Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake

Introduction:

This Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake is a delightful tropical twist on a classic carrot cake. Packed with grated carrots, crushed pineapple, and a blend of warm spices, it’s topped with creamy cream cheese frosting and optionally sprinkled with chopped walnuts. Perfect for any occasion, this cake combines moist, flavorful layers with a touch of sweetness from the pineapple.

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 4 large eggs
• 2 cups grated carrots
• 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

For the Frosting:

• Cream cheese frosting (store-bought or homemade)

Directions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger until well combined.
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil and eggs until smooth. Stir in the grated carrots, crushed pineapple, and vanilla extract.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. If using, fold in the chopped walnuts.
5. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan(s). Smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Cool and Frost: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan(s) on a wire rack. Once cooled, spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting over the top of the cake.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Slice and serve your Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake. Enjoy the tropical flavors with every bite!

Servings and Timing:

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Baking Time: 30-35 minutes
• Total Time: 50-55 minutes
• Servings: 12-16 slices

Variations:

• Add Coconut: Incorporate 1/2 cup shredded coconut into the batter for extra tropical flavor.
• Use Pineapple Chunks: Instead of crushed pineapple, you can use finely chopped pineapple chunks for a chunkier texture.
• Spice Variations: Adjust the spices to taste, adding more or less cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger based on preference.

Storage/Reheating:

• Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Make sure to wrap it well in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before freezing.
• Reheating: If frozen, thaw the cake in the refrigerator overnight before serving. To refresh, let it come to room temperature or warm it slightly in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes.

10 FAQs:

1. Can I use a different type of flour? Yes, you can use whole wheat flour for a healthier option, though it may slightly change the texture.
2. Can I substitute the eggs? Yes, you can use egg substitutes such as flax eggs or applesauce.
3. Can I make this cake gluten-free? Yes, use a gluten-free flour blend to make it gluten-free.
4. How can I make this cake dairy-free? Substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative and use a non-dairy milk.
5. Can I make mini cakes or cupcakes? Yes, adjust the baking time to about 20-25 minutes for mini cakes or cupcakes.
6. What type of cream cheese frosting should I use? You can use store-bought or homemade cream cheese frosting. For homemade, beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
7. Can I add other mix-ins? Yes, consider adding raisins, shredded coconut, or additional nuts for extra texture and flavor.
8. How do I prevent the cake from being dry? Ensure not to overmix the batter and do not overbake the cake. It should be moist and tender.
9. Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned? Yes, if using fresh pineapple, make sure it is well-drained to avoid excess moisture in the cake.
10. How do I frost the cake smoothly? Make sure the cake is completely cool before frosting. Use a crumb coat to seal in crumbs before applying the final layer of frosting.

Conclusion:

Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake is a delightful and flavorful twist on traditional carrot cake, combining the sweetness of pineapple with warm spices and creamy frosting. It’s perfect for celebrations, potlucks, or a special treat. Enjoy this tropical twist on a classic with its moist, spiced layers and rich cream cheese frosting. Whether served as a dessert or a sweet snack, this cake is sure to impress.

Print