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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- Create a dry ingredient blend by whisking flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a medium mixing bowl until thoroughly combined.
- In a separate large mixing vessel, combine vegetable oil, applesauce, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Blend these ingredients until a smooth, uniform texture emerges.
- Incorporate eggs individually into the sugar mixture, mixing thoroughly after each addition to ensure proper integration. Infuse the batter with vanilla extract, stirring gently.
- Carefully introduce the prepared dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing until just incorporated. Avoid overmixing to maintain the cake’s delicate texture.
- 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.
- 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