Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake Recipe

Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake Recipe

Tip: This Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake is a tropical twist on the classic carrot cake. It’s light, moist, and bursting with flavors of sweet pineapple, grated carrots, and a touch of coconut. Topped with creamy cream cheese frosting and a sprinkle of coconut, this cake is perfect for a special occasion or a refreshing treat any time of year. The combination of textures and flavors is sure to be a hit at your next gathering or family celebration.

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 large eggs
3/4 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups grated carrots
1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
1/2 cup shredded coconut (optional)
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup shredded coconut (for garnish)

Instructions:

Prepare the cake batter:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, vegetable oil, applesauce, and vanilla extract together until smooth. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Stir in the grated carrots, drained pineapple, shredded coconut, and chopped walnuts or pecans (if using).
Bake the cake:
Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the cream cheese frosting:
While the cakes are cooling, make the frosting. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, and continue to beat until the frosting is light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and beat for an additional 1-2 minutes until fully combined.
Assemble the cake:
Once the cakes have cooled completely, place one cake layer on a serving platter. Spread a generous amount of cream cheese frosting over the top. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining cream cheese frosting.
Garnish and serve:
Garnish the top of the cake with 1/4 cup of shredded coconut. You can also add extra chopped walnuts or pecans for additional texture and flavor. Slice and serve chilled or at room temperature for the best taste.

Calories per Serving:
Each slice of this Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake contains approximately 350-400 calories, depending on the size of the slice and the amount of frosting used. It’s a rich, flavorful dessert that combines the sweetness of carrots, pineapple, and coconut with the creamy richness of the frosting.

Energy-efficient tip:
To save energy, use a stand mixer or hand mixer to beat the cream cheese frosting, as this is more energy-efficient than mixing by hand. Also, when baking the cake, use a convection oven if available, which will reduce baking time and energy consumption.

Who can benefit:
This cake is perfect for anyone who loves tropical flavors and a moist, rich dessert. The carrots provide fiber and vitamins, while the pineapple adds a sweet, tangy taste. It’s a great dessert for parties, celebrations, or when you simply want to enjoy a refreshing and flavorful treat.

Who should avoid:
Those with nut allergies should skip the walnuts or pecans in this recipe. Additionally, people with gluten sensitivities should substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Those with lactose intolerance should replace the cream cheese and butter with dairy-free alternatives. This cake is also quite high in sugar and calories, so those following a low-sugar or low-calorie diet may want to enjoy it in moderation.