🥕🍍 Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake – Moist, Tropical, and Sunshine on a Plate!

Aloha, sweet bakers! 🌺 Today’s treat brings a taste of the tropics straight to your table. This Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake is more than just a carrot cake—it’s a luscious combination of grated carrots, juicy crushed pineapple, warm spices, and a silky cream cheese frosting that melts in your mouth. If you’re searching for a dessert that feels like a warm vacation hug, this cake is your answer.

Whether you’re baking for a spring brunch, Easter dessert table, a luau-themed party, or simply craving a slice of moist, tropical heaven, this recipe never disappoints. It’s super easy to put together and absolutely irresistible. ☀️

🌴 Ingredients

For the Cake:

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp salt
1½ cups granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1 cup vegetable oil
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups grated carrots
1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)

For the Frosting:

8 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
Pineapple chunks and shredded carrots, for garnish

👩‍🍳 How to Make Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
Combine the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, beat together sugar, eggs, oil, and vanilla until smooth and light.
Combine wet and dry: Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet, stirring just until combined. Do not overmix.
Fold in the good stuff: Gently fold in grated carrots, crushed pineapple, and walnuts if using.
Bake: Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 35–40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting.

🍰 Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

In a bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until fluffy and well combined.
Frost the cooled cake generously with the cream cheese frosting.
Garnish with pineapple chunks and shredded carrots for an Instagram-worthy finish.

📸 Presentation Tips

Top with toasted coconut or macadamia nuts for extra island flair.
Slice and serve on colorful tropical plates or wooden boards.
Dust lightly with cinnamon or powdered sugar for elegance.
Cut into small squares for party-style serving or keep them large for a dessert centerpiece.

👨‍🍳 Celebrity Chef Quotes

Gordon Ramsay: “The moisture from the pineapple is a genius touch—elevates the cake instantly.”
Nigella Lawson: “This cake is exotic, comforting, and utterly luxurious.”
Ina Garten: “I love anything with cream cheese frosting—this one’s a keeper.”
Jamie Oliver: “Tropical and rustic in the best way—cracking cake!”
Rachael Ray: “Easy, dreamy, and crowd-pleasing—exactly how I like it.”
Bobby Flay: “A bold twist on the classic carrot cake—pineapple is a power move.”
Martha Stewart: “This cake would look perfect on any springtime dessert table.”
Ree Drummond: “Carrots, pineapple, and cream cheese? Yes, please!”
Christina Tosi: “The texture, the flavor layers—so much fun in one slice!”
Curtis Stone: “Fresh and nostalgic—this cake has soul.”

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh pineapple? Yes, but drain well to avoid excess moisture.
Can I make it into cupcakes? Absolutely! Adjust baking time to 18–22 minutes.
Can I freeze this cake? Yes! Wrap slices well and freeze for up to 2 months.
Is it gluten-free? Not as-is, but you can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
What can I substitute for walnuts? Pecans or shredded coconut work great.
Do I have to use cream cheese frosting? No, vanilla or whipped cream frostings also work.
Can I make it ahead of time? Yes, it tastes even better the next day!
How do I store leftovers? Airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Can I reduce the sugar? Try cutting ¼ cup without much impact on texture.
What’s the best way to grate carrots? Use a box grater or food processor for fine, fluffy shreds.

🧾 Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approx. 1 slice)

Calories: 420
Total Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 70mg
Sodium: 290mg
Total Carbohydrates: 47g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 33g
Protein: 4g
Vitamin A: 60% DV
Vitamin C: 4% DV
Iron: 6% DV

🧊 Storage & Freezing Instructions

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Freeze individual slices tightly wrapped in plastic, then foil, for up to 2 months.
Thawing: Let thaw overnight in the fridge. Frosting may soften slightly.

🔗 Related Tropical Dessert Recipes

🌞 Final Thoughts

This Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake is truly a tropical treasure. It combines the homey comfort of carrot cake with an island twist that makes it unforgettable. Whether you top it with extra frosting, fruit, or a scoop of coconut ice cream—every slice brings sunshine to your plate.

Perfect for potlucks, birthdays, Easter feasts, and sweet summer memories, this cake is always a hit. 🌴🍰