What makes a perfect spring dessert? Moist carrot cake infused with the sweetness of pineapple, a match made in heaven. This homemade treat is surprisingly easy to make and features fresh pineapple and grated carrots. Save this idea for your next family gathering or weeknight dinner dessert. Try it soon and enjoy the delightful flavors of Hawaii in every bite, perfect as a quick and easy family favorite dessert. Pin for later

Two Pieces of Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake on Plates

Introduction

Welcome to the tropical world of Hawaiian carrot pineapple cake, where the sweetness of pineapple, the warmth of spices, and the moisture of carrots come together in perfect harmony. This recipe is designed to be easy, flavorful, and creative, using everyday ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. The best part? It’s incredibly simple to make, requiring minimal effort for a dessert that’s sure to impress your friends and family. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is perfect for anyone looking to add a little tropical flair to their dessert repertoire.

Why This Works

• The balance of flavors between the sweetness of the pineapple, the earthiness of the carrots, and the warmth of the spices creates a truly unique and delicious taste experience.
• The accessibility of the ingredients means that you can make this cake without having to search high and low for exotic or hard-to-find components.
• The ease of preparation and the impressive results you’ll achieve with minimal effort make this recipe a great choice for anyone looking to wow their guests without spending hours in the kitchen.

Key Ingredients

The main ingredients in this recipe include grated carrots, crushed pineapple, chopped walnuts, brown sugar, eggs, flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and a blend of spices including cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. You can substitute the walnuts with pecans or hazelnuts if you prefer, and use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar for a slightly different flavor. The pineapple can be fresh or canned, depending on what’s available and your personal preference.

Instructions

1. Step 1: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). While the oven is heating up, prepare your ingredients by grating the carrots, crushing the pineapple, and chopping the walnuts.
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices. In a separate bowl, mix together the sugar, eggs, and oil. Add the grated carrots, crushed pineapple, and chopped walnuts to the wet ingredients and stir until well combined.
3. Step 3: Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense cake.
4. Step 4: Divide the batter evenly between two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans that have been greased and floured. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of each cake comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Handy Tips

• Make sure to not overmix the batter, as this can result in a dense cake. Stop mixing as soon as the ingredients are just combined.
• Don’t overbake the cakes. They should be lightly golden on top and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
• Let the cakes cool completely before serving. This will help them to retain their moisture and flavor.

Heat Control

The ideal temperature for baking the cakes is 350°F (180°C). The cakes should be baked for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of each cake comes out clean. You can check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of each cake. If the toothpick comes out clean, the cakes are done. If not, bake for an additional 5 minutes and check again.

Crunch Factor

The crunch factor in this recipe comes from the chopped walnuts, which add a nice texture contrast to the moist cake. To ensure that the walnuts retain their crunch, don’t overmix the batter and avoid overbaking the cakes.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• Use a food processor to grate the carrots and chop the walnuts. This will save you time and ensure that the ingredients are evenly grated and chopped.
• Don’t overmix the batter. Stop mixing as soon as the ingredients are just combined. This will help to ensure that the cakes are light and fluffy.
• Use a wire rack to cool the cakes. This will help to prevent them from becoming soggy or flat.

Storage Tips

• The cakes can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep them fresh.
• The cakes can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• To reheat the cakes, simply thaw them overnight at room temperature or reheat them in the microwave or oven.

Gift Packaging Ideas

If you want to give the cakes as a gift, consider packaging them in a decorative tin or box. You can also wrap them individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in a gift bag or basket. Add a few decorative touches, such as a ribbon or a gift tag, to make the gift even more special.

Flavor Variations

• Try adding a teaspoon of coconut extract to the batter for a tropical twist.
• Use different types of nuts, such as pecans or hazelnuts, for a unique flavor and texture.
• Add a handful of dried fruit, such as cranberries or raisins, to the batter for added flavor and texture.

Troubleshooting

• If the cakes are too dense, it may be because the batter was overmixed. Try mixing the ingredients just until they are combined, and then stop mixing.
• If the cakes are too dry, it may be because they were overbaked. Try reducing the baking time by 5 minutes and checking the cakes for doneness.
• If the cakes are too soggy, it may be because they were not cooled properly. Try cooling the cakes on a wire rack to prevent them from becoming soggy or flat.

FAQs

• Can I freeze the cakes? Yes, the cakes can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• Are the cakes gluten-free? No, the cakes contain flour and are not gluten-free. However, you can try substituting the flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make the cakes gluten-free.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can double the recipe to make more cakes. Simply multiply the ingredients by two and follow the same instructions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Hawaiian carrot pineapple cake is a delicious and unique dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With its moist texture, flavorful ingredients, and beautiful presentation, it’s sure to impress your friends and family. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is easy to follow and requires minimal effort for a dessert that’s sure to wow. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the tropical flavors of Hawaii in the comfort of your own home.