Ohhh this one is a classic 🌴🍍—super moist, lightly spiced, and loaded with carrot + pineapple goodness. Here’s a Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake that tastes even better the next day.
Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake
Ingredients
Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups finely grated carrots
- 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, drained well
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- Optional add-in: 1/2 cup sweetened coconut
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3–4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven
Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch pan or two 9-inch round cake pans. - Mix Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. - Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, beat granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, and eggs until smooth.
Stir in vanilla, carrots, and crushed pineapple. - Combine
Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet ingredients until just combined.
Fold in nuts and coconut if using. - Bake
- Pour batter into prepared pan.
- Bake:
- 9×13 pan: 40–45 minutes
- Round pans: 30–35 minutes
- Cake is done when a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool Completely
Cream Cheese Frosting
- Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Add vanilla, then gradually mix in powdered sugar until fluffy.
- Spread generously over cooled cake.
Tips for Best Flavor
- Drain pineapple REALLY well (press it in a strainer).
- For extra Hawaiian vibes, sprinkle toasted coconut on top.
- Chill the cake for 30 minutes before slicing—cleaner cuts.
Make It Your Way
- 🧁 Cupcakes: bake 18–22 minutes
- 🥕 Less sweet: reduce sugar by 1/4 cup
- 🍰 Layer cake: double frosting
If you want, I can also give you:
- Pineapple carrot sheet cake (no frosting)
- Hawaiian hummingbird-style version
- Healthier or gluten-free option
Just tell me 🌺
