Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake: A Tropical Twist on a Classic Favorite
Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake is a tropical twist on the classic carrot cake, combining the natural sweetness of carrots with juicy pineapple. The addition of warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger enhances the flavor, while the creamy cream cheese frosting adds a tangy contrast. This moist, flavorful cake is perfect for any occasion, from birthdays to casual gatherings, bringing the taste of the tropics right to your table.
Ingredients:
For the 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 chopped pineapple, drained
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- Cream cheese frosting (or frosting of your choice)
Method:
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. This will ensure the cake doesn’t stick and will come out of the pans easily. - Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Whisk them together until they are evenly mixed. The warm spices add a cozy, fragrant base to the cake, enhancing its overall flavor profile. - Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil and eggs until smooth. Stir in the grated carrots, crushed pineapple, and vanilla extract. The pineapple brings a juicy sweetness to the cake, while the carrots provide moisture and a soft texture. - Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture. Stir just until combined. Overmixing can cause the cake to be dense, so be sure to mix only until the batter comes together. If desired, fold in chopped walnuts for an added crunch and flavor. - Bake the Cake:
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans. Smooth the top with a spatula to ensure an even bake. Place the pans in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. - Frost the Cake:
Once the cakes are completely cooled, cut them into layers if you desire a multi-layer cake. Spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting between the layers and on top of the cake. Cream cheese frosting adds a tangy contrast to the sweet and spicy cake, making each bite a delight. - Serve and Enjoy:
Slice and serve this tropical carrot cake for your next celebration or as a delicious everyday treat. The combination of spices, pineapple, and carrots makes it a crowd-pleaser.
Tips for the Perfect Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake:
- Don’t Skip the Draining Step: Be sure to drain the pineapple well before adding it to the batter. Excess moisture can make the cake soggy, so remove as much liquid as possible.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: For the smoothest batter and frosting, ensure your eggs and cream cheese are at room temperature before mixing them.
- Texture Variation: If you prefer a different texture, you can replace the walnuts with pecans or even coconut flakes for a tropical twist.
- Storage: Store the cake in the fridge due to the cream cheese frosting. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days in an airtight container.
Why You’ll Love This Cake:
The Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake is a perfect blend of tropical flavors and traditional carrot cake. The added pineapple makes the cake exceptionally moist and gives it a delightful tang that contrasts beautifully with the warm spices. Whether for a holiday gathering or a casual family dinner, this cake is guaranteed to impress.
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