Description
Bring a taste of the tropics to your table with this moist and flavorful Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake. Packed with freshly grated carrots, sweet crushed pineapple, warm cinnamon, and topped with a rich cream cheese frosting, this cake is the perfect balance of comforting and refreshing flavors. Whether you’re serving it for birthdays, brunches, holidays, or casual gatherings, every bite delivers a delicious island-inspired twist on classic carrot cake. The tender crumb, tropical sweetness, and creamy frosting make this dessert irresistible for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp salt
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups grated carrots
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- 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
Optional Garnish
- Pineapple chunks
- Shredded carrots
- Chopped walnuts
- Toasted coconut flakes
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat the sugar and eggs until light and fluffy.
- Add the vegetable oil and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
- Fold in the grated carrots and drained crushed pineapple.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture and stir until just combined.
- Fold in chopped walnuts if using.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- To make the frosting, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually mix in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until fluffy.
- Frost the cooled cake layers evenly.
- Garnish with pineapple chunks, shredded carrots, walnuts, or toasted coconut if desired.
- Slice and serve!
Notes
- Drain the pineapple well to prevent excess moisture in the batter.
- For extra tropical flavor, add ½ cup shredded coconut to the cake batter.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator because of the cream cheese frosting.
- You can make this cake a day ahead for even better flavor.
- Frozen pineapple can be used if thawed and drained properly.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 430 kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 260 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
Keywords: Hawaiian carrot pineapple cake, tropical carrot cake, pineapple carrot cake, moist carrot cake, cream cheese frosting cake, island dessert recipe
