Christmas Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake Recipe

Introduction

This Christmas Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake combines warm spices, sweet pineapple, and moist grated carrots for a festive and flavorful treat. Topped with a creamy cream cheese frosting, this cake is perfect for holiday gatherings or any special occasion.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp nutmeg
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 4 large eggs
• 2 cups grated carrots
• 1 cup crushed pineapple (drained)
• ½ cup shredded coconut (optional)
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3–4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1–2 tbsp milk or pineapple juice

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch pans or one 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. Step 4: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
5. Step 5: Fold in the grated carrots, drained crushed pineapple, and shredded coconut if using, until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
6. Step 6: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Step 7: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10–15 minutes, then carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Step 8: To make the frosting, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk or pineapple juice until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.
9. Step 9: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake layers. Garnish with toasted coconut or nuts if desired, then serve.

Tips & Variations

• For extra moisture and flavor, ensure the pineapple is well-drained but not dried out completely.
• Substitute shredded coconut with chopped macadamia nuts for a different texture and added crunch.
• Use cream cheese frosting mixed with a touch of pineapple juice for a tangy tropical twist.
• Make this cake a day ahead to allow the flavors to meld and the texture to improve.

Storage

Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Before serving, bring it to room temperature for the best taste. Leftover cake can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and re-frost if desired.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Yes, fresh pineapple can be used but make sure to drain it well to avoid excess moisture, which can affect the cake’s texture.

How do I prevent the cake from drying out?

Do not overbake the cake and be sure to keep it wrapped or covered when stored. The addition of pineapple and oil helps keep it moist.

Christmas Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake Recipe

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4.6 from 73 reviews

This Christmas Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake is a moist and flavorful holiday treat combining grated carrots, crushed pineapple, and a hint of warm spices. Topped with a creamy cream cheese frosting and optional shredded coconut, this cake brings tropical flair and seasonal cheer to your dessert table.

• Author: mia
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Hawaiian
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cake

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp nutmeg
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 4 large eggs
• 2 cups grated carrots
• 1 cup crushed pineapple (drained)
• ½ cup shredded coconut (optional)

Frosting

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3–4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1–2 tbsp milk or pineapple juice

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round pans or one 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to ensure a uniform mixture.
4. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overmixing which can result in a dense cake.
5. Fold in Carrots & Pineapple: Carefully fold in the grated carrots, drained crushed pineapple, and shredded coconut if using. This adds moisture and tropical flavor to the cake.
6. Bake: Evenly divide the batter into the prepared pans or pour into the 9×13-inch dish. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Cool: Allow the cake to cool in the pans for 10–15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring the frosting won’t melt when applied.
8. Make Frosting: Beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter together until fluffy and smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, then mix in vanilla extract and milk or pineapple juice to reach desired consistency.
9. Frost the Cake: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cake layers or in the baking dish. Garnish with toasted coconut flakes or chopped nuts if desired for extra texture and decoration.

Notes

• Make sure to drain the crushed pineapple well to avoid excess moisture in the batter.
• If you prefer a less sweet frosting, start with 3 cups of powdered sugar and adjust to taste.
• The shredded coconut is optional but adds lovely texture and authentic Hawaiian flavor.
• Wear gloves when grating carrots to avoid staining your hands.
• Store the cake covered in the refrigerator if not serving immediately. Bring to room temperature before serving for best flavor.

Keywords: carrot cake,hawaiian carrot cake,pineapple cake,christmas cake,cream cheese frosting,tropical cake,holiday dessert