Welcome to our recipe blog! Today, we’re excited to share a delightful and unique dessert: Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake. This cake combines the classic flavors of carrot cake with the tropical sweetness of pineapple, creating a moist and flavorful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a special event, hosting a gathering, or simply craving a delicious dessert, this Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake is sure to impress. Let’s dive into the ingredients and step-by-step instructions to create this delicious cake.
Ingredients to Prepare
Before you begin, gather all the necessary ingredients to ensure a smooth and enjoyable baking experience.
For the Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups grated carrots
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- Cream cheese frosting (store-bought or homemade)
How to Make
Creating this delicious Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake is a straightforward process. Follow these steps to ensure the best results.
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or one 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and ground ginger until well combined.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be cautious not to overmix, as this can result in a dense cake.
- Add Carrots and Pineapple: Fold in the grated carrots and drained crushed pineapple until evenly distributed throughout the batter. If using, fold in the chopped walnuts as well.
Step 2: Bake the Cake
- Pour Batter: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes (for round pans) or 35-40 minutes (for a 9×13-inch pan), or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Cool: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 3: Frost the Cake
- Prepare Frosting: If making homemade cream cheese frosting, prepare it while the cakes are cooling. Alternatively, use store-bought cream cheese frosting.
- Frost the Cake: Once the cakes are completely cool, spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting on top of one cake layer. Add the second cake layer on top and spread frosting over the top and sides of the cake. If using a 9×13-inch pan, simply frost the top of the cake.
Helpful Tips
- Grating Carrots: Use a fine grater to grate the carrots for a smoother texture in the cake.
- Draining Pineapple: Ensure the crushed pineapple is well-drained to prevent excess moisture in the cake batter.
- Even Layers: For even cake layers, use a kitchen scale to weigh the batter in each pan before baking.
Cooking Tips
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all wet ingredients are at room temperature for a smoother batter and even baking.
- Spice Variation: Feel free to adjust the spices to your taste. Adding a pinch of cloves or allspice can add a different dimension to the flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- Decoration: Garnish the cake with additional chopped walnuts, shredded coconut, or pineapple slices for an elegant presentation.
- Pairing: Serve with a cup of hot tea or coffee to complement the cake’s rich flavors.
- Dessert Table: This cake makes a perfect addition to any dessert table for parties or celebrations.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Protein: 5g
Storage and Leftovers
- Storage: Keep the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days.
- Reheating: Let the cake reach room temperature before serving for optimal texture and flavor.
- Freezing: You can freeze the unfrosted cake layers. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before frosting and serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pineapple. Make sure to finely chop the pineapple and drain any excess juice to prevent the batter from becoming too wet.
Q: Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking. Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum or another binding agent to mimic the structure provided by gluten.
Q: How can I prevent the cake from sticking to the pan?
Grease and flour the cake pans well, or use parchment paper to line the bottoms for easy removal.
Q: Can I add other fruits or nuts to the cake?
Yes, you can customize the cake by adding raisins, shredded coconut, or different nuts like pecans. Just be sure to keep the total amount of add-ins similar to maintain the cake’s texture.
Q: What if I don’t have cream cheese frosting?
If you don’t have cream cheese frosting, you can use buttercream frosting or a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk as a substitute.
Q: Is it possible to prepare this cake in advance?
Yes, you can bake the cake layers ahead of time. Store them wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 24 hours or freeze them for longer storage. Frost the cake just before serving.
Conclusion
Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake is a delicious and simple dessert that blends the traditional taste of carrot cake with the tropical sweetness of pineapple. Ideal for any event, this cake is sure to be a favorite among family and friends. Whether you’re baking it for a special occasion or just to savor a tasty treat, this cake is sure to delight everyone.
We hope you enjoy making and sharing this Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake. Don’t forget to share your experience in the comments below, and let us know if you have any tips or variations you’d like to share.
Happy baking!