The Best Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake Recipe for Sweet Paradise

Sweet memories of tropical breezes sparked my latest Hawaiian carrot pineapple cake adventure in my cozy kitchen.

Local farmers’ markets inspire me with vibrant ingredients that dance together deliciously.

Every slice tells a story of sunshine and comfort, blending classic baking traditions with island-inspired flavors.

Tender carrots mingling with juicy pineapple chunks, creating a dessert that feels like a warm embrace.

Unexpected spices add depth and intrigue to this beloved classic.

Moist, rich, and utterly irresistible, this cake promises to become your new favorite treat.

Let’s whip up something magical that will make everyone ask for seconds.

Baking Tips For Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake

• Grease Smartly: Use cooking spray or butter with a light flour dusting to prevent cake from sticking and ensure easy pan release.
• Moisture Magic: Don't drain pineapple completely; the natural juice helps keep the cake incredibly moist and adds subtle tropical sweetness.
• Nut-Free Option: Skip nuts for allergy-friendly version or replace with toasted coconut flakes for extra crunch and complementary flavor.
• Grate with Care: Use fresh carrots and grate them finely to distribute evenly throughout the batter, creating consistent texture and moisture.
• Gluten-Free Swap: Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend and add 1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum for perfect cake structure and texture.

Storing Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake The Smart Way

• Refrigerate: Store leftover cake covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keeping the cake chilled helps preserve its moisture and freshness.
• Freeze: Wrap individual cake slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake can be frozen for 2-3 months without losing its delightful texture.
• Thaw: Remove frozen cake slices from the freezer and let them defrost in the refrigerator overnight. For a quick treat, thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
• Reheat: Warm cake slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore their soft, tender consistency. Avoid overheating to prevent drying out the cake.

Toppings And Sips With Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake

• Enhance Tropical Flavors with Coconut Rum Cocktail: Pair this Hawaiian-inspired cake with a smooth, creamy coconut rum cocktail that echoes the cake's tropical ingredients, creating a delightful harmony of sweet and boozy notes.
• Complement with Tangy Pineapple Sorbet: Serve a scoop of refreshing pineapple sorbet alongside the cake to intensify the fruity undertones and provide a cool, palate-cleansing contrast to the rich, moist dessert.
• Match with Hawaiian Kona Coffee: Brew a rich, smooth cup of Hawaiian Kona coffee to accompany the cake, its subtle caramel and nutty undertones perfectly complementing the warm spices and sweet tropical flavors.
• Balance with Passion Fruit Mojito: Create a light, zesty passion fruit mojito that cuts through the cake's richness while celebrating the Hawaiian-inspired theme with its bright, tangy profile.

Fun Adjustments To Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake

• Tropical Fusion Cake: Replace shredded coconut with macadamia nuts for an extra Hawaiian touch, adding a rich, buttery crunch to the cake's texture.
• Gluten-Free Tropical Delight: Swap regular flour with almond or coconut flour to create a gluten-free version that maintains the cake's moist and flavorful profile.
• Vegan Pineapple Carrot Treat: Use flax eggs instead of regular eggs, swap vegetable oil with coconut oil, and choose dairy-free cream cheese for the frosting to make a plant-based alternative.
• Spiced Island Variation: Enhance the cake's warmth by adding ground ginger and a splash of rum extract, bringing deeper tropical flavors to the classic recipe.

All Questions On Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake

• What makes this Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake unique?

The combination of tropical ingredients like pineapple and coconut with traditional carrot cake elements creates a delightful fusion of flavors that sets this cake apart from classic carrot cakes.

• Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure it’s a 1:1 replacement to maintain the cake’s texture.

• Is this cake considered healthy?

While it contains carrots and pineapple, which add nutrition, it’s still a dessert with sugar and oil. The fruits and nuts do provide some additional nutrients and fiber compared to traditional cakes.

• What type of nuts work best in this recipe?

Macadamia nuts are perfect for the Hawaiian theme, but chopped walnuts or pecans also work wonderfully and add a nice crunch to the cake’s texture.

Why Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake Is Packed With Flavor

• Burst with Tropical Flavors: This Hawaiian carrot pineapple cake combines sweet pineapple, warm spices, and nutty coconut for a vibrant taste explosion that transports you to a sunny island paradise.
• Packed with Wholesome Goodness: Loaded with carrots, nuts, and pineapple, this cake delivers incredible nutrition and texture, making it a guilt-free indulgence that feels both decadent and healthy.
• Incredibly Easy to Prepare: With simple mixing techniques and straightforward ingredients, this recipe welcomes bakers of all skill levels, promising a delightful dessert without complicated steps or fancy equipment.
• Perfect for Casual Gatherings: Whether it's a family potluck, summer barbecue, or weekend brunch, this versatile cake brings a cheerful, crowd-pleasing touch that everyone will adore and remember.

Everything You’ll Need For Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: A key base that provides structure and helps bind the cake together.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Essential leavening agents that help the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
• Ground Cinnamon, Ground Nutmeg: Warm spices that add depth and classic carrot cake flavor.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness.

• Vegetable Oil, Unsweetened Applesauce: Adds moisture and helps create a tender cake texture.
• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Provide sweetness and help with caramelization.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients together and contribute to the cake's structure.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a rich, warm flavor to the cake.

• Grated Carrots, Crushed Pineapple: Fresh ingredients that add moisture, natural sweetness, and tropical flair.
• Shredded Coconut, Chopped Nuts: Optional mix-ins that provide texture and extra flavor. Best when fresh and high-quality.

Steps For Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Dish

Warm up the oven to 350°F. Coat a 9×13-inch baking pan or two 8-inch round cake pans with grease and a light dusting of flour to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Dry Ingredient Blend

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground nutmeg
• Salt

Set the dry ingredient mixture aside.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

• Vegetable oil
• Applesauce
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar

Step 4: Incorporate Eggs

Add eggs one at a time to the wet mixture, beating thoroughly after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract until well combined.

Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures

Gradually fold the dry ingredient blend into the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.

Step 6: Add Flavor Boosters

• Freshly grated carrots
• Crushed pineapple
• Shredded coconut
• Chopped nuts (optional)

Step 7: Transfer and Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before slicing and serving. For extra indulgence, consider topping with cream cheese frosting.

Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake Recipe

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4.6 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Hawaiian carrot pineapple cake brings tropical sunshine to classic dessert bliss. Sweet spices and juicy fruit create a moist, irresistible treat you’ll crave with every delightful bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cake Ingredients (Main):

• 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
• 2 cups (200 g) grated carrots
• 1 cup (240 g) crushed pineapple, drained
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (100 g) brown sugar, packed

Spices and Leavening Agents:

• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon salt

Additional Ingredients:

• ½ cup (120 ml) vegetable oil
• ½ cup (120 ml) applesauce
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup (50 g) shredded sweetened coconut
• ½ cup (60 g) chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients:

• 1 pack (225 g / 8 oz) cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups (360 g) powdered sugar, sifted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 12 tablespoons milk (optional, for consistency)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 350F (175C), ensuring optimal baking conditions. Meticulously coat a 9×13-inch rectangular pan or divide preparation between two 8-inch round cake pans with grease and flour.
2. Create a dry ingredient blend by whisking flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a medium mixing bowl until thoroughly combined.
3. In a separate large mixing vessel, combine vegetable oil, applesauce, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Blend these ingredients until a smooth, uniform texture emerges.
4. Incorporate eggs individually into the sugar mixture, mixing thoroughly after each addition to ensure proper integration. Infuse the batter with vanilla extract, stirring gently.
5. Carefully introduce the prepared dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing until just incorporated. Avoid overmixing to maintain the cake’s delicate texture.
6. Gently fold in the primary flavor components: freshly grated carrots, crushed pineapple chunks, delicate shredded coconut, and optional chopped nuts. Distribute ingredients evenly throughout the batter to ensure balanced flavor in every slice.
7. Transfer the complete mixture into the prepared baking pan, spreading evenly and creating a smooth surface for consistent baking.

Notes

• Choose fresh, sweet carrots for the most vibrant flavor and natural sweetness in your cake.
• Drain pineapple thoroughly to prevent excess moisture from making the cake soggy or dense.
• Toast coconut and nuts beforehand to enhance their nutty, rich flavor profile and add delightful crunch.
• Consider using whole wheat flour or gluten-free alternatives for those with dietary restrictions, adjusting liquid content slightly to maintain cake’s moisture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Hawaiian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 25 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg