This Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake is a tropical twist on the classic carrot cake, combining the natural sweetness of grated carrots with juicy crushed pineapple. Infused with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, this cake is moist, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or simply craving a comforting dessert, this recipe delivers a delightful balance of texture and taste.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups grated carrots
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
Preparing the Cake:
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Add vegetable oil and eggs to the dry mixture. Blend until smooth.
- Fold in Carrots and Pineapple: Stir in grated carrots, crushed pineapple, vanilla extract, and walnuts (if using).
- Bake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Making the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- Beat the Cream Cheese and Butter: In a bowl, mix softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Add Sugar and Vanilla: Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until creamy.
- Frost the Cake: Once the cakes have cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the layers.
Serving Suggestions:
- Garnish with toasted coconut flakes for extra tropical flair.
- Serve with fresh pineapple slices or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
- Enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee for a cozy treat.
Additional Tips:
- Use Fresh Pineapple: For a more intense flavor, substitute canned pineapple with finely chopped fresh pineapple.
- Make It Healthier: Swap vegetable oil for applesauce to reduce fat content.
- Enhance the Texture: Add shredded coconut or raisins for extra depth.
This Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake is a delightful fusion of tropical flavors and classic comfort. Whether you’re baking for a gathering or indulging in a personal treat, this cake is sure to impress! 🍍🥕
You can find more inspiration here.