Description
Indulge in the tropical flavors of Hawaiian Pineapple Carrot Cream Cake. This moist and flavorful cake, packed with grated carrots, crushed pineapple, and optional coconut and nuts, is topped with rich cream cheese frosting. Perfect for celebrations or a delightful dessert any day.
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp salt
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 2 cups grated carrots (about 4 medium carrots)
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 cup shredded coconut (optional)
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2–4 tbsp milk (to reach desired consistency)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Whisk until well mixed.
- Combine Wet Ingredients:
- In another bowl, beat the eggs and then add the vegetable oil, grated carrots, crushed pineapple, and shredded coconut if using. Mix well.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
- Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. If using, fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans.
- Bake the Cake:
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until creamy and smooth.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar and mix until well combined.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and enough milk to achieve your desired frosting consistency.
- Assemble the Cake:
- Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one layer on a serving plate.
- Spread a generous amount of cream cheese frosting on top of the first layer.
- Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the entire cake.
Notes
- For added flavor, consider toasting the coconut and nuts before adding them to the batter.
- This cake can be made a day in advance; just keep it refrigerated after frosting.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
