Carrot Cake Recipe with Pineapple - Greedy Eats (2024)

Published Last Modified By GreedyEats

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Moist Carrot Cake Recipe with Pineapple, Coconut and Pecans. A perfect blend of spices and contrasting textures along with creamy frosting! You can get this cake in oven with just 15 minutes of prep time. No special techniques or no fancy equipments needed.

Try my Healthy Carrot Cake Balls next! Find all my Spring Dessert Recipes here.

Carrot Cake Recipe with Pineapple - Greedy Eats (1)

Taste and Texture:

  • Unbelievably moist crumb
  • Bursting with perfect blend of spices
  • Finished off with sweet and tangy Cheam Cheese Frosting

What are the ingredients for a carrot cake?

Carrot Cake Recipe with Pineapple - Greedy Eats (2)

Oil: Oil as opposed to butter adds so much moisture to the cake. Carrot cake made with oil stays moist for days. I like to use canola oil here.

Shredded Carrots: I like to shred my own carrots. I do not recommend using pre shredded ones here, since they are a little dry.

Crushed Pineapple: No need to drain that pineapple before adding to your batter. All that extra liquid will add so much moisture to the cake.

Nuts: Both walnuts and pecans work well here. You can skip them if you don't like nuts in cake. Sub them with raisins if you desire or just totally leave them out!

Spices: A blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and ginger.

Carrot Cake Recipe with Pineapple - Greedy Eats (3)

How do you make carrot cake from scratch?

This is such a quick and easy cake recipe that requires no fancy equipments. You can make the cake just with a whisk and making use of two mixing bowls. So lets get started!

  • Whisk Dry and Wet Ingredients in separate bowls
  • Add dry ingredients to wet and fold to combine
  • Then add in the add ons like- pineapple, raisins, coconut and pecans
  • Divide batter among three 6-inch pans or two 8-inch pans lined with parchment paper
  • Bake at 350 deg F until done
Carrot Cake Recipe with Pineapple - Greedy Eats (4)
Carrot Cake Recipe with Pineapple - Greedy Eats (5)

Carrot Cake Recipe with Pineapple - Greedy Eats (6)
Carrot Cake Recipe with Pineapple - Greedy Eats (7)

Carrot Cake Recipe with Pineapple - Greedy Eats (8)
Carrot Cake Recipe with Pineapple - Greedy Eats (9)

Carrot Cake Recipe with Pineapple - Greedy Eats (10)

How do you shred carrots for carrot cake?

You can shred carrots either with a hand grater or using a shredding blade in your food processor.

What side of grater do you use for carrot cake?

You will need to use the shred side of the grater to grate carrots or zucchinis for your cakes. Check out my Tall Chocolate Muffins and these decadent Chocolate Cupcakes hide a ton of zucchini in them too!

Carrot Cake Recipe with Pineapple - Greedy Eats (11)

Can I add pineapple chunks to the carrot cake?

I have used crushed canned pineapple with juice in this batter. If you desire to have pineapple chunks in your cake you can take that route, but the juice in the batter makes a moister cake in my opinion.

More Spring Desserts for you:

Lemon Sponge Cake

Zucchini Banana Blender Muffins

Easy Pistachio Cupcakes

Healthy Zucchini Banana Bread

Carrot Cake Recipe with Pineapple - Greedy Eats (12)

If you liked this Recipe give it a star review. Also, tell me in the comments below, how did this turn out for you! And don’t forget to share your creations with me onInstagramat #greedyeatsblog Also follow me onPinterestandFacebook!

Recipe

Carrot Cake Recipe with Pineapple - Greedy Eats (13)

Carrot Cake Recipe with Pineapple

Moist Carrot Cake Recipe with Pineapple, Coconut and Pecans. A perfect blend of spices, contrasting textures along with creamy frosting!

4.98 from 77 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

US Customary - Metric

Servings 12 Servings

Calories: 514kcal

Author: Neha

Equipment

  • Three 6 inch pans or Two 8 inch pans

  • Balloon whisk

  • Hand Beater/mixer to make frosting

Ingredients

  • 3 large Eggs (at room temperature)
  • ¾ Cup Canola Oil
  • ¾ Cup Buttermilk (at room temperature)
  • 1 ½ Cups Granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoon Pure vanilla extract
  • 1 ½ teaspoon Cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon EACHground cloves,ground ginger,ground nutmeg
  • 2 Cups All purpose flour
  • teaspoon Salt
  • 2 teaspoon Baking Soda
  • 2 Cups Freshly Shredded Carrots
  • 1 Cup Coconut Flakes
  • 1 can (8 ounces) Crushed Pineapple (with juice)
  • 1 Cup Chopped Pecans

Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 16 ounces (450g Cream Cheese (full fat block, softened to room temperature)
  • ½ cup(115g) Butter (unsalted)
  • 4and ½ cups (540g) Confectioners' Sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Pure vanilla extract
  • Pinch Salt
  • 1 Tablespoon Heavy cream/milk

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line two 8 inch pans or three 6 inch pans with parchment paper, depending on if you are doing a two layer or three layer cake.

  • In a large mixing bowl, Add and combine eggs, buttermilk, oil, sugar and vanilla. Add and beat in your flour, baking soda, salt, and all the spices till well blended using a hand whisk or beater. Next add your shredded carrots, coconut, crushed pineapple with juice and chopped pecans. Mix well to combine.

  • Pour the batter into prepared cake pans and bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes. When a toothpick inserted in the center of cake comes out clean it is done. Also when a finger lightly pressed in center of the cake, cake bounces back, it is baked. Allow to cool in cake pans for about 10 minutes.

  • Then run a knife around the edges of the pans and invert them on wire rack to complete cooling. Cakes must be cooled completely before frosting.

To make the frosting:

  • In a large bowl using a handheld mixer, beat the cream cheese and butter together for 1-2 minutes on medium-high speed until smooth. Now add in cream, vanilla extract, confectioners’ sugar, and salt. Beat for 2-3 minutes more until the frosting turns smooth and creamy.

Assembling the Cake:

  • Layer and frost with cream cheese frosting on cooled cakes. Decorate the top layer with more nuts, if desired. Refrigerate cake for at least 15-20 minutes before slicing. This helps the cake hold its shape when cutting.

Notes

Storing Information:

  • Unfrosted cakes can be stored at room temperature for two days or up to 3 months in freezer. Thaw in refrigerator/counter top before frosting.
  • Frosted cake should be kept covered at all times. You can store it in the refrigerator for about 5 days.

Tips to make Perfect Carrot Cake:

  1. I like to shred my own carrots. I do not recommend using pre shredded ones here, since they are a little dry.
  2. You can shred carrots either with a hand grater or using a shredding blade in your food processor.
  3. I have used crushed canned pineapple with juice in this batter. If you desire to have pineapple chunks in your cake you can take that route, but the juice in the batter makes a moister cake in my opinion.

Nutrition

Serving: 1Serving | Calories: 514kcal | Carbohydrates: 43g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 24g | Sodium: 197mg | Sugar: 33g

Tried this recipe? Pin it for later!Mention @greedyeats or tag #Greedyeats!

« Swig Cookies

Healthy Pancake Recipe »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Anonymous

    Carrot Cake Recipe with Pineapple - Greedy Eats (14)
    Big hit every body loved it

    Reply

  2. Stacey

    I’m going to make this cake for my Dad for his Birthday this weekend. He loves Raisins in his carrot cake. If I added them would I need to omit something? Or how much could I add to the cake?

    Reply

    • GreedyEats

      Hi Stacey! I would add 1/2 a cup of coconut flakes and 1/2 a cup of pecan nuts instead of one cup each and add a cup of raisins to the batter in that case. Happy Birthday in advance to you Dad!

      Reply

  3. Debra J Funck

    Carrot Cake Recipe with Pineapple - Greedy Eats (15)
    Easy to make and great taste. I will use this recipe from now on!

    Reply

  4. Kim

    What can I substitute if I’m out of ground ginger?

    Reply

    • GreedyEats

      Hi Kim! You can also add fresh ginger instead. Happy Baking! About 1/2 tsp should do.

      Reply

  5. Kenna

    I made this cake tonight and I have a couple of questions. You said use a prepared pan. What does that mean to you? Just the bottom or include the sides—some things, like brownies have difficulty climb g a greased wall. Second question is about the pineapple. My area does not seem to carry 8 ox cans of any kind of pineapple. I measured out 8 ounces of pineapple tidbits pulsed them just enough to make them “crushed”, then just added another couple of table spoons of the light syrup. Any other guidance you might give?

    Reply

    • GreedyEats

      Hi Kenna! I just use parchment paper on the bottom of cake pans. If you wish you can grease the whole pan with oil/butter and then coat with a thin layer of flour. No need of parchment paper in the second case. You swapped crushed pineapple correctly. Even fresh pineapple can be used here.

      Reply

  6. Anonymous

    Can I make this as cupcakes instead of a layer cake?

    Reply

    • GreedyEats

      Sure can. Same oven temperature! I am unsure of the baking time. Just bake them till they pass toothpick test!

      Reply

    • Anonymous

      Of course you can, and they are great morning muffins if you don’t want to much frosting.
      In my world the more frosting the better. Cooking time is very similar.

      Reply

  7. Kristen Varner

    Good morning! Can I omit the coconut? Should I replace it with something else?

    Reply

    • GreedyEats

      Sure Can Kristen! Coconut flakes can entirely be omitted from the batter if you desire. Happy Baking!

      Reply

  8. Carol

    Such a beautiful recipe. You have included the perfect blend of spices here to enhance the falvour AND the use of oil as opposed to butter is so very smart. I will not waste my time making those recipes that call for butter because it just does not work so well in cakes and quickbread.Toast those pecans beforehand and you have an award winning cake! I love it.

    Reply

  9. Cindy

    Carrot Cake Recipe with Pineapple - Greedy Eats (16)
    I have made this cake for all occasions! It is a family favorite hands down. This year I am trying it as cupcakes …I’ll keep you posted !

    Reply

  10. Anonymous

    Is it possible to make cupcakes with this recipe ?

    Reply

  11. Sandy

    Carrot Cake Recipe with Pineapple - Greedy Eats (17)
    Is it possible to use a 9x13 pan with this recipe?

    Reply

    • GreedyEats

      I don't see why not Sandy! I have not baked this cake in 9x13 pan myself, so not sure of the exact baking time. Just bake till the cake passes toothpick test at 350 deg F.

      Reply

  12. Ginny

    Carrot Cake Recipe with Pineapple - Greedy Eats (18)
    Made it! Everyone loved it! Now I was requested to make it again!
    How an I make my own buttermilk for this recipe?
    So beautiful!

    Reply

    • Kenna

      Carrot Cake Recipe with Pineapple - Greedy Eats (19)
      Follow up to my initial review. The cake turned out perfect.. I baked a very small cupcake to check the flavor. Cake is moist, held together very well, no issue. Just the right amount of pineapple. You can taste it but not an overwhelming sweetness. I skipped the coconut and added about 1/2 cup of raisins. I think the pineapple version is spot on. Excellent recipe

      Reply

« Older Comments

Leave a Reply

Carrot Cake Recipe with Pineapple - Greedy Eats (2024)

FAQs

Does carrot cake contain pineapple? ›

Carrot cake, with its wonderful texture and spiced flavor, is a cake classic BUT it can also be turned up about 800 notches with one notable ingredient: pineapple. Crushed pineapple or chunks? We vote for crushed. Crushed pineapple acts more like a wet ingredient rather than an optional add-in.

Why did my carrot cake flop in the middle? ›

The most common reasons a cake sinks in the middle include the following: The pan is too small. There's too much liquid. Opening the oven or moving pans during baking.

Why does carrot cake split? ›

If the batter rises too quickly, the center puffs up before falling, creating a divot in the center of the cake. You can keep a carrot cake from falling in the middle by altering your cooking process and the recipe.

Why do people love carrot cake? ›

Hopefully you agree that the idea of veggies in your dessert is tastier than it sounds! Warm spices, naturally sweet carrot and cream cheese frosting make this recipe so delicious, it's no wonder carrot cake is so popular around the world.

Why does my carrot cake not taste like carrot cake? ›

Seriously though, if using only natural carrots, it is hard to get a significant carroty taste in a cake, mainly because 1) carrots don't have a very strong taste, 2) some of the taste is lost with cooking, and 3) the native texture and taste of a cake overwhelm whatever taste is remaining in the carrots.

What is a substitute for pineapple in carrot cake? ›

Pineapple substitute: The Crushed Pineapple adds a lot of moistness and sweet flavor to the cake, but you could use applesauce as a substitute. Nuts and Raisins: These are optional, so add what you like, or add walnuts or coconut. I prefer raisins in the cake and nuts only on the outside.

How to stop a carrot cake from falling? ›

You could try baking at a low temperature for a longer period. This will stop the outer edges, and crust cooking too quickly, and hopefully create an evenly baked cake.

What is the toothpick test on carrot cake? ›

The toothpick test

When you pull it back out, it should come away clean. But, if you pull it out and it has remnants of wet batter stuck to it, or it appears to be a bit gummy in texture, then the cake needs further baking time in the oven.

Why does my carrot cake taste bitter? ›

Using baking powder (a chemical leavening agent) often becomes tricky. How much is enough to leaven dense, oil-based cakes like carrot cake? Sometimes, we end up using too much baking powder to help this type of cake rise, and this mistake can unfortunately make them taste bitter or like chemicals.

Why does carrot cake have to be refrigerated? ›

Even when the cake is baked, bacteria can still grow, so everything still needs to be refrigerated to prevent spoilage and foodborne illness. Carrot cake and frosting are also easier to tame when they're cold, so unless it's time to serve up some slices, keep your cake in the fridge.

What is the nickname for carrot cake? ›

Carrot cake (also known as passion cake) is cake that contains carrots mixed into the batter.

Is carrot cake healthier than regular cake? ›

The Calorie Content of Carrot Cake vs.

However, even though carrot cake has a higher fat content, it can bit a healthier choice compared to regular cakes especially because carrot cake is made with whole wheat flour, which is a healthier choice of flour, unlike white flour.

What ethnicity is carrot cake? ›

In 1827, carrot cake appeared for the first time in a French cookbook published in Britain, as reported by National Today, but there was a recipe for carrot pudding pie on record from "The Art of Cookery, Made Plain and Easy" as early as 1747, per The Food of England Project.

What does a carrot cake contain? ›

Typical ingredients include grated carrot, flour, sugar or brown sugar, cooking oil, spices and baking soda. Additional ingredients may include shredded coconut, raisins, molasses and nuts. Many variations exist, such as carrot cake whoopie pies, cookie sandwiches, and those prepared in the style of an energy bar.

What is the topping of a carrot cake made of? ›

Top this classic carrot cake with moreish cream cheese icing and chopped walnuts or pecans. Serve as a sweet treat with a cup of tea any time of the day.

What is the green ingredient in carrot cake? ›

Our answer. The green flecks are carrot but the colour has been changed by the bicarbonate of soda (baking soda) in the mixture. Some pigments are sensitive to pH balances and will change colour if they are in a very acid or very alkaline environment.

What are the ingredients in Publix carrot cake? ›

Sugar, Cornstarch, Soybean Oil, Carrots, Enriched Bleached Flour (wheat Flour, Niacin, Reduced Iron, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid), Cream Cheese (pasteurized Milk And Cream, Salt, Guar Gum, Cheese Cultures, Carob Bean Gum, Xanthan Gum), Palm Oil, Walnuts, Egg Yolk, Egg Whites, Baking Soda, Nonfat Milk, ...

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Reed Wilderman

Last Updated:

Views: 6474

Rating: 4.1 / 5 (72 voted)

Reviews: 87% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Reed Wilderman

Birthday: 1992-06-14

Address: 998 Estell Village, Lake Oscarberg, SD 48713-6877

Phone: +21813267449721

Job: Technology Engineer

Hobby: Swimming, Do it yourself, Beekeeping, Lapidary, Cosplaying, Hiking, Graffiti

Introduction: My name is Reed Wilderman, I am a faithful, bright, lucky, adventurous, lively, rich, vast person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.