Pineapple Carrot Cream Cake : Moist & Tropical Recipe
If you’re searching for a dessert that truly celebrates all things bright, colorful, and utterly irresistible, look no further than this Pineapple Carrot Cream Cake : Moist & Tropical. Each slice is bursting with juicy pineapple, sweet carrots, and a dreamy cream cheese frosting that brings it all together. Whether you’re making this for a cozy family gathering or just craving a taste of the tropics, this cake delivers an unforgettable, melt-in-your-mouth experience every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Pineapple Carrot Cream Cake : Moist & Tropical lies in how familiar yet utterly transformative these ingredients are. Every component—whether moist carrot, tangy pineapple, or that lush cream cheese—brings its own spark, resulting in a cake far greater than the sum of its parts.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the base structure, ensuring your cake is soft yet sturdy enough to hold all the delicious extras.
- Baking soda & baking powder: These leaveners work together for a lofty, tender crumb that stays light and satisfying.
- Cinnamon: A dash infuses warm spice that marries beautifully with carrot and pineapple flavors.
- Salt: Just enough to enhance all the other flavors and keep the sweetness balanced.
- Granulated sugar & brown sugar: Using both gives depth—white sugar for classic sweetness, brown sugar for a lovely hint of molasses.
- Eggs: Eggs give richness and stability, helping everything hold together as the cake bakes.
- Vegetable oil: This keeps the cake incredibly moist—no dry bites here!
- Vanilla extract: Adds aromatic sweetness that rounds out the cake’s tropical notes.
- Grated carrots: The secret to that signature color, sweet flavor, and supreme tenderness.
- Crushed pineapple (drained): Tropical and juicy, this is the heart of the cake’s unique flavor and moist crumb.
- Chopped walnuts (optional): For a welcome crunch and nutty depth—totally your call!
- Cream cheese (softened): The start of your irresistibly tangy, smooth frosting.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Helps make the frosting creamy and spreadable, with just the right touch of richness.
- Powdered sugar: Dissolves beautifully into the frosting, without any grittiness.
- Vanilla extract (for frosting): Lends luscious aroma and depth to the finishing touch.
- Pineapple juice (optional): For an extra zing in your cream cheese frosting—try it if you love even more tropical flair.
How to Make Pineapple Carrot Cream Cake : Moist & Tropical
Step 1: Preheat & Prepare the Pans
Begin by preheating your oven to a toasty 350°F (175°C). Generously grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or if you prefer, line the bottoms with parchment paper for super-easy release. A well-prepared pan ensures your Pineapple Carrot Cream Cake : Moist & Tropical pops out perfectly every time, making for less mess and picture-perfect layers.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Whisking not only brings these essentials together but also helps lighten the mixture—meaning your finished cake is extra fluffy and well-spiced.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk the granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, oil, and vanilla extract until everything’s smooth and homogenous. Now comes the magic: fold in the grated carrots and drained crushed pineapple. This step ensures every bite of your Pineapple Carrot Cream Cake : Moist & Tropical is speckled with juicy fruit and tender carrot for that unmistakably delicious crumb.
Step 4: Combine & Bake
Gently mix the bowl of dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until you just stop seeing flour. If you’re a walnut fan, now’s the time to fold them in. Divide the luscious batter evenly between your prepared pans and slide them into the oven. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick poked in the center comes out clean. Let your layers cool in the pans briefly before turning out onto racks—you’ll catch a whiff of pure tropical bliss!
Step 5: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
In a clean bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until creamy and well-combined. Slowly add powdered sugar, then vanilla, and a tablespoon of pineapple juice if you want that extra tropical lift. Beat until your frosting is silky-smooth and ready to grace your cooled cakes. Frost between the layers and over the top and sides, swirling with abandon—this frosting is as delicious as it is beautiful!
How to Serve Pineapple Carrot Cream Cake : Moist & Tropical

Garnishes
For an eye-catching finish, sprinkle extra chopped walnuts or toasted coconut over the frosted cake. If you’re feeling fancy, try decorating with carrot curls or pineapple tidbits to hint at the flavors inside. The subtle decorations make each slice even more inviting and echo the tropical vibe of this Pineapple Carrot Cream Cake : Moist & Tropical.
Side Dishes
Lighten up your dessert table by pairing this cake with a fruit salad or tangy citrus sorbet. The creamy, sweet richness is offset beautifully by fresh, cool sides for a well-rounded finale to any meal. A cup of coffee or tea is also wonderful alongside, letting the flavors of the cake truly sing.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to wow a crowd or switch up tradition, try making individual cupcakes with the batter or layer the cake in a trifle dish with extra pineapple and frosting. Small squares are perfect for a dessert buffet or afternoon tea. However you plate it, Pineapple Carrot Cream Cake : Moist & Tropical will disappear fast!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once frosted, this cake is best kept in the refrigerator, covered well to retain moisture and friskiness. It will stay gorgeously fresh for 3 to 4 days—just be sure to let slices come to room temperature before serving for maximum flavor and creaminess.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze Pineapple Carrot Cream Cake : Moist & Tropical. For best results, freeze layers (unfrosted) tightly wrapped in plastic for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then bring to room temperature. Frost just before serving—or freeze with frosting if you like, knowing the texture may soften a touch.
Reheating
While this cake is typically enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, a quick 10-second zap in the microwave can soften the frosting and add an almost gooey, bakery-fresh touch. Just be cautious not to overheat; you want it perfectly creamy, not melty!
FAQs
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour to ensure Pineapple Carrot Cream Cake : Moist & Tropical is safe and delicious for everyone. Double-check baking powder and soda brands for hidden gluten for those with sensitivities.
Is it possible to make this dairy-free or vegan?
Yes! Use a plant-based cream cheese and vegan butter for your frosting, and swap in flax eggs or another vegan egg replacer for the cake itself. The result is still moist, fluffy, and ultra-tropical—no one will miss the dairy or eggs!
Why is my cake falling apart?
This cake is incredibly moist due to the pineapple and carrot. Make sure to let it cool completely before frosting and slicing. As tempting as it is to cut in right away, patience makes for the prettiest slices.
Can I add other mix-ins?
Go for it! Shredded coconut, golden raisins, or even a handful of chopped dried pineapple are all fantastic additions. Just avoid overloading the batter—too many extras can weigh down the cake.
How do I get the creamiest frosting?
Start with perfectly softened butter and cream cheese, and sift your powdered sugar before adding. Beat well and don’t rush—the smoother and fluffier your frosting, the more luxurious your Pineapple Carrot Cream Cake : Moist & Tropical will taste!
Final Thoughts
This cake is pure, sunny joy in every bite, and it’s easier to make than it looks! Invite a little tropical cheer into your kitchen and share the love by baking a Pineapple Carrot Cream Cake : Moist & Tropical for your favorite people—you may just find it becomes their new favorite, too.
PrintPineapple Carrot Cream Cake : Moist & Tropical Recipe
Indulge in the tropical flavors of this Pineapple Carrot Cream Cake. Moist and flavorful, this cake is the perfect blend of sweet carrots, tangy pineapple, and creamy frosting.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 1 2-layer cake 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
- ¾ cup (150g) brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup (240ml) vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups (220g) grated carrots
- 1 cup (200g) crushed pineapple, drained
- ½ cup (50g) chopped walnuts (optional)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz (226g) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon pineapple juice (optional, for extra flavor)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat & Prepare the Pans – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch cake pans (or line with parchment paper).
- Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients – In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
- Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients – In a large bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, oil, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add grated carrots and crushed pineapple, stirring until well combined.
- Step 4: Combine & Bake – Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix. Fold in chopped walnuts if using. Divide the batter between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: Pineapple Carrot Cream Cake, tropical cake recipe, cream cheese frosting, pineapple carrot cake