Go Back
Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake topped with cream cheese frosting and garnished with pineapple.

Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake

A delightful and moist cake that combines the sweetness of carrots and pineapple with rich spices, perfect for any gathering.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Cake, Dessert
Cuisine: American, Hawaiian
Calories: 400
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cake
  • 2 cups grated carrots Finely grated for better texture
  • 1 cup crushed pineapple (drained) Ensure excess moisture is removed
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup brown sugar Can use light or dark brown sugar
  • 4 large eggs Room temperature preferred
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder Ensure freshness for optimal rising
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda Ensure freshness for optimal rising
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional) Add for extra crunch and richness
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
  • 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
  • ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • splash milk (to adjust consistency) Add as needed

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, beat together the grated carrots, crushed pineapple, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vegetable oil until smooth.
  3. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
  4. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, blending gently until just combined. Fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans if using.
  5. Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans and smooth the tops.
Baking
  1. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  2. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Making the Frosting
  1. In a medium bowl, beat together the cream cheese and softened butter until creamy.
  2. Gradually add powdered sugar and beat until smooth. Stir in the vanilla and add a splash of milk if needed to achieve the desired consistency.
Assembly
  1. Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of frosting on top, then place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides as desired.
  2. Slice, serve, and enjoy the delightful flavors of your homemade Hawaiian carrot pineapple cake!

Notes

Baking success tips include checking freshness of ingredients, grating carrots finely, draining pineapple well, and cooling completely before frosting.