Carrot Pineapple Cake Recipe

There’s nothing quite like the comfort of a homemade cake, especially when it’s as delightful as this Carrot Pineapple Cake. Perfectly moist and flavorful, this cake combines the natural sweetness of carrots with the tropical notes of crushed pineapple. Topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze, it’s an irresistible dessert for family gatherings, celebrations, or when you simply want to treat yourself to something special. Packed with wholesome ingredients like grated carrots and nuts, this cake offers the perfect balance of sweetness and texture. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice, this recipe is simple to follow and guaranteed to impress.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger (optional)
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup crushed pineapple, drained
• 1 ½ cups grated carrots
• ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Glaze:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1-2 tablespoons milk (as needed for desired consistency)
• Pineapple chunks or crushed pineapple for topping (optional)

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round or square cake pan. Alternatively, you can line the pan with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Set this dry mixture aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk the melted butter with the granulated sugar and brown sugar until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Fold in the crushed pineapple, grated carrots, and chopped nuts (if using).

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and 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. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Prepare the Cream Cheese Glaze

While the cake is cooling, prepare the glaze. In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and butter until smooth and creamy. Add vanilla extract and 1 tablespoon of milk, mixing until you achieve a pourable consistency. Add more milk as needed.

Step 7: Glaze and Decorate

Once the cake has cooled completely, drizzle the cream cheese glaze generously over the top. For an extra touch, top with pineapple chunks, crushed pineapple, or additional chopped nuts.

This Carrot Pineapple Cake is a true crowd-pleaser. Its moist, spiced interior pairs perfectly with the tangy-sweet cream cheese glaze, creating a harmony of flavors that’s hard to resist. The addition of pineapple brings a tropical twist, while the optional nuts add a delightful crunch. Whether served as a dessert, a tea-time treat, or even a midweek indulgence, this cake is bound to become a household favorite. Serve it chilled or at room temperature, and enjoy every bite of this flavorful creation. Baking this cake is not just about making dessert—it’s about creating moments to savor and share.