Description
This Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake is an ultra-moist, warmly spiced dessert that blends the natural sweetness of carrots with juicy crushed pineapple, crunchy pecans, and a luscious cream cheese frosting. It’s the perfect cake for celebrations, brunches, or anytime you need a tropical-flavored comfort treat.
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
3 large eggs
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup vegetable oil
2 cups freshly grated carrots
1 cup crushed pineapple (lightly drained)
3/4 cup chopped pecans
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup pineapple chunks, for topping (optional)
Additional chopped pecans, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. In another bowl, beat eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until frothy.
4. Slowly mix in the vegetable oil until fully incorporated.
5. Fold in grated carrots and crushed pineapple.
6. Gradually stir in the dry ingredients until just combined.
7. Fold in chopped pecans.
8. Divide batter between the pans and bake for 30–35 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
9. Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
10. For the frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
11. Add powdered sugar gradually and beat until fluffy.
12. Mix in vanilla extract.
13. Frost the cooled cake layers and decorate with pineapple chunks and pecans if desired.
Notes
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Can be frozen (unfrosted) for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: carrot cake, pineapple, tropical dessert, cream cheese frosting