Description
A tropical twist on the classic carrot cake with juicy pineapple, warm spices, and creamy cream cheese frosting. Moist, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups finely grated carrots
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, well drained
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup shredded coconut (optional)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 8 oz cream cheese
- ½ cup butter
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1–2 Tbsp pineapple juice (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 °F (175 °C) and grease a 9×13-inch pan or two 8-inch round pans.
- Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger in a large bowl.
- In another bowl, beat oil, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
- Stir wet ingredients into the dry mixture until just combined.
- Fold in carrots, pineapple, coconut, and nuts if using.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan(s) and bake 35–40 minutes for 9×13 pan or 25–30 minutes for round pans, until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the frosting: beat cream cheese and butter until smooth, gradually add powdered sugar, then stir in vanilla and pineapple juice if desired.
- Spread frosting over the cooled cake and garnish with coconut, nuts, or pineapple chunks if desired.
Notes
- Ensure pineapple is well drained to prevent excess moisture.
- Do not overmix the batter to maintain a tender crumb.
- Double frosting if you prefer thicker layers or decoration.
- Unfrosted layers freeze well for up to 2 months.
- Microwave slices for ~10 seconds for a just-warmed treat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
