Christmas Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake

Bring a touch of the tropics to your holiday dessert table with this Christmas Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake. This recipe reimagines the traditional carrot cake by infusing it with juicy crushed pineapple, shredded coconut, and warming seasonal spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Topped with a thick layer of silky cream cheese frosting, this moist and flavorful cake is a festive crowd-pleaser that offers a delightful island-inspired twist on a classic favorite.

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This cake is as beautiful as it is delicious. Whether you bake it in round pans for a tiered look or a simple 9x13 dish, the texture remains consistently tender. It is a fantastic option for those who want a dessert that is sophisticated yet comforting, perfect for sharing with family and friends during the Christmas season.

Ingredients

• Dry Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 tsp baking powder, 1 tsp baking soda, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, ½ tsp ground nutmeg, ½ tsp salt
• Wet Ingredients: 1 cup granulated sugar, ½ cup brown sugar (packed), 1 cup vegetable oil, 4 large eggs
• Add-Ins: 2 cups grated carrots, 1 cup crushed pineapple (drained), ½ cup shredded coconut (optional)
• Cream Cheese Frosting: 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese (softened), ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter (softened), 3–4 cups (360–480 g) powdered sugar (sifted), 1 tsp vanilla extract, 1–2 tbsp milk or pineapple juice

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Instructions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch (23 cm) round cake pans or one 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish with parchment paper.

Step 2

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

Step 3

In a separate bowl, whisk the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil until well combined. Add eggs one at a time, whisking after each addition until smooth.

Step 4

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.

Step 5

Fold in the grated carrots, drained crushed pineapple, and shredded coconut (if using) until evenly distributed.

Step 6

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 7

Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10–15 minutes, then turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 8

Prepare the frosting by beating softened cream cheese and butter together until light and fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar, then vanilla and milk or pineapple juice, beating until smooth and spreadable.

Step 9

Once the cake is completely cool, spread the frosting evenly over the surface. Garnish with toasted coconut or chopped nuts if desired.

Step 10

Chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before slicing for the best results.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For the best texture, ensure your crushed pineapple is well-drained to avoid adding excess moisture to the batter. When making the frosting, sifting the powdered sugar is essential to prevent lumps and achieve a professional, smooth finish. Make sure both the cream cheese and butter are at room temperature before you start mixing.

Varianten und Anpassungen

You can add extra crunch by folding in ½ cup of chopped toasted pecans or walnuts into the batter. For an even more intense tropical flavor, use pineapple juice instead of milk in the frosting. If you prefer a less sweet cake, you can reduce the powdered sugar in the frosting to 3 cups.

Serviervorschläge

This cake is best served chilled or at room temperature. For a truly festive look, garnish the top with toasted coconut—simply bake shredded coconut at 325°F (165°C) for 5–7 minutes until golden brown. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

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With its vibrant flavors and moist texture, the Christmas Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake is a wonderful way to celebrate the holiday season. It offers a refreshing change from heavier traditional desserts while remaining perfectly festive for any occasion.

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Recipe Q&A

→ Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, the cake actually improves after resting for a day. Bake, cool completely, frost, and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days. The flavors deepen and the texture becomes even more moist.

→ Do I need to drain the pineapple?

Absolutely. Drain the crushed pineapple thoroughly before adding to the batter. Excess liquid can make the cake dense and affect baking time. Pat gently with paper towels if needed.

→ Can I substitute the cream cheese frosting?

While cream cheese frosting is traditional, you can use whipped cream cheese for a lighter version or a classic buttercream frosting if preferred. However, the tangy cream cheese pairs perfectly with the tropical flavors.

→ What's the best way to grate the carrots?

Use a box grater or food processor with the shredding attachment. Freshly grated carrots release more moisture than pre-shredded ones, resulting in a more tender crumb. Three to four medium carrots yield about two cups.

→ Can I add nuts to this cake?

Definitely. Chopped toasted pecans or walnuts add wonderful crunch and flavor. Fold about half a cup into the batter or sprinkle on top of the frosting for garnish.

→ How do I know when the cake is done?

Insert a wooden toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, it's ready. The edges should pull slightly away from the pan, and the top should spring back when gently pressed.