Name: Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake Moist 3 steps Tropical & Easy to Bake
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American / Tropical
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 3 large eggs; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1 cup vegetable oil; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 cups finely grated carrots; 1 cup crushed pineapple, lightly drained; 3/4 cup chopped pecans; 8 ounces cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup chopped pecans (for decorating)

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Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake is your go to treat when you’re craving something sweet, tropical, and full of flavor. Hi, I’m Jack welcome back to my kitchen at Cooks Foody! This blog began with a passion for cooking and creating memories around food. Today’s recipe is a celebration of that very joy, combining vibrant tropical notes with homestyle baking in one irresistible slice.

Whether you’re baking for a brunch, family gathering, or simply treating yourself to something heartwarming, this cake delivers moist texture, warm spices, and a luscious cream cheese frosting that will leave your guests speechless. Let’s break down what makes this recipe special, how to choose the right ingredients, and pro tips to make it unforgettable.

Why This Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake Recipe Works

🍍 Tropical Meets Classic: A flavor fusion of juicy pineapple and earthy carrots.
💡 One-Bowl Batter: Minimal mess and no-fuss prep!
🧁 Moist & Tender Crumb: Thanks to the combo of oil, carrots, and crushed pineapple.
🎂 Perfect for Any Occasion: From potlucks to birthday parties.

Choosing the Right Ingredients for Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake

Best Ingredients for This Recipe

Carrots Freshly grated for better texture and natural sweetness.
Pineapple Crushed pineapple adds moisture and tropical notes.
Flour & Sugar All-purpose flour, brown sugar for richness, and white sugar for balance.
Eggs & Oil Essential for structure and moisture.
Cream Cheese Frosting A classic topping that pairs beautifully with spiced cake.

Buying Tips

Carrots: Choose firm, vibrant carrots. Organic if possible.
Pineapple: Canned crushed pineapple works best, but fresh pineapple (blended) is also an option.
Spices: Fresh cinnamon and nutmeg offer a deeper, richer flavor profile.

Substitutions

Original	Substitution
All-purpose flour	Whole wheat flour (for denser texture)
Pecans	Walnuts or shredded coconut
Cream cheese	Greek yogurt (for a lighter frosting)

Ingredients & Prep for Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake

Cake Essentials

2 cups grated carrots
1 cup crushed pineapple
3 large eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup brown sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1½ tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1½ tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp nutmeg
1 cup vegetable oil
1¼ cup chopped pecans
1 tsp vanilla extract

Cream Cheese Frosting

8 oz cream cheese
½ cup unsalted butter
3½ cups powdered sugar
2 tsp vanilla

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake

Pre-Cooking Prep for Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
Grate carrots, drain crushed pineapple, and chop pecans.

Cooking Method for Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake

In a large bowl, whisk eggs, sugars, and oil.
Fold in pineapple, carrots, and vanilla.
Add flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
Mix until just combined, then stir in pecans.
Pour batter into the pan and bake for 35–40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Doneness Check for Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake

Visual cue: Golden top with slightly crisp edges.
Toothpick test: Comes out clean from center.
Internal temp (if needed): Around 200°F.

Resting the Cake

Let the cake cool completely before frosting about 30 minutes.

Pro Tips for Perfect Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake

Avoiding Dry Cake

Don’t overmix the batter.
Use freshly grated carrots for natural moisture.

Tool Recommendations

Box grater for carrots
Hand or stand mixer for frosting
9×13 baking dish

Storage & Reheating

Store in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freeze slices individually for up to 3 months.

Flavor Variations for Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake

Variation	Description
Spicy Kick	Add ¼ tsp cayenne or crystallized ginger
Tropical Boost	Mix in shredded coconut
Vegan Version	Use flax eggs and dairy-free cream cheese

Serving Suggestions for Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake

Serve chilled with hot coffee or spiced chai.
Pair with vanilla ice cream or whipped coconut cream.
Garnish with extra chopped pecans or a pineapple wedge.

FAQs for Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake

Q: Can I use baby carrots?
A: Yes, but make sure they’re finely grated.

Q: Can I skip the nuts?
A: Absolutely. The cake will still be flavorful and moist.

Q: Can I make this gluten free?
A: Use a 1:1 gluten free baking flour blend.

Conclusion

Ready to impress your guests or simply indulge in a cozy slice of sweetness? Fire up your oven and try this Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake tonight! It’s a reader favorite, and you’ll see why at first bite

Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake Moist 3 steps Tropical & Easy to Bake