Island-Inspired Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake Recipe

Sweet tropical breezes carry the aroma of a delectable hawaiian carrot pineapple cake that promises pure indulgence.

Moist and bursting with vibrant flavors, this cake blends the earthiness of carrots with the bright sweetness of pineapple.

Every slice tells a story of sunshine and warmth from the islands.

Spices dance through the tender crumb, creating a harmonious melody of taste.

The cream cheese frosting adds a luxurious finish that elevates this dessert from ordinary to extraordinary.

Soft, rich, and utterly irresistible, this cake transforms a simple gathering into a memorable celebration.

Dive into a slice and let the tropical magic unfold.

Ingredients List For Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: Foundation of the cake, ensuring proper structure and texture.
• Baking Powder: Creates light and airy lift for a tender crumb.
• Baking Soda: Helps activate other leavening agents for perfect rise.
• Ground Cinnamon: Adds warm, aromatic depth to the cake's flavor profile.
• Ground Nutmeg: Provides subtle, sweet-spicy undertone that complements the carrots.
• Salt: Balances and enhances all the sweet and spicy notes.

• Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cake incredibly moist and tender.
• Applesauce: Adds natural sweetness and helps reduce overall fat content.
• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Create sweetness and help with caramelization.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients together and provide structure.
• Vanilla Extract: Brings rich, complex flavor and aromatic depth.

• Grated Carrots: Provide moisture, natural sweetness, and nutritional boost.
• Crushed Pineapple: Adds tropical tang and extra moisture to the cake.
• Shredded Coconut: Introduces tropical texture and complementary flavor.
• Chopped Nuts: Optional ingredient for crunch and nutty complexity.

Tools For Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake Baking

• Stand Mixer or Electric Hand Mixer: Perfect for beating eggs and mixing cake batter smoothly.
• Large Mixing Bowls: Essential for combining wet and dry ingredients comfortably.
• Whisk: Great for blending dry ingredients evenly without lumps.
• 9×13-inch Baking Pan or Two 8-inch Round Cake Pans: Needed for baking the cake.
• Grater: Helps shred fresh carrots quickly and easily.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Rubber Spatula: Ideal for folding ingredients and scraping bowl edges.
• Cooling Rack: Allows cake to cool properly after baking.

How To Prepare Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake With Ease

• Oven Preparation

Warm up the oven to a toasty temperature. Coat your baking vessel with a light layer of grease and a dusting of flour to ensure smooth cake release.

• Dry Ingredient Blend

Grab a mixing bowl and combine your powdery white flour with warming spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Whisk these together until they’re perfectly integrated.

• Wet Ingredient Magic

In a separate large bowl, pour in golden oils and sweet sauces. Blend sugars until they create a smooth, glossy mixture that looks almost like liquid silk.

• Egg Integration

Crack fresh eggs into the sweet base, incorporating them one by one. Stir in a splash of rich vanilla for an extra flavor punch.

• Ingredient Marriage

Gently fold your dry mixture into the wet ingredients. Don’t overmix – just blend until everything looks harmonious and there are no flour streaks.

• Tropical Mix-Ins

Fold in vibrant orange carrots, sweet tropical pineapple chunks, fluffy coconut shreds, and crunchy nuts if you’re feeling adventurous. The batter should look colorful and inviting.

• Baking Transformation

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and slide it into the waiting oven. Bake until a golden crust forms and a toothpick comes out clean when inserted.

Tropical Flavor Tips For Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake

• Tropical Baking Brilliance: Expert Tips for Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake
• Moisture Magic: Squeeze excess liquid from crushed pineapple to prevent a soggy cake bottom, ensuring perfect texture and even baking every single time.
• Nut-Free Option: Skip nuts for allergy-friendly version or swap with toasted pumpkin seeds for added crunch without compromising delicious tropical flavors.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace all-purpose flour with cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend and add 1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum for ideal cake structure and softness.
• Dairy-Free Cream Cheese Frosting: Use vegan cream cheese alternatives like cashew-based or coconut cream-based spreads to create a dairy-free topping that maintains classic tangy richness.
• Make-Ahead Strategy: Bake cake layers up to two days in advance, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and store at room temperature to enhance moisture and develop deeper flavor profiles.

Serving Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake With Flair

• Tropical Picnic Perfect: Pack slices in a cute container for an outdoor lunch that brings Hawaiian vibes to your meal.
• Island-Style Brunch Centerpiece: Arrange cake on a wooden board with fresh pineapple slices and toasted coconut sprinkled around for a stunning breakfast display.
• Afternoon Tea Elegance: Serve small squares on delicate plates with a dollop of whipped cream and a mint leaf for a sophisticated dessert experience.
• Festive Dessert Bar Star: Create a colorful dessert station with cake slices, tropical fruit skewers, and coconut-based toppings for a party that celebrates Hawaiian flavors.

How To Store Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake Properly

• Cool Kitchen Companion: Store this delightful cake in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days, keeping its moisture and flavor intact.
• Refrigerator Magic: When wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, the cake stays fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator, maintaining its delicious texture and taste.
• Freezing Friendly: Slice the cake before freezing, then place individual portions in freezer-safe containers or wrap them separately. Frozen cake can last up to 3 months when properly sealed.
• Make-Ahead Marvel: Prepare the cake batter or bake the entire cake one day ahead. Cover and refrigerate overnight, allowing flavors to develop and making meal prep easier.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 380 kcal

Servings: 11

Tropical Carrot Pineapple Cake Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 11 1x

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Description

Hawaiian carrot pineapple cake blends tropical flavors with classic comfort. Cream cheese frosting crowns this moist, nutty dessert that brings island warmth to your table.

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Ingredients

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• 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
• 2 cups (200 g) grated carrots
• 1 cup (240 g) crushed pineapple, drained
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (100 g) brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup (120 ml) vegetable oil
• ½ cup (120 ml) applesauce
• 1 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 pack (225 g / 8 oz) cream cheese, softened
• 3 cups (360 g) powdered sugar, sifted
• ½ cup (50 g) shredded sweetened coconut
• ½ cup (60 g) chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
• 1 ½ tsps baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
• ½ tsp salt
• 2 tsps vanilla extract
• 12 tbsps milk (optional, for consistency)

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Instructions

1. Preparation Setup: Preheat the oven to 350F (175C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch rectangular pan or two 8-inch round cake pans, creating a pristine baking environment.
2. Dry Ingredient Fusion: Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a medium bowl until perfectly blended, ensuring a uniform dry mixture.
3. Wet Ingredient Harmony: In a large mixing bowl, combine vegetable oil, applesauce, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Blend until a smooth, cohesive mixture forms, creating a rich base for the cake.
4. Egg and Flavor Integration: Gradually add eggs to the sugar mixture, incorporating thoroughly after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract, developing a complex flavor profile.
5. Batter Composition: Merge the dry ingredient blend into the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Delicately fold in grated carrots, crushed pineapple, shredded coconut, and optional nuts, distributing ingredients evenly to guarantee a balanced taste in every bite.
6. Baking Process: Pour the complete batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the surface for consistent baking. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center emerges clean and the cake displays a golden-brown exterior.

Notes

• Moisture Mastery: Squeeze excess liquid from crushed pineapple to prevent a soggy cake, ensuring a perfectly textured dessert.
• Grate with Care: Use fresh carrots and grate them finely for maximum moisture and smooth cake consistency.
• Temperature Technique: Allow ingredients like eggs and applesauce to reach room temperature for smoother batter integration and even baking.
• Gentle Mixing Magic: Fold ingredients carefully to maintain air pockets, creating a lighter, more tender cake texture without developing tough gluten strands.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Hawaiian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 11
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 34 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 51 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg