Description
A vibrant, moisture-rich twist on traditional carrot cake. This dense and chewy dessert features crushed pineapple, flaked coconut, and chopped walnuts for a burst of island-inspired flavor. Topped with a silky cream cheese frosting, it perfectly balances earthy sweetness with a bright tropical tang.
Ingredients
The Tropical Cake Base
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 3/4 cups white sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 2 cups shredded carrots (freshly grated)
- 1 (8 oz) can crushed pineapple, well-drained
- 1 cup flaked coconut
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
- Spices: 2 tsp cinnamon, 2 tsp baking soda, 1 tsp baking powder, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp vanilla extract
The Silk Cream Cheese Frosting
- 1 (8 oz) pkg cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9×13-inch pan.
Mix: Whisk dry ingredients in a large bowl. Create a well in the center and add sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla. Mix until smooth.
Fold: Stir in carrots, coconut, walnuts, and drained pineapple.
Bake: Pour into pan and bake for 45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.
Frost: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth; add powdered sugar and spread over cooled cake. Chill for 2 hours.
Notes
Drain Thoroughly: Use a sieve to press juice out of the pineapple to prevent a soggy center.
Fresh Grating: Store-bought shredded carrots are too dry; fresh carrots are essential for the signature ‘wet’ crumb.
Why Oil? Vegetable oil keeps the cake tender even when served cold from the fridge.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert / Sheet Cake
- Method: One-Bowl / Baking
- Cuisine: American Tropical Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Square
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 42
- Sodium: 380
- Fat: 28
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Unsaturated Fat: 18
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 52
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 5
- Cholesterol: 60
Keywords: tropical carrot cake, pineapple carrot cake recipe, cream cheese frosting, moist sheet cake, coconut walnut carrot cake, easy easter cake, potluck dessert recipes