Carrot Cake Pineapple Cream Cheese (Printable)
Spiced carrot cake with pineapple cream cheese frosting. Ideal for gatherings or an afternoon treat.
# What you'll need:
→ Carrot Cake
01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 2 teaspoons baking powder
03 - 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
04 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
05 - 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
06 - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
07 - 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
08 - 1 cup granulated sugar
09 - 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
10 - 1 cup vegetable oil
11 - 4 large eggs, room temperature
12 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
13 - 2 1/2 cups finely grated carrots
14 - 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
15 - 1/2 cup shredded coconut
16 - 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained
→ Pineapple Cream Cheese Frosting
17 - 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
18 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
19 - 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
20 - 2 tablespoons pineapple juice
21 - 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, well drained
22 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
23 - Pinch of salt
# Method:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line two 9-inch round pans with parchment paper.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger until evenly combined.
03 - In a large bowl, beat granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil until homogeneous. Add eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition. Incorporate vanilla extract.
04 - Gradually add dry mixture to wet ingredients, mixing just until no streaks remain.
05 - Gently fold in grated carrots, chopped walnuts or pecans, shredded coconut, and 1/2 cup drained pineapple using a spatula.
06 - Divide batter evenly into prepared pans and smooth surface. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center emerges clean.
07 - Allow cakes to cool in pans for 10 minutes. Remove from pans and transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
08 - Beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth and fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until creamy. Blend in vanilla, salt, and pineapple juice. Fold in 1/2 cup well-drained pineapple. Adjust with additional sugar if a thicker texture is needed.
09 - Once cakes are fully cooled, spread frosting between layers, over the top, and on the sides. Garnish with chopped nuts or carrot curls as desired.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- Easily customizable for nuts or coconut
- Perfect balance of spice and sweetness
- Comes together with pantry basics and fresh carrots
- Frosting provides a fun tropical twist
02 -
- High in fiber and packed with real vegetables
- Frosts and slices beautifully for presentation
- Can be made ahead and stored without losing quality
03 -
- Bring eggs to room temperature for smoother mixing and even rise
- Sift powdered sugar for lump free frosting
- Drain pineapple thoroughly before adding or frosting may be runny