Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake Recipe: A Tropical Dessert Ready in 45 Minutes
Bake a vibrant Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake with juicy pineapple, fresh carrots, and warm spices. Gluten-free options, step-by-step guide, and pro tips included!
Introduction
Picture this: a golden cake bursting with tropical sweetness from pineapple, earthy notes from carrots, and a hint of cinnamon. The Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake is not just a dessert—it’s a vacation on a plate. Perfect for summer BBQs, birthdays, or cozy nights in, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that’s ready in under an hour. Let’s bake your way to paradise!

1. Why Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake is Perfect for You
🔹 Tropical Flavor Explosion: Sweet pineapple and spiced carrots create a unique fusion.
🔹 Quick & Effortless: Prep in 15 minutes, bake in 30—ideal for busy schedules.
🔹 Diet-Inclusive: Easily adapt it to gluten-free, vegan, or low-sugar diets.
🔹 Nutrient-Dense: Carrots (vitamin A) and pineapple (digestive enzymes) add health benefits.
2. Ingredients List for 4 Persons 👤👤👤👤
🔸 Wet Ingredients:
- 2 cups freshly grated carrots (packed for moisture)
- 1 cup crushed pineapple (drained, juice reserved for glaze)
- ¾ cup coconut oil (or unsalted butter for richness)
🔸 Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (substitute oat flour for gluten-free)
- 1 tsp cinnamon + ½ tsp ginger (warm, aromatic spices)
- 1 cup brown sugar (or maple syrup for unrefined sweetness)
🔸 Toppings: Toasted coconut, lime zest, or cream cheese frosting.
3. Preparation Time and Servings
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (Pro Tip: Use a food processor to grate carrots faster!)
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes (50% quicker than traditional recipes!)
- Serves: 8–10 slices
4. Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Combine Wet Ingredients
Mix carrots, pineapple, coconut oil, and sugar until smooth. Add a splash of vanilla for extra flavor.
Step 2: Blend Dry Ingredients
Whisk flour, spices, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Sifting prevents lumps.
Step 3: Bake to Golden Brown
Pour batter into a greased 9×13-inch pan. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30–35 minutes.
Step 4: Glaze & Serve
Mix pineapple juice with powdered sugar for a tangy glaze. Drizzle over the cake and top with toasted coconut.
5. Special Equipment
- 9×13-inch baking pan
- Mixing bowls + whisk (or stand mixer for efficiency)
6. Nutritional Benefits
- Carrots: High in fiber and beta-carotene for glowing skin.
- Pineapple: Bromelain enzyme reduces bloating.
- Coconut Oil: Boosts metabolism with healthy fats.
7. Calories Per Person
Serving | Calories | Carbs | Protein | Fat |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 slice | 310 | 45g | 4g | 14g |
8. Healthier Alternatives
- Low-Sugar: Replace sugar with mashed ripe bananas.
- Egg-Free: Use applesauce (½ cup) as a binder.
- Nut-Free: Skip coconut flakes; garnish with dried mango.
9. Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with a scoop of coconut sorbet.
- Pair with hibiscus iced tea for a tropical beverage combo.

10. Storage and Leftovers
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
- Freezer: Wrap slices in parchment paper; freeze for 3 months.
11. Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing: Stir until just combined to keep the cake tender.
- Underseasoning: Don’t skip spices—they elevate the tropical flavor!
12. FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen pineapple?
A: Yes! Thaw and drain thoroughly to avoid excess moisture.
Q: How do I make it gluten-free?
A: Swap all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
Q: Can I add raisins?
A: Absolutely! Soak them in pineapple juice first for plumpness.
13. Conclusion
The Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake is your ticket to tropical bliss. Moist, fragrant, and endlessly adaptable, it’s a dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Share your creation with #HawaiianCakeMagic and inspire others to bake their own slice of paradise!
Contact Us
Contact us at [email protected], and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
Share your experience with us
Dressing is perfect!
Not a big fan of mayo, loved the Greek yogurt swap. Reduced garlic a bit. Dressing was delish!
Best coffee cake- ever!!
This recipe was not the easiest to follow due to how it was written. It requires a lot of back and forth from instructions to the lists of ingredients but oh, hey, the end result is totally worth the effort! Mouthwatering and delicious plus it’s a pretty presentation.
Confused on picture
The cookies are tasty, but do you have the recipe for the actual cookies in your picture? These cookies are certainly not going to be that beautiful purple color. Thanks!
good for a nice dinner
nice