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Slice of Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake topped with cream cheese frosting

Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake

This delightful cake combines the earthy sweetness of carrots with the tropical brightness of pineapple, all topped with a creamy, tangy frosting.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Cake, Dessert
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Calories: 320
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Dry Ingredients
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour scoop and level for accuracy.
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder ensures lift.
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda helps tenderize and react with pineapple.
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon use good-quality cinnamon for best flavor.
  • ½ teaspoon fine salt balances sweetness.
Wet Ingredients
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar can swap half for light brown sugar.
  • 3 large eggs at room temperature for better mixing.
  • 1 cup neutral vegetable oil canola or sunflower oil; melted coconut oil adds subtle aroma.
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract pure vanilla gives the best aroma.
Mix-ins
  • 2 cups freshly grated carrots about 4 to 5 medium carrots.
  • 1 cup crushed pineapple well drained.
  • ½ cup chopped walnuts optional; toast for extra flavor.
Cream Cheese Frosting
  • 8 oz cream cheese softened, full-fat for best texture.
  • ½ cup unsalted butter softened, room temperature.
  • 2 cups powdered sugar sifted to avoid lumps.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract brightens frosting flavor.
Optional Garnish
  • Pineapple chunks fresh or canned, cut into small pieces.
  • Shredded carrots use a fine shred for decoration.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare your pan.
  2. Whisk the dry ingredients together in a medium bowl.
  3. Mix the wet ingredients in a large bowl until smooth.
  4. Combine the dry and wet ingredients carefully.
  5. Fold in the carrots and pineapple.
  6. Transfer batter to the prepared pan and level.
Baking
  1. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes.
  2. Cool completely in the pan.
Frosting
  1. Make the cream cheese frosting.
  2. Frost the cooled cake and add garnish.
  3. Chill briefly before serving.
Serving
  1. Slice and enjoy.

Notes

Chill the frosted cake for 20 to 30 minutes to set the frosting slightly before slicing. Optional toppings include toasted sweetened coconut.