Tropical Paradise: Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake Recipe

Baking a delightful hawaiian carrot pineapple cake brings together tropical flavors that dance on your palate with surprising harmony.

Sweet chunks of golden pineapple mingle perfectly with warm, spiced carrots in this island-inspired dessert.

Moist crumbs promise a delectable experience that transports you to sunny beaches and relaxed gatherings.

Coconut flakes and rich cream cheese frosting add layers of comfort and indulgence to each heavenly slice.

Mixing these ingredients feels like crafting a delicious memory from paradise.

Nutmeg and cinnamon provide warm undertones that complement the cake’s bright, fresh profile.

Why Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake Is a Tropical Gem

• Tropical Flavor Explosion: Combines classic carrot cake with sweet pineapple for a delightful, unexpected taste sensation that transports you to a Hawaiian paradise.
• Easy-Peasy Baking Adventure: Beginner-friendly recipe with simple ingredients and straightforward steps, perfect for home bakers wanting to create something special without stress.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert Delight: Versatile cake suitable for potlucks, family gatherings, birthdays, or just a weekend treat that will impress everyone with its unique tropical twist.
• Nutritious Indulgence: Packed with carrots and nuts, offering a sneaky way to enjoy a wholesome dessert that feels like a guilt-free indulgence.

Carrot Pineapple Cake (Hawaiian) Ingredients

• All-Purpose Flour: Fine base for a soft cake texture.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and become fluffy.
• Baking Soda: Provides additional leavening power.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile.
• Ground Cinnamon: Adds warm, sweet spice note.
• Ground Nutmeg: Contributes subtle, aromatic flavor.

• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Provide sweetness and moisture.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients and create structure.
• Vegetable Oil: Keeps cake tender and moist.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds rich, classic flavor.

• Carrots, Pineapple: Bring tropical moisture and natural sweetness.
• Walnuts: Optional crunchy texture element.

• Cream Cheese: Creamy base for glaze.
• Powdered Sugar: Creates smooth, sweet consistency.
• Pineapple Juice: Adds tropical tang.
• Vanilla Extract: Deepens flavor complexity.
• Milk: Adjusts glaze thickness.

• Pineapple Chunks, Fresh Grated Carrot: Decorative and fresh topping.

Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake Method

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

Set your oven to warm up at 350°F. Grab two round cake pans and coat them with cooking spray or butter. Line the bottom with parchment paper to ensure easy cake removal.

Step 2: Craft Dry Mixture

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Ground cinnamon
• Nutmeg

Whisk these ingredients until they’re perfectly blended and lump-free.

Step 3: Create Wet Foundation

• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Eggs
• Vegetable oil
• Vanilla extract

Whisk until the mixture becomes smooth and slightly frothy.

Step 4: Merge Mixtures

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Stir gently using a wooden spoon or spatula. Mix just until ingredients are combined – avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.

Step 5: Add Tropical Goodness

• Freshly grated carrots
• Drained pineapple chunks
• Chopped walnuts (optional)

Ensure ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Divide batter equally between prepared pans. Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean. Allow cakes to cool completely in pans before transferring to a wire rack.

Step 7: Whip Up Creamy Drizzle

• Powdered sugar
• Pineapple juice
• Vanilla extract

Mix until creamy. Adjust consistency with milk if needed.

Step 8: Assemble Tropical Masterpiece

Optional: Slice each cake layer horizontally for extra height. Drizzle cream cheese glaze between layers and across the top. Garnish with fresh pineapple chunks and grated carrot for a stunning finish.

Cake Tips That Make That Tropical Pineapple-Carrot Blend Sing

• Prevent Dry Cake: Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the cake moist and tender, as stirring too much can develop gluten and create a tough texture.
• Drain Pineapple Thoroughly: Pat the pineapple chunks completely dry with paper towels to prevent excess moisture from making the cake soggy.
• Perfect Cream Cheese Drizzle: Use room temperature cream cheese for a smoother, lump-free glaze that spreads easily over the cake layers.
• Enhance Flavor Balance: Toast the walnuts briefly before adding to intensify their nutty flavor and add a delightful crunch to the cake.
• Store Smart: Keep the cake refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 5 days, allowing the flavors to meld and develop a richer taste profile.

Keeping Pineapple Carrot Cake Fresh and Moist

• Store covered cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out.
• Wrap completely cooled cake in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving.
• Wrap single slices separately in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bag. Freeze for easy grab-and-go treats lasting up to 2 months.
• Warm refrigerated slices in microwave for 15-20 seconds or in oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes until slightly warm. Avoid overheating to maintain moisture.

What Goes with Carrot Pineapple Cake

• Tropical Flavor Companion: Sip Coconut Rum Cocktail to enhance the cake's Hawaiian essence, perfectly complementing the pineapple and carrot notes with its smooth, sweet tropical profile.
• Palate-Pleasing Beverage Pairing: Brew Ginger Iced Tea as a refreshing non-alcoholic option that cuts through the cake's richness while echoing its warm spice undertones.
• Texture-Balancing Side: Serve Toasted Macadamia Nut Sorbet to provide a cool, crunchy contrast that highlights the cake's moistness and adds another layer of tropical authenticity.
• Dessert Wine Match: Select Late Harvest Riesling with its honeyed sweetness and light acidity, which beautifully harmonizes with the cake's complex flavor profile and creamy cream cheese drizzle.

Carrot Pineapple Cake Styles

• Gluten-Free Version: Swap wheat flour with a blend of almond and coconut flour to create a celiac-friendly cake that maintains moisture and tropical flavor.
• Vegan Adaptation: Replace eggs with mashed banana or flax eggs, use coconut oil instead of regular oil, and substitute cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese for a plant-based alternative.
• Low-Sugar Option: Reduce granulated sugar by half and use monk fruit sweetener, incorporate more pineapple for natural sweetness, and use a sugar-free cream cheese glaze made with stevia.
• Nut-Free Variation: Eliminate walnuts and replace with toasted coconut flakes, keeping the tropical theme while accommodating nut allergies and providing a crunchy texture.

FAQs

• Is this cake very sweet?

The cake balances sweetness with natural flavors from carrots and pineapple, creating a moderate sweetness that’s not overpowering.

• Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to create a gluten-free version of the cake.

• How do I know if I'm overmixing the batter?

Stop mixing as soon as the dry and wet ingredients are just combined, with no visible flour streaks. Overmixing can make the cake tough and dense.

• Are walnuts necessary for this recipe?

No, walnuts are optional. You can omit them or replace with pecans if you prefer a different nut or want to avoid nuts altogether.

Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake Recipe

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4.5 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Sweet Hawaiian carrot pineapple cake blends tropical flavors with classic comfort. Moist layers of spiced carrots and juicy pineapple create a delightful dessert you’ll crave after one bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cake Ingredients:

Main Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups (480 ml) all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Sweeteners and Wet Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (100 grams) brown sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 3/4 cup (180 ml) vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Additional Ingredients:

• 2 cups (240 grams) grated carrots (about 3 medium carrots)
• 1 cup (240 ml) crushed pineapple, well drained
• 1/2 cup (60 grams) chopped walnuts (optional)

Cream Cheese Drizzle Ingredients:

• 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup (60 grams) powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons pineapple juice (from the drained pineapple)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Milk (as needed for thinning)

Topping Ingredients:

• Pineapple chunks
• Fresh grated carrot

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 350°F and preparing two round cake pans with parchment paper and grease.
2. Sift together the dry ingredients including flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a spacious mixing bowl.
3. Whisk the sugars, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract in a separate container until the mixture becomes smooth and well-integrated.
4. Gently merge the wet and dry ingredient mixtures, stirring until just combined without overmixing to maintain the cake’s delicate texture.
5. Incorporate the grated carrots, drained pineapple chunks, and chopped walnuts into the batter using a folding technique to distribute ingredients evenly.
6. Distribute the cake batter equally between the prepared pans, ensuring smooth surface coverage.
7. Bake the cakes for 25-30 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick inserted into the center that should emerge clean.
8. Allow the cakes to cool completely within the pans before transferring to a wire cooling rack.
9. Prepare the cream cheese drizzle by beating the cream cheese until completely smooth and creamy.
10. Blend powdered sugar, pineapple juice, and vanilla into the cream cheese, adjusting consistency with milk if necessary.
11. Optional: Slice each cake layer horizontally to create a more elaborate multi-layered presentation.
12. Apply the cream cheese glaze between layers and over the top of the cake, creating an elegant drizzle effect.
13. Finish by garnishing with fresh pineapple chunks and additional grated carrot for visual appeal and texture contrast.

Notes

• Use room temperature ingredients for smoother mixing and better cake texture.
• Drain pineapple chunks thoroughly to prevent excess moisture in the cake batter.
• Toast walnuts lightly before adding to enhance their nutty flavor and provide extra crunch.
• Reduce sugar by substituting some with unsweetened applesauce for a healthier version.
• Replace wheat flour with a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend.
• Swap eggs with flax eggs and use dairy-free cream cheese alternative.
• Store cake in refrigerator for up to 5 days, covered to maintain moisture and freshness.
• For extra tropical flair, consider adding shredded coconut to the batter or as garnish.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Hawaiian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 17 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 48 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg