Christmas Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake (Print View)

Moist tropical carrot cake with pineapple, coconut, warming spices, and cream cheese frosting.

# Components:

→ Dry Ingredients

01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 2 teaspoons baking powder
03 - 1 teaspoon baking soda
04 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
05 - ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
06 - ½ teaspoon salt

→ Wet Ingredients

07 - 1 cup granulated sugar
08 - ½ cup packed brown sugar
09 - 1 cup vegetable oil
10 - 4 large eggs

→ Add-Ins

11 - 2 cups grated carrots (about 3–4 medium carrots)
12 - 1 cup drained crushed pineapple
13 - ½ cup shredded coconut (optional)

→ Cream Cheese Frosting

14 - 8 oz softened cream cheese
15 - ½ cup softened unsalted butter
16 - 3–4 cups sifted powdered sugar
17 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
18 - 1–2 tablespoons milk or pineapple juice

# Preparation Steps:

01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans or one 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until thoroughly blended.
03 - In a separate bowl, whisk the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil until well combined. Add eggs one at a time, whisking after each addition until smooth.
04 - Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix to maintain a tender crumb.
05 - Fold in the grated carrots, drained crushed pineapple, and shredded coconut until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
06 - Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
07 - Allow cakes to cool in the pans for 10–15 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
08 - In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until light and fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar, then vanilla extract and milk or pineapple juice, beating until smooth and spreadable.
09 - Once the cake is completely cool, spread the frosting evenly over the cake. Garnish with toasted coconut or chopped nuts if desired.
10 - Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before slicing for clean cuts and best flavor results.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Tropical Holiday Flair: A unique blend of warming spices and island fruits.
  • Superior Moisture: The combination of crushed pineapple and fresh carrots ensures a tender crumb every time.
  • Luscious Topping: A thick, velvety cream cheese frosting balances the sweetness of the cake perfectly.
02 -
  • Toast Your Coconut: Spread coconut on a baking sheet and bake at 325°F (165°C) for 5–7 minutes, stirring once, for a nutty garnish.
  • Flavor Development: The flavors improve as the cake rests, making it a great option to bake a day in advance.
  • Storage: Keep the frosted cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
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