Carrot Cake - Gay Luiz

This recipe comes from my mom, Gay Luiz; she loves carrot cake with walnuts/raisins and says this one is wonderful - I haven't made it yet.

Cake Batter

PREP
  • 3 cups grated carrots, lightly packed (about 5 medium carrots)
  • 1 cups coarsely chopped nuts (usually walnuts)
  • Add large handful raisins to nuts
  • Grease 13 x 9 x 2 inch rectangular pan
In mixing bowl, beat well (about 2 minutes)
  • 1 cup oil
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 slightly rounded cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
In separate bowl, measure and stir together dry ingredients
  • 2 cups flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon
INSTRUCTIONS
  • Slowly alternate adding dry ingredients and egg mixture with mixer on slow speed beginning and ending with dry ingredients
  • Add carrots, raisins, and nuts
  • Pour into greased 13 x 9 x 2 rectangular pan
  • Bake at 350 degrees about 40-45 minutes or until cake tests done
  • Cool completely before frosting with Cream Cheese Frosting below

Lemon Glaze

  • 1/4 cup lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1/2 teaspoon lemon extract (Mom says she doesn't usually have this)
  • Combine all ingredients; blend well.