Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake – A Tropical, Spiced Delight
Bring a taste of the tropics to your kitchen with this irresistible Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake. Moist, flavorful, and topped with creamy cream cheese frosting, this cake is the perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and texture. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or a casual treat, it’s sure to impress!
Why You’ll Love Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake:
Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake is a twist on the classic carrot cake, with the added sweetness of pineapple and the warmth of spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. The result is a moist, tender cake that bursts with tropical flavors. The cream cheese frosting adds a rich, tangy touch that perfectly complements the sweetness of the cake.
Tropical Twist: Pineapple adds a juicy, sweet contrast to the spiced carrot cake base.
Moist & Flavorful: The combination of vegetable oil and pineapple ensures this cake stays moist, while the grated carrots provide a tender texture.
Perfectly Spiced: The cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger bring a warm, comforting flavor that makes every bite a delight.
Cream Cheese Frosting: A rich, tangy frosting that complements the cake’s sweetness perfectly.
Nutritional Benefits:
Carrots: A great source of vitamin A, carrots help support eye health and boost immunity.
Pineapple: Packed with vitamin C and antioxidants, pineapple aids digestion and supports skin health.
Walnuts (optional): High in omega-3 fatty acids, walnuts help improve heart health and provide a satisfying crunch.
Ingredients for Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1 cup vegetable oil
4 large eggs
2 cups grated carrots
1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Cream cheese frosting (for topping)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven (Time: 5 minutes)
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.
2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients (Time: 5 minutes)
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Make sure everything is well combined.
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients (Time: 5 minutes)
Add the vegetable oil and eggs to the dry ingredients and mix until everything is well incorporated.
4. Add the Carrots, Pineapple, and Vanilla (Time: 5 minutes)
Stir in the grated carrots, crushed pineapple, and vanilla extract. If you’re using chopped walnuts, fold them in at this point.
5. Bake the Cakes (Time: 30-35 minutes)
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops and place them in the oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
6. Cool the Cakes (Time: 10 minutes)
Once the cakes are baked, allow them to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Afterward, turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Frost and Serve (Time: 10 minutes)
Once the cakes are completely cool, spread cream cheese frosting evenly on the top of one cake layer. Place the second cake layer on top, then frost the top and sides of the entire cake.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 12
Calories: 450 kcal per serving
Tips for the Best Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake:
Drain the Pineapple Well: Be sure to drain the pineapple thoroughly before adding it to the batter. Excess moisture can affect the texture of the cake.
Shred the Carrots Finely: Grating the carrots finely ensures they blend seamlessly into the batter and provide a smooth texture.
Chill the Cream Cheese Frosting: To make it easier to spread, chill the cream cheese frosting for 10-15 minutes before frosting the cake.
Optional Walnuts: If you love nuts, adding chopped walnuts to the batter gives the cake a satisfying crunch and added flavor.
FAQ About Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake:
Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A: Yes, this cake can be made in advance! Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It also freezes well for up to 1 month if you want to make it ahead for a special event.
Q: Can I substitute the vegetable oil?
A: If you prefer, you can substitute vegetable oil with melted coconut oil for a slightly different flavor.
Q: Can I skip the walnuts?
A: Yes, the walnuts are optional. You can either leave them out or replace them with other nuts like pecans or almonds if you prefer.
Final Thoughts:
Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake is a delightful dessert that brings together the perfect blend of tropical flavors and spices. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or just because, this cake is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The combination of moist cake, sweet pineapple, warm spices, and creamy frosting makes every bite a tropical indulgence.
If you loved this Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake, be sure to share it with your friends and family! Leave a comment below and let us know how your cake turned out. Enjoy experimenting with different variations of this classic!