Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s so much to adore about Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake. Here’s why it’s a must-try:
- Tropical Sweetness : The juicy pineapple adds natural moisture and a hint of tropical flair.
- Moist and Flavorful : Grated carrots and pineapple keep the cake incredibly tender and rich.
- Spiced Perfection : Warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg create a cozy, comforting flavor profile.
- Versatile : Serve it plain, frosted, or even layered for a show-stopping dessert.
- Make-Ahead Friendly : This cake tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prep or entertaining.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The secret to this cake lies in its simple yet indulgent combination of ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil for a tropical twist)
- 3 large eggs (room temperature)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups grated carrots (about 3–4 medium carrots)
- 1 cup crushed pineapple (with juice, not drained)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional, for added crunch)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened to room temperature)
- 3–4 cups powdered sugar (adjust for desired sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
Ready to whip up this moist, tropical cake? Follow these easy steps:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) . Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar and vegetable oil until well combined.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 4: Add the Vegetables and Pineapple
- Fold in the grated carrots and crushed pineapple (with juice) into the wet ingredients. Mix until evenly distributed.
- If using nuts, stir them in at this stage.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Do not overmix—the batter should be slightly lumpy.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes , or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting.
Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy, about 2–3 minutes.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed until fully incorporated.
- Add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Beat on high speed for 2–3 minutes, until the frosting is light and fluffy.
Step 8: Frost and Serve
- Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cake.
- Slice and serve as-is, or garnish with toasted coconut flakes, chopped nuts, or a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra touch of elegance.