Pineapple Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting - A Tropical Twist on a Classic Recipe

Pineapple and carrot cake with cream cheese frosting is a delightful dessert that combines the sweetness of pineapples with the earthiness of carrots. The juicy chunks of pineapples in every bite of this cake are refreshing and add a tropical flavor to the classic carrot cake. The tangy cream cheese frosting complements the sweet flavors of the cake, making it a perfect treat for any occasion.

Ingredients

For the Cake

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup vegetable oil
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 can (8 oz) crushed pineapple, drained
• 2 cups grated carrots (about 3 medium carrots)
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

• 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups confectioners' sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9x13 inch baking pan by greasing and flouring it.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the sugar and oil until well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. Stir in the crushed pineapple, grated carrots, and chopped nuts (if using) until evenly distributed.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
7. Let the cake cool completely before frosting.

To make the Cream Cheese Frosting

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until light and fluffy.
2. Gradually add the confectioners' sugar and vanilla extract, beating until well combined.
3. Spread the frosting over the cooled cake and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Tips

• For a healthier option, you can substitute some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.
• If you don't like nuts, you can leave them out or substitute them with raisins or dried cranberries.
• For a fancier presentation, you can decorate the cake with chopped nuts or coconut flakes.

Conclusion

This Pineapple Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting recipe is a great twist on the classic carrot cake that is sure to impress your guests. The combination of the juicy pineapple chunks and the grated carrots in the moist cake makes for a delightful flavor profile, while the cream cheese frosting adds a tangy sweetness to the mix. This recipe is perfect for any occasion, from a casual family gathering to a fancy dinner party. So give it a try and let us know what you think!