Did you know that carrot cake is often considered a classic dessert? However, adding pineapple and coconut gives it an exciting Hawaiian flair! This cake is special because it strikes the perfect balance between sweet and savory, making it a hit for any occasion—from birthdays to family gatherings. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies for the kids, and it comes together in no time! If you love a classic dessert like chocolate cake, you’ll definitely want to check out this gem. So, grab your mixing bowl and let’s get baking!

What is Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake?

You might be wondering, “What on earth is Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake?” Well, let me break it down for you! This delightful dessert proudly showcases the wonderful combination of grated carrots, crushed pineapple, and shredded coconut. The result? A moist and flavorful cake that dreams are made of! It’s the kind of cake that brings a smile to your face and warmth to your heart—a true crowd-pleaser!

As for the name, it’s not just a catchy title! It reflects the ingredients that make this cake special. Ever heard the saying, “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach”? Well, the way to a sweet tooth’s heart is definitely through this cake! So whether you’re planning a summer party or just looking for a cozy dessert to enjoy at home, this cake is calling your name. Are you ready to give it a shot?

Why You’ll Love This Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake

This Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake has so much to offer that you’ll find yourself reaching for another slice (or two!). First and foremost, the star of the show is its incredible flavor profile—sweet, tart, and slightly tropical, thanks to the crushed pineapple and shredded coconut. Each bite is bursting with moisture from the carrots and the rich texture of cream cheese frosting.

Not only is it delicious, but making this cake at home can also save you money! Why buy a fancy cake from a bakery when you can bake one yourself that’s just as good, if not better? Plus, you can customize it to your heart’s content! Want to add more nuts or swap out the coconut? Go for it!

And if you love baking, you’ll also enjoy recipes like classic carrot cake or pineapple upside-down cake. Each of these desserts has its charm, but Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake brings its own unique twist! So what are you waiting for? Dive into this recipe!

How to Make Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake

Quick Overview

This Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake is easy to make, and you’ll be in flavor heaven after just one bite! It combines warm spices, moist carrots, and juicy pineapple into a classic cake topped with luscious cream cheese frosting. With a preparation time of around 20 minutes, you’ll have a delightful treat ready to serve in no time!

Key Ingredients for Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
4 large eggs
1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups grated carrots (about 3 medium-sized carrots)
1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
1 cup shredded coconut
1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
For the cream cheese frosting:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
2–3 tbsp milk or heavy cream (to adjust consistency)

Include a high-quality image of the ingredients.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the oven & prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or a 9×13-inch pan.
Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, beat together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vegetable oil until smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Combine the wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined. Fold in grated carrots, crushed pineapple (ensuring it’s well-drained), shredded coconut, and chopped nuts (if using).
Bake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans. Bake for 30–35 minutes (for round cakes) or 40–45 minutes (for a 9×13 pan), until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the cream cheese frosting: Beat together softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until fluffy. Add vanilla extract and milk (or cream) to achieve your desired frosting consistency.
Assemble the cake: If using round cakes, frost the top of one layer, place the second layer on top, and frost the entire cake. If using a 9×13 pan, frost the top once the cake has cooled.

What to Serve Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake With

To round out your dessert experience, consider pairing your Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream. A refreshing fruit salad can also complement the flavors beautifully! For drinks, a light iced tea or a tropical smoothie would make fantastic accompaniments to help you soak up that tropical vibe!

Top Tips for Perfecting Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake

Getting the perfect Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake is all about the details! Here are some tips to elevate your baking game:

Use fresh ingredients: Opt for fresh grated carrots and high-quality canned pineapple for the best flavor.
Don’t skip the draining: Ensure you drain the crushed pineapple well; excess moisture can make the cake soggy.
Chill the cream cheese: For a smoother frosting, make sure your cream cheese is softened but not overly warm.
Check for doneness: Different ovens can vary, so always check your cake with a toothpick to ensure it’s fully baked.
Customize it: Feel free to add in extras like dried fruits or other nuts for variety!

Storing and Reheating Tips

If you happen to have leftovers (which we highly doubt!), storing this cake is easy! Keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze individual slices or the whole cake wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil for up to 3 months. Just remember to let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying it again, or pop it in the microwave for a quick warm-up!

Now that you have all the knowledge and tips to create the perfect Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake, why not give it a go and bring a taste of the tropics to your kitchen? Happy baking!

Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake

Are you ready to elevate your dessert game with a tropical twist? If you love the idea of a moist, flavorful cake that combines the sweetness of carrots and pineapple with the richness of coconut, then you're in for a treat with Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake! This delightful cake is not only incredibly delicious but also surprisingly easy to whip up. Imagine biting into a slice of this cake, where the spices harmonize beautifully with the fruity goodness, creating a slice of paradise on your plate. Did you know that carrot cake is often considered a classic dessert? However, adding pineapple and coconut gives it an exciting Hawaiian flair! This cake is special because it strikes the perfect balance between sweet and savory, making it a hit for any occasion—from birthdays to family gatherings. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies for the kids, and it comes together in no time! If you love a classic dessert like chocolate cake, you’ll definitely want to check out this gem. So, grab your mixing bowl and let’s get baking!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar packed
4 large eggs
1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups grated carrots about 3 medium-sized carrots
1 cup crushed pineapple drained
1 cup shredded coconut
1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans optional
For the cream cheese frosting:
8 oz cream cheese softened
1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 –3 tbsp milk or heavy cream to adjust consistency

Instructions

Preheat the oven & prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or a 9x13-inch pan.
Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, beat together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vegetable oil until smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Combine the wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined. Fold in grated carrots, crushed pineapple (ensuring it's well-drained), shredded coconut, and chopped nuts (if using).
Bake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans. Bake for 30–35 minutes (for round cakes) or 40–45 minutes (for a 9x13 pan), until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the cream cheese frosting: Beat together softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until fluffy. Add vanilla extract and milk (or cream) to achieve your desired frosting consistency.
Assemble the cake: If using round cakes, frost the top of one layer, place the second layer on top, and frost the entire cake. If using a 9x13 pan, frost the top once the cake has cooled.
What to Serve Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake With
To round out your dessert experience, consider pairing your Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream. A refreshing fruit salad can also complement the flavors beautifully! For drinks, a light iced tea or a tropical smoothie would make fantastic accompaniments to help you soak up that tropical vibe!
Top Tips for Perfecting Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake
Getting the perfect Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake is all about the details! Here are some tips to elevate your baking game:
Use fresh ingredients: Opt for fresh grated carrots and high-quality canned pineapple for the best flavor.
Don’t skip the draining: Ensure you drain the crushed pineapple well; excess moisture can make the cake soggy.
Chill the cream cheese: For a smoother frosting, make sure your cream cheese is softened but not overly warm.
Check for doneness: Different ovens can vary, so always check your cake with a toothpick to ensure it’s fully baked.
Customize it: Feel free to add in extras like dried fruits or other nuts for variety!
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you happen to have leftovers (which we highly doubt!), storing this cake is easy! Keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze individual slices or the whole cake wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil for up to 3 months. Just remember to let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying it again, or pop it in the microwave for a quick warm-up!
Now that you have all the knowledge and tips to create the perfect Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake, why not give it a go and bring a taste of the tropics to your kitchen? Happy baking!