Preheat and Prepare
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch pan (or two 9-inch rounds if you want a layer cake).
Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Combine the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, beat together oil, sugars, eggs, and vanilla until smooth. Stir in the carrots, pineapple, coconut, and nuts if using.
Combine and Mix
Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients. Mix just until combined—do not overmix.
The batter will be thick, rich, and fragrant—you’ll know this cake is going to be good just from the smell.
Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared pan. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely before frosting.
Make the Dreamy Cream Cheese Frosting
In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until creamy. Add the powdered sugar gradually, then mix in the vanilla and pineapple juice (if using) for extra tropical goodness.
Frost your cooled cake generously, smoothing it with a spatula or swirling for a rustic look.
Optional Toppings
- Toasted coconut flakes
- Chopped nuts
- Pineapple chunks or rings
- Edible flowers for a Hawaiian vibe
How to Serve It
- Slice it thick—because no one wants a small piece
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or coconut whipped cream
- Pair with hot coffee or iced tea on a sunny day
- Perfect as a birthday cake, Easter dessert, or summer showstopper
Variations You’ll Love
- Gluten-free version:Â Swap flour with a gluten-free baking blend
- Mini cakes or cupcakes: Adjust baking time to 18–22 minutes
- Layer cake:Â Double the frosting and use two round pans
- Add raisins or crushed banana for extra depth
Final Thoughts
This Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake is the kind of dessert that makes people close their eyes after the first bite. It’s warm, spiced, moist, and balanced perfectly by the cool tang of cream cheese frosting. It’s got texture, tropical flavor, and enough sweetness to make you come back for seconds (and thirds).
It’s carrot cake—but with a vacation baked in.