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Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake: Easy Tropical Recipe

A moist and flavorful tropical twist on the classic carrot cake, featuring crushed pineapple, shredded coconut, and a rich cream cheese frosting.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 cups grated carrots (about 4 medium carrots)
  • 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
  • 1/2 cup shredded coconut
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
  • 1-2 tablespoons milk

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
  3. In a separate large bowl, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil. Beat in eggs one at a time.
  4. Fold in the grated carrots, drained crushed pineapple, shredded coconut, chopped nuts, and vanilla extract.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined.
  6. Divide batter evenly between the pans and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  7. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
  8. To make the frosting, beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until desired consistency is reached.
  9. Frost the cooled cake layers, stacking them with a layer of frosting in between, then covering the top and sides.

Notes

  • Ensure the pineapple is well-drained to prevent the cake from becoming too soggy.
  • Do not overmix the batter once the flour is added to maintain a tender crumb.
  • Cakes must be completely cool before frosting to prevent the cream cheese from melting.
  • Store leftovers in the refrigerator due to the cream cheese frosting.

Nutrition

Keywords: Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake, Tropical Carrot Cake, Cream Cheese Frosting, Pineapple Carrot Cake Recipe