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Tropical Carrot Cake with Pineapple Cream Cheese Frosting

A moist, spiced layer cake bursting with tropical pineapple and warm cinnamon, perfect for parties or cozy afternoons.

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups grated carrots
  • 1 cup crushed pineapple (drained)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/2 cup crushed pineapple (drained, for frosting)
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare two 9-inch round cake pans by greasing and flouring them.
  2. Mix grated carrots, 1 cup crushed pineapple, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, and eggs until well combined.
  3. Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt in another bowl.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in chopped walnuts if using.
  5. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
  6. Beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, then fold in 1/2 cup crushed pineapple and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy.
  7. Once cakes are cool, spread frosting on top of one cake, stack the second cake on top, and frost the top and sides.
  8. Decorate with extra crushed pineapple or walnuts if desired before serving.

Notes

Drain pineapple well to avoid a runny batter or frosting; pat with a paper towel if needed. Measure flour by spooning into the cup and leveling off to keep the cake tender.

  • Author: jayne
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 30g
  • Sodium: 250mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: carrot cake, tropical cake, pineapple frosting, dessert, party cake