J Alexander’s Restaurant Carrot Cake Recipe

If you’ve ever been to J Alexander’s restaurant, you know their famous carrot cake is an absolute must-try!

The cake is rich, moist, and bursting with flavors that make it unforgettable.

Today, I’m sharing a copycat J Alexander’s Restaurant Carrot Cake recipe that will let you recreate this iconic dessert right in your kitchen.

This is a foolproof recipe that anyone can follow, even if you’re new to baking.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

➤ Problem: Craving the restaurant-quality carrot cake but don’t know where to start?

➤ Agitate: Store-bought versions just don’t hit the mark, often lacking the moist texture and rich flavor of J. Alexander’s classic.

➤ Solution: With this J Alexander’s Carrot Cake Recipe, you’ll have the perfect copycat that’s packed with grated carrots, crunchy nuts, and a creamy frosting.

How to prepare J Alexander’s Restaurant Carrot Cake Recipe?

🕒 Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Cooling Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Course: Dessert
• Cuisine: American
• Yield: 12 servings

Ingredients for J Alexander’s Carrot Cake

Let’s gather the essentials! Here’s what you need for this J Alexander’s Copycat Carrot Cake:

Cake Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 4 large eggs
• 3 cups grated carrots
• 1 cup crushed pineapple (drained)
• 1 cup chopped walnuts
• 1 cup shredded coconut

Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 16 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Step-by-Step Instructions for J. Alexander’s Carrot Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.
3. Combine wet ingredients: In another bowl, beat the eggs and oil until well combined. Gradually add in the grated carrots, crushed pineapple, chopped walnuts, and shredded coconut.
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Do not overmix; we want a tender cake.

Step 2: Bake the Cake

1. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan.
2. Bake for 50-55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
3. Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

1. Beat the butter and cream cheese in a medium bowl until smooth and creamy.
2. Add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
3. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until the frosting is light and fluffy.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

1. Once the cake is completely cooled, spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting over the top.
2. Garnish with extra chopped walnuts or a sprinkle of shredded coconut if desired.

Pro Tip: For a More Authentic Flavor

Let the cake rest overnight in the refrigerator. The flavors meld together beautifully, and the texture becomes even more moist and decadent!

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 450 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 60g
• Protein: 5g
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Cholesterol: 80mg
• Sodium: 350mg
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 42g

Variations of J Alexander’s Carrot Cake

1. Nut-Free Version: Skip the walnuts if you have allergies; the cake will still be delicious.
2. Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
3. Augason Farms Carrot Cake Mix: If you’re short on time, use Augason Farms carrot cake mix for a quicker alternative, but make sure to add the crushed pineapple and shredded coconut for that authentic J. Alexander’s touch.

Tips for Perfect J Alexander’s Carrot Cake

• Grate the Carrots Fresh: Pre-shredded carrots are too dry. Grate them fresh for the best texture.
• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can make the cake dense. Fold the ingredients gently.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Use room-temperature eggs and cream cheese for a smoother batter and frosting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

There you have it! The ultimate J Alexander’s Restaurant Carrot Cake Recipe that you can easily make at home. It’s rich, moist, and packed with flavor — just like the original.

Whether it’s a family gathering, a holiday feast, or just a sweet treat for yourself, this cake is guaranteed to impress.

If you try this recipe, leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out. I love hearing your feedback and seeing your delicious creations!

Happy Baking! 🎂

J Alexander’s Restaurant Carrot Cake Recipe

J Alexander's Restaurant Carrot Cake Recipe is a rich, moist dessert made with freshly grated carrots, warm spices, and a blend of nuts for added texture. Topped with a smooth cream cheese frosting, this classic carrot cake delivers a perfect balance of sweetness and spice, recreating the restaurant's signature treat right at home.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 55 minutes mins

1 hour hr

Total Time 2 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 12

Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients

  

Cake Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 4 large eggs
• 3 cups grated carrots
• 1 cup crushed pineapple drained
• 1 cup chopped walnuts
• 1 cup shredded coconut

Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter softened
• 16 oz cream cheese softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

 

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
• Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.
• Combine wet ingredients: In another bowl, beat the eggs and oil until well combined. Gradually add in the grated carrots, crushed pineapple, chopped walnuts, and shredded coconut.
• Combine wet and dry ingredients: Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Do not overmix; we want a tender cake.

Step 2: Bake the Cake

• Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan.
• Bake for 50-55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
• Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

• Beat the butter and cream cheese in a medium bowl until smooth and creamy.
• Add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
• Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until the frosting is light and fluffy.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

• Once the cake is completely cooled, spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting over the top.
• Garnish with extra chopped walnuts or a sprinkle of shredded coconut if desired.

Keyword J Alexander’s Restaurant Carrot Cake Recipe

Mary

Hi, I’m Mary, and I’m a cake maker here at the Cakerecipehome.com blog. With a passion for all things sweet and a flair for creativity in the kitchen, I spent 5 years perfecting the art of cake making and decorating. Over the years, I’ve honed my skills through countless baking experiments, and I’m excited to share my knowledge and experience with you.
I love trying new recipes, especially when they’re delicious, I love them so much… hope you like them! Thanks for the time!