Carrot Cake with Pineapple and Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Carrot cake is one of those delightful desserts that never seems to go out of style. With its rich, moist texture and the subtle sweetness of carrots, this cake is a favorite in many households. Recently, I decided to try a new twist on this classic by adding pineapple and topping it with a cream cheese frosting. The results were nothing short of spectacular! My family couldn’t get enough of it, and even our most skeptical eaters came back for seconds. The addition of pineapple brought a fresh and tangy dimension to the cake, while the cream cheese frosting added a creamy richness that perfectly complemented the flavors. If you’re looking for a way to wow your family and friends, this carrot cake with pineapple and cream cheese frosting is a must-try.

Ingredients

For a cake that serves around 12 people, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
• 4 large eggs
• 2 cups grated carrots
• 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

For the cream cheese frosting, gather these ingredients:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1-2 tablespoons milk (if needed)

Instructions

Creating this delicious carrot cake with pineapple and cream cheese frosting can be broken down into a few simple steps:

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. This will ensure that your cake doesn’t stick and comes out in perfect shape.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Stir these ingredients together until well blended.

Step 3: Blend the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Once combined, add the grated carrots and crushed pineapple to this mixture and stir until everything is evenly incorporated.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake dense. If you are using walnuts, fold them into the batter at this stage.

Step 5: Bake the Cake
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Make the Frosting
While the cakes are cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a medium-sized bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until the frosting is smooth and creamy. If the frosting is too thick, add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.

Step 7: Assemble the Cake
Once the cakes are completely cool, spread a layer of cream cheese frosting on top of one cake layer. Place the second cake layer on top and spread the remaining frosting evenly over the top and sides of the cake.

Nutrition Facts

This recipe yields approximately 12 servings. Each serving contains around 500 calories. Of course, these numbers may vary slightly depending on the specific ingredients used and any additional toppings added, such as extra nuts or additional frosting layers.

Preparation Time

Total preparation and cooking time for this carrot cake with pineapple and cream cheese frosting is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. This includes 15 minutes of preparation and mixing time, 30 minutes of baking, and 30 minutes for cooling and frosting assembly. The time is well worth it for such a delicious result!

How to Serve

Carrot cake with pineapple and cream cheese frosting is best served in the following ways:

• Chilled: Refrigerate the cake for at least an hour before serving for a firmer texture.
• With a scoop of vanilla ice cream: The creamy texture of the ice cream complements the cake beautifully.
• Accompanied by fresh fruit: Serve with slices of fresh pineapple or a handful of berries for added freshness.
• With a cup of coffee or tea: A warm beverage pairs perfectly with the rich flavors of the cake.
• For special occasions: Decorate the cake with additional walnuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon for an elegant presentation.

Additional Tips

To ensure your carrot cake with pineapple and cream cheese frosting is the best it can be, consider these tips:

1. Use fresh carrots: Freshly grated carrots will provide the best flavor and texture. Avoid pre-packaged shredded carrots, which can be dry.
2. Don’t skip the draining: Make sure to drain the crushed pineapple thoroughly to prevent the cake from becoming soggy.
3. Room temperature ingredients: Ensure your cream cheese and butter are at room temperature for a smooth, lump-free frosting.
4. Adjust sweetness: Taste the frosting before applying it to the cake and adjust the sugar levels to your preference.
5. Layer evenly: If the cake layers dome slightly during baking, level them with a serrated knife for a professional look.

FAQ Section

Below are some frequently asked questions about this carrot cake recipe:

Q1: Can I make this cake gluten-free?
A1: Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it’s a 1:1 substitution for best results.

Q2: How can I store leftover cake?
A2: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. You can also freeze it for longer storage, up to two months, by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.

Q3: Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?
A3: Absolutely! Just be sure to drain the canned pineapple thoroughly to avoid excess moisture in the cake batter.

Q4: Is it possible to make this cake vegan?
A4: Yes, you can make this cake vegan by using plant-based alternatives. Replace eggs with flax eggs, use dairy-free cream cheese and butter for the frosting, and ensure all other ingredients are vegan-friendly.

Q5: What can I do if my frosting is too runny?
A5: If your frosting is too runny, try adding more powdered sugar a little at a time until it reaches the desired consistency. Alternatively, chilling the frosting for 15-20 minutes can help it firm up.