Description
Sweet Hawaiian carrot pineapple cake blends tropical flavors with classic comfort. Warm spices and juicy pineapple create a delightful dessert that brings island sunshine to your plate.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup finely grated carrots
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- 1 cup shredded coconut
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Sweeteners and Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
Instructions
- Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 350F (175C) and coating a 9×13 inch pan with grease and flour to prevent sticking.
- Create a dry ingredient mixture by thoroughly whisking flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt in a medium mixing bowl until evenly combined.
- In a separate large bowl, vigorously blend vegetable oil with granulated and brown sugars until smooth and integrated, then incorporate eggs individually, ensuring complete mixing after each addition.
- Gently fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring minimally to maintain cake’s tenderness, then carefully incorporate grated carrots, crushed pineapple, shredded coconut, and chopped nuts.
- Transfer the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the surface evenly, then bake for 35-40 minutes until a toothpick emerges clean when inserted into the center.
- Allow the cake to cool completely within the pan, resting on a wire rack to prevent moisture accumulation.
- Craft the frosting by whipping cream cheese and butter until silky, gradually introducing powdered sugar and vanilla extract while beating until light and fluffy.
- Once cake reaches room temperature, generously spread frosting across the surface, optional garnishing with additional nuts or coconut for textural contrast.
- Slice and serve this tropical-inspired dessert, celebrating its rich, moist composition and complex flavor profile.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth mixing and even baking of the cake.
- Drain crushed pineapple thoroughly to prevent excess moisture that could make the cake soggy.
- Toast nuts and coconut before adding to enhance their natural flavors and provide extra crunch.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and add xanthan gum for better texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 322 kcal
- Sugar: 23 g
- Sodium: 137 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 39 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 37 mg