🌺 About This Recipe
Bring a taste of the islands to your table with this Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake — a soft, fragrant dessert that perfectly balances spiced carrot cake goodness with the tropical sweetness of pineapple. Finished with a silky cream cheese frosting and a colorful garnish of pineapple and carrot, it’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Whether you’re celebrating Easter, hosting a spring brunch, or craving something cozy and tropical, this easy cake is always a hit.
💛 Why You’ll Love It
- Made with simple, everyday ingredients
- Extra moist from pineapple and carrots
- Frosts beautifully — perfect for special occasions
- Stays fresh and soft for days
- Always earns rave reviews (even from non–carrot cake fans!)
I first baked this for a family picnic — it vanished before the rest of the desserts were even touched. Since then, it’s become my go-to cake for birthdays and gatherings.
🥕 Ingredients
For the Cake
- 250 g all-purpose flour
- 10 g baking powder
- 5 g baking soda
- 2 g ground cinnamon
- 3 g fine salt
- 300 g granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs (room temperature)
- 240 ml vegetable oil
- 10 ml vanilla extract
- 220 g carrots, finely grated
- 150 g crushed pineapple, well drained
- 60 g chopped walnuts (optional for crunch)
For the Frosting
- 225 g cream cheese, softened
- 115 g unsalted butter, softened
- 240 g powdered sugar
- 5 ml vanilla extract
For Garnish
- Pineapple chunks
- Shredded carrots
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat & Prep
Heat oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease and flour a 23 × 33 cm (9 × 13 in) baking pan.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients
Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt in a medium bowl until evenly blended.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, beat together sugar, eggs, oil, and vanilla extract until light and creamy.
4. Combine Batter
Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Fold in Carrots, Pineapple & Walnuts
Add grated carrots, drained crushed pineapple, and walnuts (if using). Fold gently until evenly distributed.
6. Bake
Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the surface. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely before frosting.
7. Make the Frosting
Beat softened cream cheese and butter together until fluffy. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth and creamy.
8. Frost & Garnish
Spread frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Top with pineapple chunks and shredded carrots for a cheerful tropical finish.
🌴 Pro Tips
- Drain pineapple well — too much liquid can make the cake soggy.
- Sift powdered sugar for a silky frosting.
- Cool cake completely before frosting to prevent melting.
- Oil > butter for extra moisture.
🍍 Storage & Make-Ahead
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Bring slices to room temperature before serving for best texture.
- To freeze: wrap unfrosted cake tightly and store up to 3 months. Thaw and frost before serving.
🔁 Substitutions & Variations
- No walnuts? Use pecans or omit for a nut-free version.
- No pineapple? Substitute grated apple for similar moisture.
- Add coconut flakes for extra island flair!
🥄 Serving Suggestions
Serve chilled or at room temperature with:
- Fresh pineapple or berries on top
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream
- Hot tea or coffee for a perfect pairing
📜 A Bit of History
Traditional carrot cake has European roots, but the Hawaiian twist came from incorporating pineapple — a fruit abundant across the islands. The result? A moist, sunshine-filled dessert that’s become a staple at potlucks and celebrations around the world.
❓ FAQ
→ Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes! Just chop and drain thoroughly before adding.
→ Can I make it nut-free?
Absolutely. Skip the walnuts; the cake stays perfectly moist.
→ Does it need refrigeration?
Yes, because of the cream cheese frosting.
→ Can I replace oil with butter?
You can, but the texture will be slightly denser.
→ How do I know when it’s done?
Insert a toothpick — if it comes out clean, it’s ready.
🍰 Recipe Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Course | Dessert |
| Cuisine | Hawaiian-inspired American |
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
| Prep Time | 25 minutes |
| Cook Time | 40 minutes |
| Total Time | 1 hour 5 minutes |
| Yield | 1 cake (12 servings) |
| Dietary | Vegetarian |
🧁 Tools You’ll Need
- 23 × 33 cm rectangular baking pan
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Rubber spatula
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