Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake Recipe

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Here’s a complete big recipe for your Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake with everything you asked for—introduction, history, ingredients, methods, benefits, nutrition, conclusion, and more:

🍍🥕 Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake Recipe

Introduction

Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake is a moist, tropical-inspired dessert that combines the natural sweetness of carrots with the fruity brightness of pineapple. Unlike traditional carrot cakes that are often dense, this Hawaiian version has a lighter texture thanks to the juicy pineapple, and it’s usually topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. This cake is perfect for family gatherings, birthdays, holidays, or simply as a treat for carrot cake lovers.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil for extra flavor)
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 cups grated carrots
  • 1 (8 oz / 225 g) can crushed pineapple (drained slightly, but still moist)
  • 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut (optional but recommended)
  • 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons pineapple juice (optional, for tropical flavor)

Instructions / Method

  1. Prepare the Oven & Pans
    • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
    • Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans (or a 9×13-inch pan).
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients
    • In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
  3. Mix Wet Ingredients
    • In another bowl, beat the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and oil until smooth.
    • Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.
    • Stir in vanilla extract.
  4. Combine Wet & Dry
    • Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet mixture. Do not overmix.
  5. Fold in Carrots, Pineapple & Nuts
    • Gently fold in grated carrots, crushed pineapple, coconut, and nuts until evenly distributed.
  6. Bake
    • Divide batter evenly into prepared pans.
    • Bake for 30–35 minutes (round pans) or 40–45 minutes (9×13 pan), until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
    • Cool completely before frosting.
  7. Prepare Frosting
    • Beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
    • Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and pineapple juice.
    • Mix until fluffy and spreadable.
  8. Assemble the Cake
    • Place one cake layer on a plate, frost the top, then stack the second layer.
    • Frost the top and sides generously.
    • Garnish with toasted coconut or chopped nuts if desired.

History of Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake

This cake is a twist on the traditional carrot cake, which dates back to medieval times when sugar was rare, and carrots were used to sweeten desserts. The pineapple addition came later, inspired by Hawaiian agriculture in the 20th century when canned pineapple became widely available worldwide. By the mid-1900s, this tropical combination became popular in the United States, bringing sunshine and island flavor into kitchens everywhere.

Benefits

  • Carrots: Rich in beta-carotene, vitamin A, and antioxidants.
  • Pineapple: Provides vitamin C, bromelain (aids digestion), and tropical sweetness.
  • Nuts: Add healthy fats and protein.
  • Moderation-friendly: Though sweet, it has natural ingredients that provide nutritional value.

Nutrition (per slice, approx. 1/12 of cake)

  • Calories: ~420
  • Fat: 22g
  • Carbohydrates: 52g
  • Sugar: 36g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Fiber: 3g

Formation & Serving Ideas

  • Layer Cake: Classic 2- or 3-tier cake.
  • Sheet Cake: Easy for potlucks.
  • Cupcakes: Perfect for parties or lunchboxes.
  • Bundt Cake: Elegant for special occasions.

Lovers of This Cake ❤️

This cake is beloved by:

  • Carrot cake lovers who want something fruitier.
  • Pineapple lovers craving a dessert with a tropical vibe.
  • Families who enjoy nostalgic, homemade treats.
  • Anyone who appreciates a moist cake with creamy frosting.

Conclusion

Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake is more than just a dessert—it’s a celebration of tradition, tropical flavors, and comfort. Its history connects medieval Europe to Hawaiian sunshine, while its taste bridges the earthy sweetness of carrots with the tang of pineapple. Whether shared at family gatherings, birthdays, or simply enjoyed with tea, this cake always leaves a smile.

👉 If you love cakes that are rich, moist, and full of natural flavor, this one is sure to win your heart.

Would you like me to also give you a no-frosting version (lighter and more breakfast-style), or keep it as a frosted dessert cake?

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