Description
Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake is a moist, tropical-inspired dessert combining the natural sweetness of grated carrots and crushed pineapple with warm spices. This vibrant cake features a tender crumb and is topped with a rich cream cheese frosting, ideal for any celebration or casual treat that brightens your day with island flavors.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Cake Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups finely grated fresh carrots
- 1 can (8 ounces) crushed pineapple with juice
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or macadamia nuts (optional)
Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup (4 tablespoons) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Gather all ingredients, finely grate the carrots, and if desired, drain some pineapple juice to control moisture.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and well blended.
- Blend Wet and Dry Mixtures: Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined to avoid overmixing and maintain a tender texture.
- Add Carrots, Pineapple, and Nuts: Gently fold in the grated carrots, crushed pineapple (with some juice), and optional nuts evenly throughout the batter.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into a greased 9×13 inch pan or two 9-inch round pans. Bake for 40 to 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Prepare the Frosting: While the cake cools, beat together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy.
- Frost and Serve: Once completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly on top. Slice and enjoy your tropical treat!
Notes
- Use freshly grated carrots for better texture and moisture.
- Do not overmix the batter to avoid a dense cake.
- Drain most pineapple juice but keep a tablespoon or two to preserve flavor without excess wetness.
- Allow the cake to cool fully before frosting to prevent melting and sliding.
- Toast spices lightly to enhance aroma and depth of flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (assuming 16 slices)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg