Description
Hawaiian carrot pineapple cake blends tropical sweetness with classic comfort, creating a moist dessert that celebrates island flavors. Crushed pineapple and fresh carrots deliver rich moisture, while cream cheese frosting provides creamy perfection you’ll savor with each delightful bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 2 cups shredded carrots
- 1 can (8 ounces / 227 grams) crushed pineapple, drained
Dry Ingredients and Spices:
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Wet Ingredients and Optional Add-ins:
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut
Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 ounces (227 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon milk
Instructions
- Prepare the oven at 350°F (175°C) and thoroughly coat a 9×13-inch baking pan with grease and flour to prevent sticking.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly combine all dry ingredients – flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg – using a whisk to eliminate any lumps.
- Create a separate bowl for wet ingredients, whisking eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until the mixture achieves a smooth, uniform consistency.
- Gradually incorporate wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring carefully to ensure complete integration without overmixing.
- Gently fold shredded carrots, drained pineapple chunks, chopped nuts, and coconut flakes into the batter, distributing ingredients evenly throughout.
- Transfer the batter into the prepared baking pan, using a spatula to spread the mixture uniformly and eliminate air pockets.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, monitoring for a golden-brown surface and checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean when the cake is fully baked.
- Remove from oven and allow the cake to cool completely at room temperature before applying frosting.
- For the frosting, use an electric mixer to blend cream cheese and butter until achieving a smooth, fluffy texture.
- Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to mix until the frosting becomes creamy and spreadable.
- If the frosting seems too thick, incorporate a tablespoon of milk to reach the desired consistency.
- Apply frosting evenly across the cooled cake’s surface, ensuring complete coverage and smooth presentation.
Notes
- Enhance moisture by draining pineapple thoroughly to prevent soggy cake texture.
- Swap nuts with seeds for nut-free version, maintaining delightful crunch and texture.
- Choose room temperature ingredients for smoother mixing and better cake rise.
- Reduce sugar by using alternative sweeteners like honey or maple syrup for healthier option.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 324 kcal
- Sugar: 34 g
- Sodium: 130 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg