Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✨ Tropical Twist: Crushed pineapple adds natural sweetness and moisture, giving this cake an island-inspired flavor.
💛 Moist & Flavorful: Shredded carrots and pineapple create a soft, tender crumb in every bite.
🍂 Warmly Spiced: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger perfectly complement the cake’s sweetness.
🧁 Decadent Frosting: A luscious cream cheese frosting ties it all together.
👩🍳 Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this perfect for all skill levels.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
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1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
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1 tsp baking powder
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1 tsp baking soda
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½ tsp salt
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1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
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¼ tsp ground nutmeg
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¼ tsp ground ginger
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3 large eggs, room temperature
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1 cup granulated sugar
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½ cup packed brown sugar
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¾ cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil for a tropical touch)
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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1 ½ cups finely shredded carrots (about 2–3 medium carrots)
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1 cup crushed pineapple, drained (reserve juice for another use)
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½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional, for crunch)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
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8 oz cream cheese, softened
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½ cup unsalted butter, softened
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3–4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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Pinch of salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Set aside.
Step 3: Make the Batter
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In a large bowl, whisk eggs, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
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Stir in vegetable oil and vanilla extract.
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Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing gently. Avoid overmixing.
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Fold in shredded carrots, crushed pineapple, and nuts (if using).
Step 4: Bake
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Divide the batter evenly between the pans and smooth the tops.
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Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
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Let cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 5: Make the Frosting
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Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
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Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until fluffy.
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Stir in vanilla and salt. Adjust sweetness as needed.
Step 6: Assemble the Cake
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Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a thick layer of frosting on top.
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Add the second layer and frost the top and sides.
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Optional: Garnish with toasted coconut, chopped nuts, or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Why This Recipe Works
🍍 Pineapple Keeps It Moist: Natural fruit juices ensure a tender texture.
🥕 Carrot Magic: Finely shredded carrots blend beautifully into the batter.
🍂 Perfect Spice Blend: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger create a cozy, aromatic cake.
🧁 Cream Cheese Frosting: Tangy and sweet, it balances the spiced layers perfectly.
Variations to Try
🥥 Coconut Infusion: Add ½ cup shredded coconut for a more tropical flavor.
🌾 Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
🌱 Dairy-Free Version: Swap in plant-based cream cheese and butter.
🍰 Sheet Cake Style: Bake in a 9x13-inch pan for a simple, single-layer cake.
🧁 Cupcake Version: Use a muffin tin for individual treats!
Tips for Success
✔ Drain the Pineapple Well: Too much moisture can make the cake dense. Pat it dry before adding.
✔ Avoid Overmixing: Overworking the batter can result in a dense cake. Mix just until combined.
✔ Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.
Serving Ideas
🌸 Elegant Touch: Garnish with edible flowers or a dusting of powdered sugar.
☕ Brunch Delight: Serve with coffee, tea, or fresh juice for a morning treat.
🎉 Party Favorite: Pair with cookies, brownies, or fruit tarts for a dessert spread.
Final Thoughts
This Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake is a perfect blend of tropical sweetness and classic comfort. The moist crumb, warm spices, and rich frosting make it a must-try recipe. Whether for a special occasion or a simple indulgence, this cake is sure to impress.
🌟 Have you tried a tropical twist on carrot cake? Share your favorite variations below!