If you’re looking to elevate your classic carrot cake with a touch of tropical flavor, this Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake is the perfect recipe. This delightful dessert combines the warm spices of carrot cake with the sweet, juicy flavor of pineapple, making it an ideal choice for any occasion—from casual gatherings to special celebrations. The addition of crushed pineapple adds a refreshing twist, while the cream cheese frosting brings it all together in a sweet, tangy finish.
Ingredients
To make this delicious Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake, you will need the following ingredients:
- All-purpose flour: 2 cups
- Granulated sugar: 1 cup
- Baking powder: 1 teaspoon
- Baking soda: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Ground cinnamon: 1 teaspoon
- Ground nutmeg: 1/2 teaspoon
- Ground ginger: 1/2 teaspoon
- Vegetable oil: 1 cup
- Large eggs: 4
- Grated carrots: 2 cups
- Crushed pineapple (drained): 1 cup
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
- Chopped walnuts (optional): 1/2 cup
- Cream cheese frosting
Directions
Follow these simple steps to create your Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake:
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to prevent the cake from sticking.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and ground ginger until well combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the vegetable oil and large eggs to the bowl of dry ingredients. Mix everything together until the batter is smooth and well blended.
- Add Carrots and Pineapple: Stir in the grated carrots, drained crushed pineapple, vanilla extract, and chopped walnuts (if using). Ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Prepare the Batter: Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula.
- Bake the Cake: Place the cake pans in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. The cakes are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cakes: Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Frost the Cake: Once the cakes have cooled completely, frost them generously with cream cheese frosting. You can frost the entire cake or just the top, depending on your preference.
Nutritional Information
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Calories: 450 kcal per serving
- Servings: 12 servings
Tips for a Perfect Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake
- Drain the Pineapple: Make sure to drain the crushed pineapple well to prevent excess moisture from making the cake too wet.
- Add Some Crunch: For those who enjoy a bit of texture, sprinkle extra chopped walnuts on top of the frosting. It adds a delightful crunch that pairs beautifully with the soft cake.
Conclusion
This Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake is a tropical twist on a beloved classic, bringing a unique and delicious flavor to your dessert table. The combination of sweet carrots, juicy pineapple, and warm spices, all topped with a rich cream cheese frosting, makes this cake an irresistible treat. Whether you’re serving it at a party or enjoying it with family, it’s sure to be a hit.