🥕 Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake 🍍
Ingredients
For the Cake:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon salt
3 large eggs, at room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
¾ cup light brown sugar, packed
1 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 cups finely grated carrots (about 3 medium carrots)
1 cup crushed pineapple, drained (reserve the juice for another use)
For the Frosting:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Instructions
Prepare the Cake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour two 8-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs with both sugars until smooth and slightly frothy. Gradually pour in the vegetable oil while mixing, followed by the vanilla extract.
Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in three parts, stirring gently to combine after each addition. Avoid overmixing. Fold in the grated carrots and crushed pineapple until evenly distributed.
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. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the Frosting: In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed to avoid a cloud of sugar. Once combined, increase the speed and beat until fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a generous layer of frosting on top. Add the second layer and frost the top and sides of the cake evenly. For a decorative touch, use a spatula to create swirls or peaks in the frosting.