Name: Delicious Christmas Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 cups granulated sugar; 1 cup brown sugar; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; ½ teaspoon nutmeg; 4 large eggs; 1 cup vegetable oil; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups grated carrots; 1 cup drained crushed pineapple; 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans; 8 oz cream cheese; ½ cup unsalted butter; 2 cups powdered sugar

Christmas Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake

There’s something truly magical about the holiday season, and one of the best ways to celebrate is with a delightful dessert that brings a tropical twist to traditional flavors. Enter the Christmas Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake! This festive cake combines the warm, spiced goodness of carrot cake with the sweet, juicy notes of pineapple, creating a moist and flavorful treat that’s perfect for your holiday gatherings.

What makes this recipe special is its unique blend of ingredients that celebrate both the spirit of Christmas and the vibrant flavors of Hawaii. The addition of crushed pineapple not only enhances the cake’s sweetness but also adds a lovely texture that pairs beautifully with the spiced carrots. Topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, this cake is sure to be the star of your dessert table and leave everyone reaching for seconds!

So, if you’re looking to impress your family and friends this holiday season, the Christmas Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake is just the ticket. It’s not just a cake; it’s a delightful experience that captures the essence of both Christmas cheer and tropical bliss. Let’s get baking and spread some joy with every slice!

Ingredient Notes

When making my Christmas Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake, I like to focus on fresh, vibrant ingredients that capture the holiday spirit. Here’s a breakdown of the key ingredients and some substitutions if you need them:

Carrots: Freshly grated carrots are a must for moisture and sweetness. If you’re short on fresh carrots, you can use pre-packaged grated carrots, but make sure they’re not too dry.
Pineapple: Crushed pineapple adds a tropical twist. Use canned pineapple for convenience, but drain it well to avoid excess liquid. If you want a fresher taste, you can use fresh pineapple, finely chopped.
Flour: All-purpose flour is standard, but for a gluten-free version, you can substitute with a gluten-free baking blend. Just ensure it has a binding agent.
Sugars: A mix of granulated sugar and brown sugar gives depth to the cake. If you prefer, you can use coconut sugar for a more caramel-like flavor.
Nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans add crunch. If you’re nut-free, feel free to omit them or substitute with sunflower seeds.
Spices: Ground cinnamon and nutmeg are traditional. For a festive touch, consider adding ginger or allspice to enhance the holiday flavor.
Frosting: Cream cheese frosting is a classic pairing. For a lighter version, you can mix Greek yogurt with a bit of vanilla and powdered sugar.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that we have our ingredients lined up, let’s get into the fun part—baking the cake!

Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking.
Prepare the batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 cups of granulated sugar, and 1 cup of brown sugar. Add 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and ½ teaspoon of nutmeg. Whisk these dry ingredients together.
Add wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together 4 large eggs, 1 cup of vegetable oil, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Stir in 2 cups of grated carrots and 1 cup of drained crushed pineapple.
Combine: Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Gently fold in 1 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans.
Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Frosting: While the cakes are cooling, prepare your cream cheese frosting by beating together 8 oz of cream cheese, ½ cup of unsalted butter, and 2 cups of powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Add a splash of vanilla extract for flavor.
Assemble: Once the cakes are cooled, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of frosting on top, then carefully place the second layer on top and frost the entire cake. You can also add some crushed pineapple or chopped nuts on top for decoration.

Tips & Suggestions

To make your Christmas Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake truly special, here are a few tips:

Make it ahead: This cake actually tastes better the next day, as the flavors meld together. Consider baking it a day in advance!
Spice it up: Feel free to experiment with spices. Adding some grated fresh ginger can give it a lovely warmth.
Decorate: For a festive touch, consider garnishing with pomegranate seeds or candied ginger. They add a pop of color and an extra burst of flavor.
Layer it up: If you’re feeling adventurous, you can create a layered cake by adding a filling of cream cheese frosting mixed with crushed pineapple between the layers.

Storage

Proper storage is key to keeping your Christmas Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake fresh:

Room Temperature: If you plan to eat the cake within a few days, it can be covered and stored at room temperature. Just make sure it’s in a cool, dry place.
Refrigeration: For longer storage, keep the cake in the refrigerator. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It should last up to a week in the fridge.
Freezing: If you want to save some for later, the cake freezes beautifully! Wrap each layer in plastic wrap and aluminum foil and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Enjoy making and sharing this delightful Christmas Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake with your loved ones this holiday season!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a festive treat that combines the warmth of holiday spices with the tropical sweetness of pineapple, the Christmas Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake is an absolute must-try! This delightful cake not only brings together the flavors of moist carrots and juicy pineapple but also adds a cheerful twist to your holiday gatherings. I promise, the moment you serve this cake, the enchanting aroma will fill your home, and everyone will be clamoring for a slice. Whether it’s for a cozy family dinner or a festive potluck, the Christmas Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake is sure to spread joy and create lasting memories. So go ahead, embrace the holiday spirit, and treat yourself and your loved ones to this delicious creation—you won’t regret it!