Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake – A Slice of Paradise in Every Bite
Some cakes aren’t just desserts; they’re experiences. They transport you to warm sunshine, gentle sea breezes, and laughter-filled kitchens. That’s exactly what this Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake does. With every forkful, you’ll feel the tropical islands meet Southern charm — moist, tender, and infused with natural sweetness. Whether it’s a birthday, a holiday, or just a Sunday afternoon, this cake is perfect for sharing with friends and family.
Imagine the aroma: sweet honey, earthy carrots, warm spices, and a hint of pineapple filling your kitchen. One bite melts into a luscious combination of flavors — the subtle crunch of walnuts, the soft texture of the carrot-infused crumb, and the rich creaminess of the frosting. It’s a cake that doesn’t just satisfy cravings; it brings people together.
🥣 Ingredients
Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup honey (a natural substitute for sugar)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups grated carrots
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese
- ¼ cup honey
- ½ cup butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
Optional Drizzle:
- Light touch of maple syrup for shine
🍯 How to Make It
1️⃣ Preheat & Prepare
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch cake pans. As the oven warms, let the anticipation build — baking is as much about the aromas as the end result.
2️⃣ Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. These warm spices will carry your cake from a simple dessert to a comforting masterpiece.
3️⃣ Combine the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, beat the vegetable oil, eggs, and honey until smooth and glossy. Stir in the vanilla extract — this is where the cake starts to take on its soft, Southern sweetness.
4️⃣ Add the Goodness
Gently fold in the grated carrots, crushed pineapple, and walnuts (if using). Watch as the batter turns golden, rich, and vibrant — a true reflection of the tropical flavors inside.
5️⃣ Bake to Perfection
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will soon be filled with the most delightful aroma — the promise of something extraordinary.
6️⃣ Frost with Love
Allow the cakes to cool completely before spreading the cream cheese frosting between layers and over the top. For a final flourish, garnish with pineapple bits and a light drizzle of maple syrup. The frosting is creamy and slightly tangy, perfectly balancing the sweet, spiced cake.
🍽️ Serving & Enjoying
Slice generously and serve at room temperature. Each bite offers a perfect harmony of textures and flavors — moist, tender cake, lightly sweetened with honey, with bursts of pineapple and the warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg. It’s a crowd-pleaser, whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a quiet moment with a cup of tea.
Tip: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze individual slices for a sweet tropical treat any time.
🌴 Why This Cake Stands Out
- Natural Sweetness: Using honey instead of sugar gives it a subtle, floral sweetness without overpowering the natural flavors.
- Tropical Twist: Pineapple and walnuts add texture and tropical flair, making this cake unique among traditional carrot cakes.
- Versatile & Shareable: Perfect for holidays, birthdays, brunches, or just because — it’s the kind of cake everyone will love to reach for again and again.
⏰ Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 35 min
- Total Time: 55 min
- Servings: 12
- Calories per Serving: ~450
This Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake is more than a dessert; it’s an invitation to slow down, savor the flavors, and share sweet moments with those you love. Every slice is sunshine, spice, and tropical delight wrapped in golden cake and luscious frosting. Trust me — once you try this, it’ll become a cherished recipe you’ll bake time and again.
