Hawaiian Pineapple Carrot Cream Cake – A Moist & Flavorful Treat

If you’re looking for a soft, moist, and flavorful cake, this Hawaiian Pineapple Carrot Cream Cake is the perfect dessert! It combines sweet carrots, crushed pineapple, and a rich cream frosting for a delightful tropical twist on classic carrot cake. Whether you’re a beginner baker, searching for an easy carrot cake recipe, or simply love pineapple dessert recipes, this cake is easy to make and packed with flavor!

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What is Hawaiian Pineapple Carrot Cream Cake?

This carrot cake with pineapple is a moist, spiced cake infused with crushed pineapple, shredded carrots, and warm cinnamon. The pineapple adds natural sweetness and moisture, making the cake incredibly soft and tender. Topped with a smooth cream frosting, this cake is perfect for any occasion, from birthdays to holidays or simply as a sweet treat.

Ingredients for Pineapple Carrot Cream Cake

To make this pineapple cake recipe, you’ll need:

For the Cake:

• All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups (provides structure)
• Baking Powder: 1 teaspoon (helps the cake rise)
• Baking Soda: 1 teaspoon (adds fluffiness)
• Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon (for warm, spiced flavor)
• Salt: ½ teaspoon (balances sweetness)
• Granulated Sugar: 1 cup (adds sweetness)
• Brown Sugar: ½ cup (adds moisture and a deep flavor)
• Vegetable Oil: ¾ cup (keeps the cake soft)
• Eggs: 3 large (for structure and richness)
• Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon (enhances flavor)
• Crushed Pineapple (with Juice): 1 cup (adds moisture and sweetness)
• Shredded Carrots: 1 ½ cups (for natural sweetness and texture)
• Chopped Walnuts or Pecans: ½ cup (optional, for crunch)

For the Cream Frosting:

• Cream Cheese: 8 ounces, softened
• Butter: ½ cup, softened
• Powdered Sugar: 2 cups
• Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon

Kitchen Equipment Needed

For this easy carrot cake recipe, gather the following tools:

• Mixing Bowls – for preparing the batter and frosting
• Whisk or Hand Mixer – for mixing wet and dry ingredients
• Grater – for shredding fresh carrots
• Spatula – for folding in ingredients and spreading frosting
• Cake Pan (9-inch round or 9×13-inch) – for baking the cake
• Cooling Rack – to allow the cake to cool properly

How to Make Hawaiian Pineapple Carrot Cream Cake

Follow these simple steps to create a moist, flavorful carrot cake with pineapple:

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

1. Preheat the Oven: Set to 350°F (175°C) and grease a cake pan.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
3. Whisk the Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, beat together granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, oil, vanilla extract, and crushed pineapple (with juice).
4. Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir until combined.
5. Fold in Carrots & Nuts: Gently fold in the shredded carrots and chopped walnuts (if using).

Step 2: Bake the Cake

6. Pour Batter into Pan: Spread evenly in the prepared cake pan.
7. Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes (for a round cake) or 40-45 minutes (for a 9×13-inch pan) until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Cool Completely: Let the cake cool on a wire rack before frosting.

Step 3: Make the Cream Frosting

9. Beat Cream Cheese & Butter: In a mixing bowl, beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth.
10. Add Powdered Sugar & Vanilla: Gradually mix in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until creamy.

Step 4: Assemble & Serve

11. Frost the Cake: Spread the cream frosting evenly over the cooled cake.
12. Garnish (Optional): Sprinkle with extra walnuts, pecans, or shredded coconut.
13. Slice & Enjoy! Serve with a cup of tea or coffee.

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Tips for the Best Carrot Cake with Pineapple

• Use Freshly Shredded Carrots: Pre-shredded carrots are drier; fresh carrots add more moisture.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Stir just until combined for a soft, fluffy texture.
• Let the Cake Cool Before Frosting: This prevents the frosting from melting.
• For a Lighter Cake: Substitute half of the oil with unsweetened applesauce.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping the Pineapple Juice: The juice helps keep the cake moist.
• Overbaking the Cake: Check for doneness with a toothpick to avoid dryness.
• Using Cold Cream Cheese for Frosting: Room-temperature cream cheese blends smoother.

Serving and Presentation Ideas

This Hawaiian pineapple carrot cream cake is perfect for:

• Birthday & Celebration Cakes – A tropical twist on classic carrot cake.
• Afternoon Tea or Coffee Pairing – Serve with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
• Decorative Cakes – Pipe extra frosting and top with chopped nuts or shredded coconut.
• Layered Cake Version – Bake in two 9-inch round cake pans and stack with frosting between layers.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Freeze the unfrosted cake for up to 3 months. Thaw before frosting.
• Make-Ahead Option: Bake the cake a day in advance and frost before serving.

Variations and Flavor Enhancements

• Tropical Coconut Carrot Cake: Add ½ cup shredded coconut to the batter.
• Nut-Free Option: Skip the walnuts or pecans.
• Healthier Version: Use whole wheat flour and substitute half the sugar with honey.
• Pineapple Upside-Down Carrot Cake: Arrange pineapple rings at the bottom of the pan before baking.

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FAQ About Pineapple Carrot Cake

• Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned? Yes! Just finely chop fresh pineapple and drain excess juice.
• Can I make this gluten-free? Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
• Can I use a different frosting? Yes! Try a buttercream or whipped cream frosting.
• Can I make cupcakes instead? Yes! Bake at 350°F for 18-22 minutes.

Conclusion

This Hawaiian Pineapple Carrot Cream Cake is moist, flavorful, and easy to make, making it the perfect dessert for any occasion. With its tropical pineapple twist and rich cream frosting, this cake is a delightful upgrade from classic carrot cake.

Try this easy carrot cake recipe today and enjoy a soft, spiced, and perfectly sweet cake! Don’t forget to share this recipe and subscribe for more delicious dessert recipes for beginners! 😊

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