and butter together in a large bowl until creamy and smooth.
Slowly add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Continue beating until fluffy and well combined.
8. Frost the Cake
Once the cakes have cooled completely, spread a layer of cream cheese frosting between the two cakes. Then, frost the top and sides of the cake generously with the remaining frosting.
9. Serve and Enjoy
Once frosted, cut the cake into slices and enjoy a slice of homemade heaven!
Special Notes
1. Storage: This carrot cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. If you want to keep it fresh for longer, store it in the fridge for up to a week.
2. Make Ahead: The cake can be made in advance. The layers can be baked and stored separately in an airtight container for up to 2 days before frosting.
3. Cake Variations: If you prefer a layer cake, simply double the recipe and make a taller, more extravagant cake. Just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.
Nutrition Facts Carrot Cake J Alexander Recipe
For a serving size of 1 slice (about 1/12 of the cake):
Calories: 450
Fat: 22g
Carbohydrates: 60g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 45g
Protein: 4g
Sodium: 220mg
Keep in mind that these values are approximate and can vary depending on the specific ingredients you use.
Amazing Serving Ideas
Here are five amazing serving ideas to elevate your Carrot Cake J Alexander Recipe:
1. Serve with Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream pairs wonderfully with the rich carrot cake, offering a delicious contrast in texture and flavor.
2. Top with Toasted Nuts: For an added crunch, sprinkle some toasted walnuts or pecans on top of the frosting. It adds both flavor and texture to each bite.
3. Pair with a Cup of Tea: A slice of carrot cake alongside a hot cup of Earl Grey or chai tea makes for the perfect afternoon treat.
4. Garnish with Fresh Fruit: Fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries can brighten up the plate and add a refreshing contrast to the cake’s richness.
5. Create a Layered Cake: If you’re hosting a special occasion, consider turning this recipe into a layered cake by stacking multiple tiers and decorating with extra frosting and candied carrots for a stunning presentation!
Tips And Techniques
Here are five tips and techniques to perfect your Carrot Cake J Alexander Recipe:
1. Grate Carrots Finely: For the best texture, make sure to finely grate the carrots. This ensures they bake into the cake evenly, making it moist without any large chunks.
2. Don’t Overmix the Batter: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, so be gentle with the batter.
3. Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs, oil, and cream cheese are at room temperature. This helps the batter mix more evenly and creates a smoother frosting.
4. Cool the Cake Completely: Let the cake layers cool completely before frosting. If the cake is still warm, the frosting may melt, causing it to slide off.
5. Toast the Nuts: If using nuts in the cake or as a garnish, toast them lightly in a pan. This enhances their flavor and adds a deeper richness to the cake.
Top Healthy Nutrition Benefits
The Carrot Cake J Alexander Recipe offers several healthy benefits, thanks to its wholesome ingredients. Carrots are packed with beta-carotene and vitamin A, supporting eye health and boosting your immune system.
The pineapple adds a natural sweetness while providing vitamin C and bromelain, an enzyme that aids digestion.
If you add nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, you’ll get a good dose of healthy fats, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health. Even the optional coconut adds fiber and antioxidants.
While Carrot Cake J Alexander Recipe is still a dessert, using fresh, natural ingredients gives you a treat that offers nutritional value along with indulgent flavor. It’s a balanced way to satisfy your sweet tooth without compromising on health!
Does J Alexander Carrot Cake Have Nuts?
Yes, the Carrot Cake J Alexander Recipe typically includes chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, mixed into the batter.
These nuts not only add flavor but also contribute to a delightful crunch and richness in every bite. If you’re not a fan of nuts, you can easily omit them or substitute with another ingredient of your choice.
Why Is My Carrot Cake Not Fluffy?
If your Carrot Cake J Alexander Recipe isn’t fluffy, it could be due to overmixing the batter, which can lead to a dense texture. Another common reason is under-beating the eggs, which can affect the structure of the cake.
Make sure to use the correct leavening agents (baking powder and soda) and ensure they are fresh to provide the necessary lift.
What Is Cake Syrup?
Cake syrup is a simple, sugar-based syrup that’s often brushed onto cake layers before frosting. It helps keep cakes moist, adds sweetness, and enhances flavor.
In some cases, cake syrup may be flavored with vanilla or other extracts, and it can also be used to soak cake layers for added moisture, especially in denser cakes.
Does Carrot Cake Have Raisins?
Some Carrot Cake J Alexander Recipe do include raisins, adding natural sweetness and texture. However, J Alexander’s carrot cake typically doesn’t contain raisins.
You can choose to add them if you prefer, or leave them out to keep the cake closer to the traditional recipe.
Can I Omit The Pineapple In Carrot Cake?
Yes, you can omit the pineapple in carrot cake, but it will change the texture and moisture of the cake.
Pineapple adds moisture and a bit of sweetness, so if you remove it, consider adding extra oil or another moist ingredient like applesauce to keep the cake tender.
Can I Use This Recipe To Make Carrot Cake Cupcakes?
Absolutely! You can use this Carrot Cake J Alexander Recipe to make cupcakes. Simply pour the batter into a cupcake tin lined with paper liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
Bake at 350°F for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Top with cream cheese frosting for a perfect cupcake treat.
How Can I Make A Layer Cake With This Recipe?
To turn this recipe into a layer cake, double the batter and divide it between three 8-inch cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, checking with a toothpick for doneness.
Once the cakes cool, stack the layers, spreading cream cheese frosting between each layer and on top for a beautiful, multi-layered cake.
Conclusion
The Carrot Cake J Alexander Recipe is a perfect way to elevate a classic dessert with a few special touches. It combines the sweetness of carrots,
The richness of cream cheese frosting, and a delightful blend of spices to create a truly irresistible cake. A seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and guarantees delicious results.
I’ve shared all my tips and tricks to help you achieve the perfect texture and flavor. Trust me, once you try this carrot cake, it’ll become your go-to recipe for celebrations and gatherings.
Don’t forget to share your results with me—I’d love to hear how it turns out! Happy baking, and enjoy every bite of this homemade goodness!

Hi, I’m Delina, a housewife, mother of two living in the suburbs of Vancouver, Canada. I’m a professional recipe developer and food photographer behind thefoodscraft.com. Although I was trained in biological technology for lab work, my heart is in the kitchen. Growing up, family dinners were a nightly tradition, and as a single mom of two, I was determined to keep that alive. With limited ingredients, I discovered the magic of transforming basic items into cozy family meals, which inspires all my recipes. In 2017, I started thefoodscraft.com, sharing budget-friendly recipes and tips.