Description
Sweet Hawaiian Pineapple Carrot Cream Cake brings tropical sunshine to classic comfort desserts, blending tangy pineapple with warm spices. Rich cream cheese frosting and moist carrot layers invite delightful indulgence for anyone craving a slice of paradise.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 2 cups grated carrots
- 1 cup crushed pineapple
Spices and Leavening Agents:
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Optional Add-ins:
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2–4 tablespoons milk (to reach desired consistency)
Instructions
- Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 350F (175C) and coating two 9-inch round cake pans with grease and flour to prevent sticking.
- Create a dry ingredient blend by whisking flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt in a large mixing bowl until thoroughly integrated.
- Develop a wet mixture by beating eggs, then incorporating vegetable oil, freshly grated carrots, crushed pineapple, and optional shredded coconut until smooth and well-combined.
- Merge wet and dry ingredients by gradually folding the liquid components into the dry mixture, stirring until just incorporated. Gently fold in optional chopped walnuts or pecans.
- Transfer batter evenly between prepared cake pans, ensuring uniform distribution. Bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick inserted centrally emerges clean.
- Allow cakes to rest in pans for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer to wire cooling racks to reach room temperature completely.
- Craft cream cheese frosting by whipping softened cream cheese and butter until silky and uniform in texture.
- Enhance frosting by gradually introducing powdered sugar, mixing thoroughly. Incorporate vanilla extract and minimal milk to achieve desired spreading consistency.
- Construct the cake by positioning first layer on a serving plate, spreading a thick layer of cream cheese frosting.
- Complete the cake by positioning second layer atop the frosted base, then generously coating the entire cake’s surface with remaining frosting.
Notes
- Consider draining pineapple thoroughly to prevent excess moisture making cake soggy.
- Use room temperature ingredients for smoother batter and better cake texture.
- Grate carrots finely to ensure even distribution and soft cake crumb.
- Replace walnuts with sunflower seeds for nut-free version or add extra coconut for crunch.
- Reduce sugar by 25% and use Greek yogurt instead of oil for healthier alternative.
- Allow cream cheese to soften naturally at room temperature for easier mixing.
- Store cake in refrigerator due to cream cheese frosting, bringing to room temperature before serving.
- Check cake doneness early to avoid overbaking, which can make cake dry.
- Prep Time: 20-25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 406 kcal
- Sugar: 34 g
- Sodium: 167 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 47 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 51 mg