Christmas Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake (Print Version)

Moist carrot cake with pineapple, coconut, and cream cheese frosting brings tropical flavors to your Christmas table.

# What You Need:

→ Dry Ingredients

01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 2 teaspoons baking powder
03 - 1 teaspoon baking soda
04 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
05 - ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
06 - ½ teaspoon salt

→ Wet Ingredients

07 - 1 cup granulated sugar
08 - ½ cup packed brown sugar
09 - 1 cup vegetable oil
10 - 4 large eggs

→ Add-Ins

11 - 2 cups grated carrots (about 3–4 medium carrots)
12 - 1 cup drained crushed pineapple
13 - ½ cup shredded coconut (optional; plus extra for garnish)

→ Cream Cheese Frosting

14 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened
15 - ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
16 - 3–4 cups sifted powdered sugar
17 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
18 - 1–2 tablespoons milk or pineapple juice

# How To Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans or one 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until evenly blended.
03 - In a separate bowl, whisk granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil until well combined. Add eggs one at a time, whisking after each addition until smooth.
04 - Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing to prevent dense texture.
05 - Gently fold in grated carrots, drained crushed pineapple, and shredded coconut (if using) until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
06 - Pour batter evenly into prepared pans. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
07 - Allow cakes to cool in pans for 10–15 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
08 - Beat softened cream cheese and butter together until light and fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar, then vanilla extract and milk or pineapple juice, beating until smooth and spreadable.
09 - Spread frosting evenly over completely cooled cake. Garnish with toasted coconut or chopped nuts if desired.
10 - Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before slicing for clean cuts and best flavor results.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The crushed pineapple creates natural sweetness and keeps the cake tender for days
  • Its a conversation starter that bridges traditional holiday spices with sunny island flavors
02 -
  • Overmixing the batter makes the cake tough, so stop as soon as flour disappears
  • Drain the pineapple well but dont squeeze out every drop of juice
  • The cake must be completely cool before frosting or the icing will melt right off
03 -
  • Grate your carrots fresh instead of buying pre-shredded ones
  • Room temperature ingredients prevent curdled batter and lumpy frosting
Go Back