Moist Pineapple Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
A delightful dessert combining sweet pineapple and earthy carrots, topped with rich cream cheese frosting.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1.5 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 0.5 teaspoon ground ginger
- 0.25 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 0.5 teaspoon fine salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 3/4 cup neutral oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Main Ingredients
- 2.5 cups finely grated carrots
- 1 can (8 oz or 227 g) crushed pineapple in juice, lightly drained
- 3/4 cup chopped pecans
Frosting Ingredients
- 8 oz block cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1.5 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon fine salt
- 1-2 teaspoons milk or cream, only if needed
Garnish (optional)
- 1/3 cup chopped pecans, optional
- Light pinch of cinnamon, optional
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground nutmeg, and fine salt.
- In a large bowl, whisk the granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, neutral oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Stir in the finely grated carrots and drained crushed pineapple.
- Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and fold just until combined. Gently fold in the chopped pecans.
- Spread the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 35-42 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs.
- Allow the cake to cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours.
Frosting
- Beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter together until smooth and fluffy.
- Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt, mixing until the frosting is light and fluffy.
- If the frosting is too thick, add a teaspoon or two of milk or cream.
Assembly
- Once the cake is completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting generously on top.
- Garnish with additional chopped pecans and a light pinch of cinnamon if desired.
- Chill the cake before serving for clean slices, or serve immediately.
Notes
For best flavor, use fresh carrots and grate them finely. Consider adding orange zest for deeper flavor. For moisture, add pineapple juice with the crushed pineapple. Serve with coffee or ice cream.