Moist Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
This Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake is a moist and flavorful dessert featuring shredded carrots, crushed pineapple, and a hint of warm spices. Topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, it’s the ultimate treat that combines tropical sweetness with classic carrot cake goodness.
- Author: Marco
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Hawaiian / American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Cake Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon milk (optional, for consistency)
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt to evenly distribute all dry components.
- Prepare Wet Mixture: In a separate bowl, combine the granulated sugar, eggs, and vegetable oil; beat until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Combine Carrots and Pineapple: Add the shredded carrots and drained crushed pineapple into the wet mixture; stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until combined to avoid overmixing which can toughen the cake.
- Add Nuts: If using, fold in the chopped walnuts carefully to add texture and flavor to the batter.
- Pour into Pans: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans, smoothing the tops for even baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is fully cooked.
- Cool the Cakes: Remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely, preventing cracks.
- Prepare Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract; mix until fluffy. Add milk, a little at a time, if needed to reach desired consistency.
- Assemble the Cake: Once cakes are completely cooled, place one layer on a serving platter. Spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting on top, then place the second layer over it.
- Frost the Top and Sides: Finish frosting the top and sides of the cake to create a smooth and attractive finish. Chill if desired before serving.
Notes
- Ensure pineapple is well drained to avoid soggy cake texture.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the cake light and tender.
- Chilling the cake after frosting helps the frosting set for easier slicing.
- Walnuts are optional but add a nice crunch; you can substitute with pecans if preferred.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Store cake in the refrigerator to keep the cream cheese frosting fresh.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 38 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
Keywords: Hawaiian carrot cake, pineapple cake, carrot pineapple cake, cream cheese frosting, tropical carrot cake, moist carrot cake