Irresistibly Moist Carrot Cake Recipe With Pineapple – A Tropical Twist on a Classic Favorite
If you’re a fan of classic carrot cake, get ready to fall in love with this tropical twist—Carrot Cake Recipe with Pineapple. This cake is ultra-moist, rich in flavor, and perfectly spiced. The addition of crushed pineapple adds natural sweetness and a tender crumb that makes every bite melt in your mouth. Paired with a velvety cream cheese frosting, it’s perfect for celebrations, potlucks, or whenever you’re craving a comforting dessert. With simple ingredients and foolproof steps, this carrot cake is a crowd-pleaser you’ll come back to again and again.

Ingredients Of Carrot Cake Recipe with Pineapple Recipe
Step By Step Instructions
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat together the sugars, oil, eggs, and vanilla until smooth and well combined.
Add Carrots & Pineapple: Fold in the grated carrots and drained crushed pineapple. If using, stir in the coconut and chopped nuts.
Combine Mixtures: Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
Make the Frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, and beat until light and fluffy.
Assemble the Cake: Spread frosting between the layers and over the top and sides of the cake. Decorate with extra nuts or shredded coconut if desired.
How to Serve?
- Serve chilled or at room temperature
- Perfect with a cup of tea or coffee
- Decorate with toasted coconut, crushed nuts, or dried pineapple slices for a festive touch
- Great as a layered celebration cake or served in squares



Tips & Variations
Use freshly grated carrots for best texture and moisture.
Swap walnuts for pecans or leave them out for a nut-free version.
Add raisins for extra sweetness and chew.
For cupcakes, reduce baking time to 18–22 minutes.
Use a bundt pan for a pretty twist—just adjust the bake time to 45–50 minutes.
Nutrition
- Per slice (1 of 12 servings):
- Calories: 480
- Fat: 26g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Sugar: 40g
- Protein: 5g
- Fiber: 2g
Recipe Card
Irresistibly Moist Carrot Cake Recipe With Pineapple – A Tropical Twist on a Classic Favorite
Course: Carrot Cake Recipe12
servings20
minutes35
minutes480
kcalA super moist carrot cake made even better with crushed pineapple, warm spices, and topped with rich cream cheese frosting.
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1½ teaspoons cinnamon
½ teaspoon nutmeg
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
4 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups grated carrots
1 (8 oz) can crushed pineapple, drained
¾ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
½ cup shredded coconut (optional)
Directions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Combine Wet Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, beat together the sugars, oil, eggs, and vanilla until smooth and well combined.
- Add Carrots & Pineapple:
- Fold in the grated carrots and drained crushed pineapple. If using, stir in the coconut and chopped nuts.
- Combine Mixtures:
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Bake:
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool:
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
- Make the Frosting:
- Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, and beat until light and fluffy.
- Assemble the Cake:
- Spread frosting between the layers and over the top and sides of the cake. Decorate with extra nuts or shredded coconut if desired.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing can cause the cake to become dense or tough. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Drain the pineapple well: Excess moisture can make the cake too wet. Press lightly with a spoon or use a strainer.
- Use room temperature ingredients: This helps the batter mix evenly and improves the final texture.
- Customize to taste: Add raisins, chopped dates, or even a dash of orange zest for a citrusy twist.
- Chill before frosting (if needed): If your cake is too warm, the frosting will melt. Make sure it’s fully cooled.
FAQs
Conclusion
This carrot cake recipe with pineapple takes everything you love about traditional carrot cake and makes it even better. Moist, flavorful, and topped with irresistible cream cheese frosting, it’s the perfect dessert for holidays, birthdays, or everyday indulgence.







