Christmas Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake
A delightful cake combining carrots and pineapple, perfect for the holiday season.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- ½ tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups grated carrots
- 1 cup crushed pineapple (drained)
- ½ cup shredded coconut (optional) For optional garnish
Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3–4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1–2 tbsp milk or pineapple juice
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch pans or one 9×13-inch dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Fold in the grated carrots, drained pineapple, and coconut if using.
Baking
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans and bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10–15 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Frosting
- To make the frosting, beat the cream cheese and butter until fluffy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk or pineapple juice until the desired consistency is reached.
Assembly
- Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake and garnish with toasted coconut or nuts if desired.
Notes
Make sure the carrots are finely grated for a smooth texture. For extra moistness, ensure you drain the pineapple well before adding it to the batter. You can customize the frosting by adding a squeeze of lemon juice or a touch of coconut extract for a different flavor. If you want to save time, you can prepare the cake layers in advance and frost them the day you plan to serve.