Description
This Carrot Pineapple Cake is wonderfully moist and packed with freshly grated carrots, crushed pineapple, warm spices, and crunchy walnuts. Finished with a smooth cream cheese frosting, it is a classic American dessert ideal for celebrations and gatherings, offering a delightful balance of sweet and spice in every bite.
Ingredients
Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- 3 eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups grated carrots
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt, stirring well to distribute the spices evenly.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, blending gently to form a consistent batter without overmixing.
- Add Carrots, Pineapple, and Nuts: Fold in the grated carrots, drained crushed pineapple, and chopped walnuts or pecans, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack to avoid melting the frosting.
- Prepare Frosting: Beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until the frosting is smooth and spreadable.
- Frost the Cake: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cake, smoothing the top for a beautiful finish.
Notes
- Toast the walnuts before adding for a deeper, nuttier flavor.
- Refrigerate the frosted cake to keep it fresh and maintain the frosting’s texture.
- The flavors meld beautifully, so the cake tastes even better the next day.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
