Picture this: It’s a warm summer afternoon, the sun is gently setting, and laughter echoes through a backyard gathering. The grill is cooling off, and now it’s time for dessert—a moist, vibrant slice of Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake. With its lush tropical flavors, warm spices, and velvety cream cheese frosting, this cake is the perfect ending to a laid-back celebration or a cozy family dinner.
This cake has become a cherished tradition in our family, inspired by a vacation to the Big Island of Hawaii. There, we were enchanted by the fresh produce at every farmer’s market—particularly the sweet, juicy pineapples and the locally-grown carrots. This cake is the result of fusing the earthy richness of carrot cake with the sun-kissed sweetness of pineapple, a combination that reflects the vibrant flavors of the islands. Since that trip, this recipe has become a staple at birthdays, holidays, and any day that calls for a little indulgence.
If you love traditional carrot cake but are seeking something even more exciting, this Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake is about to become your new favorite treat.
Why You’ll Love This Cake
Tropical Flavor Explosion: The crushed pineapple adds a juicy, tangy sweetness that balances perfectly with the carrots, creating an exciting, tropical twist to the classic carrot cake flavor. The pineapple’s natural acidity cuts through the sweetness, giving every bite a refreshing, zesty finish.
Incredibly Moist: This cake is incredibly moist, a result of the crushed pineapple (including the juice) and a good amount of oil in the batter. If you’ve ever had a dry carrot cake, you’ll know just how disappointing it can be, but this recipe guarantees a soft, tender texture that keeps the cake deliciously moist for days.
Easy to Make: There’s no need for fancy equipment or complicated techniques. This is a straightforward recipe—just mix the ingredients, bake, and frost. It’s perfect for bakers of any skill level, from beginners to experienced home chefs.
Versatile Presentation: The Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake is incredibly versatile in its presentation. It can be baked as a layered cake, a sheet cake, or even made into cupcakes. Whether you’re serving it at a birthday party, a holiday gathering, or bringing it to a potluck, it adapts beautifully to any occasion.
Crowd-Pleaser: Even people who typically don’t care for carrot cake end up asking for seconds. The tropical additions—pineapple, coconut, and nuts—add a unique flair that makes it stand out from any other carrot cake. It’s guaranteed to be a hit at any event.
The Magic Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this tropical masterpiece, let’s dive into the essential ingredients and why each one plays a role in creating the perfect cake.
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – This provides the structure and base for the cake. The flour allows the cake to rise evenly and create a beautiful crumb.
- 2 teaspoons baking soda – Essential for helping the cake rise and remain light and fluffy. It reacts with the acids in the pineapple and other ingredients to create air bubbles that give the cake its tenderness.
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon – This classic spice adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile. It complements the sweetness of the pineapple and the earthiness of the carrots.
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg – A slightly sweet, aromatic spice that adds complexity and pairs beautifully with the cinnamon. It’s optional but highly recommended.
- ½ teaspoon salt – Salt helps balance out the sweetness, ensuring the cake isn’t too overwhelming while enhancing the other flavors.
Wet Ingredients:
- 3 large eggs – Eggs provide richness and structure to the batter, helping to bind everything together.
- 1 cup granulated sugar – This is the primary sweetener for the cake. Granulated sugar helps achieve the proper texture and moisture while providing that familiar sweetness we all love in desserts.
- ½ cup brown sugar – Brown sugar adds extra moisture and a hint of molasses flavor. This gives the cake a deeper, more complex sweetness compared to using all granulated sugar.
- ¾ cup vegetable oil – Oil is the key to achieving a moist, tender cake. It helps keep the crumb soft and prevents the cake from drying out, especially when baked at a higher temperature.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract – Vanilla enhances the overall flavor of the cake and ties all the ingredients together, providing a comforting base note.
Add-ins:
- 1 can (8 oz) crushed pineapple, undrained – The crushed pineapple is what makes this cake uniquely tropical. The pineapple adds both flavor and moisture, contributing to the cake’s juiciness and texture. Don’t drain it—the juice is essential for ensuring the cake doesn’t dry out.
- 2 cups grated carrots – Fresh, grated carrots add a natural sweetness and a slight crunch. The moisture from the carrots also helps keep the cake soft and tender.
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional) – These nuts add a satisfying crunch and nuttiness that complements the sweet pineapple and the earthy carrots.
- ½ cup shredded coconut (optional) – Coconut is a classic tropical ingredient that adds flavor and texture. It also enhances the cake’s overall island-inspired theme.
- ½ cup raisins (optional) – These add little bursts of sweetness and a chewy texture that contrasts beautifully with the moist, tender cake.
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened – Cream cheese is the base of the frosting, providing a tangy contrast to the sweetness of the cake.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened – Butter adds richness and smoothness to the frosting, giving it that velvety, melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
- 3 ½ cups powdered sugar – Powdered sugar gives the frosting its signature sweetness and allows it to achieve the perfect spreadable texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Vanilla elevates the flavor of the frosting, making it more rounded and complex.
- Pinch of salt – Just a touch of salt helps to balance out the sweetness of the frosting and prevents it from becoming overly sugary.
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (if needed for consistency) – If the frosting is too thick, adding a little milk will help adjust the texture to the right consistency for spreading.
Step-by-Step Instructions for the Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake
Let’s break down the process of making this incredible cake, step by step.
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Tools
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or two 8-inch round pans if you prefer a layered cake. If you’re using round pans, line the bottoms with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the cake once baked.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients:
- All-purpose flour
- Baking soda
- Cinnamon
- Nutmeg
- Salt
Set this aside, and move on to the wet ingredients.
Step 3: Whisk the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, beat together the wet ingredients:
- Eggs
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
- Vegetable oil
- Vanilla extract
Whisk until smooth, and all ingredients are fully combined. This creates a rich, golden batter.
Step 4: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently to combine. Be sure not to overmix. The goal is to just incorporate the flour into the wet ingredients until the batter is smooth and uniform.
Step 5: Add the Pineapple and Other Ingredients
Fold in the following:
- Crushed pineapple (with juice)
- Grated carrots
- Optional add-ins (nuts, shredded coconut, raisins)
The batter should be thick and slightly chunky. This is exactly what you want because the pineapple and carrots contribute to the cake’s moisture.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared pan(s) and smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake for 35–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Keep an eye on the cake, as different ovens may require slightly different baking times. Once baked, allow the cake to cool completely before frosting it.
Making the Cream Cheese Frosting
While your cake cools, let’s make the cream cheese frosting.
- In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and fluffy.
- Add vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, until fully incorporated.
- Add milk as necessary to achieve a smooth, spreadable consistency.
Once your frosting is ready, it’s time to frost your cake!
Frosting Tips
- If you’re making a layered cake, chill the cake layers before frosting to prevent them from sliding.
- For an extra tropical touch, sprinkle toasted coconut or crushed macadamia nuts over the frosted cake.
Serving Suggestions
Now that your cake is ready, consider these serving ideas:
- With Vanilla Ice Cream: This cake is divine when served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold ice cream contrasts with the warmth of the cake, creating a delightful combination of textures.
- Topped with Fresh Pineapple Chunks: To enhance the tropical vibes, top each slice of cake with fresh, juicy pineapple chunks.
- As Cupcakes: This cake recipe can also be made into cupcakes. Simply adjust the baking time to 20–25 minutes, and you’ll have a fun, individual-sized treat perfect for a birthday or party.
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
- Storage: Leftover cake can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. It stays moist and flavorful, so you can enjoy it for several days after baking.
- Freezing: You can freeze the un-frosted cake for up to 2 months. Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then store in an airtight container.
- Frosting: Make the frosting ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 5 days. Allow it to come to room temperature before spreading it on the cake.
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
- Yes! You can easily substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking flour blend to make this cake gluten-free.
What if I don’t like coconut or nuts?
- No problem! Simply omit the coconut or nuts. The cake will still be delicious and moist without them.
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
- Absolutely! Fresh pineapple can be used, but make sure to crush it finely and include the juice to retain the cake’s moisture.
Is this cake overly sweet?
- Not at all. The sweetness from the pineapple and carrots is balanced by the tangy cream cheese frosting, making it just the right level of sweetness.
Final Thoughts: A Slice of Paradise
This Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake is more than just a dessert—it’s a celebration of tropical flavors, family traditions, and the joy of sharing something special with loved ones. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just to brighten your day, this cake will bring a little bit of paradise to your table.
So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let the delicious magic of this Hawaiian-inspired dessert transport you to the islands. Happy baking, and don’t forget to share the aloha with those around you!
