Pineapple Carrot Cake

slice of pineapple carrot cake on a silver plate with a fork

Ingredients: 

Batter

  • 2 and 1/2 cups (312g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 and 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 cup canola (240ml) or vegetable oil
  • 1 and 1/4 cup (250g) packed light or dark brown sugar
  • 1/3 cup (67g) granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2 cups (260g) shredded carrots (about 4 large peeled carrots)
  • 1 cup (8 ounces) crushed pineapple*
  • 1 cup (125g) chopped walnuts

Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 8 ounces (226g) full-fat brick cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1/2 cup (8 Tbsp; 113g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 3 cups (360g) confectioners’ sugar, plus an extra 1/4 cup if needed
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt

 

Directions:

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and grease a 9×13-inch pan. 
  • Whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and other spices together in a large bowl. Set aside.
  • Whisk the oil, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract together in a medium bowl. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and whisk until combined. Fold in the grated carrots, pineapple, and walnuts.
  • Spread batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 45-55 minutes. Baking times can vary, the cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If you find the top or edges of the cake is/are browning too quickly in the oven, loosely cover it with aluminum foil.
  • Remove the cake from the oven and set on a wire rack. Allow to cool completely. After about 45 minutes you can place it in the refrigerator to speed things up!
  • Make the frosting: In a large bowl using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle or whisk attachment, beat the cream cheese and butter together on high speed until smooth and creamy. Add confectioners’ sugar, vanilla, and salt. Beat on low speed for 30 seconds, then switch to high speed and beat for 2 minutes. If you want the frosting a little thicker, add the extra 1/4 cup of confectioners sugar. Spread the frosting on the cooled cake and refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving.
  • Cover leftover cake tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

 

*Both canned or fresh pineapple will work! To make your own crushed pineapple simply cut your fresh pineapple into cubes, and pulse it in your food processor or blender until everything is crushed

 

This recipe is courtesy of sallysbakingaddiction.com