Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tropical Vibes : The addition of crushed pineapple adds natural sweetness and moisture, giving the cake a tropical twist.
- Moist & Flavorful : Shredded carrots and pineapple ensure every bite is soft, tender, and bursting with flavor.
- Spiced Perfection : Warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger complement the sweetness of the cake beautifully.
- Cream Cheese Frosting : A rich, tangy frosting ties everything together and adds a decadent finish.
- Easy to Make : Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe accessible for bakers of all levels.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Cake:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- 3 large eggs , room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil for extra tropical flavor)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups finely shredded carrots (about 2–3 medium carrots)
- 1 cup crushed pineapple , drained (reserve the juice for another use)
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional, for added crunch)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese , softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter , softened
- 3–4 cups powdered sugar , sifted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) . Grease and lightly flour two 8-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Set aside.
Step 3: Make the Cake Batter
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- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Add the vegetable oil and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Fold in the shredded carrots, crushed pineapple, and nuts (if using) until evenly distributed.
Step 4: Bake
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops with a spatula.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes , or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 5: Make the Frosting
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating on low speed until incorporated. Increase the speed to medium and beat until light and fluffy.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Adjust the sweetness by adding more powdered sugar if needed.
Step 6: Assemble the Cake
- Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of frosting on top.
- Add the second cake layer and frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting.
- Optional: Garnish with toasted coconut flakes, chopped nuts, or a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flair.