Ultimate Carrot Cake (2024)

This Ultimate Carrot Pineapple and Coconut Cake is a dream come true! This isn’t your average carrot cake – it’s a flavor explosion that combines the warm spices of classic carrot cake with the juicy sweetness of pineapple and the delightful chew of coconut.

This cake is perfect for any occasion, from potlucks to birthdays. It’s sure to impress your guests with its unique flavor profile and beautiful presentation. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make! With a few simple ingredients and some basic baking knowledge, you can whip up this show-stopping dessert in no time.

SAVE THIS RECIPE!

Enter your email below and we’ll send this recipe straight to your inbox.

Why this Carrot Cake Recipe is a Keeper

This recipe elevates the classic carrot cake by incorporating chunks of pineapple and shredded coconut into the batter. The pineapple adds a burst of brightness that cuts through the richness of the cake, while the coconut provides a delightful textural contrast. It’s the perfect marriage of flavors and textures!

• Simple Ingredients: You’ll find everything you need in your pantry or fridge. No fancy or hard-to-find items required.
• Family Friendly: Loved by all ages, this carrot cake is a hit at family gatherings, birthdays, or any celebration.
• Adaptable: Get creative! You can customize this easy carrot cake recipe by using different nuts and adding various fruits.
• Great Leftovers: If there’s any cake left (which is rare), it stays moist and delicious even as leftovers.

If you’re looking for more carrot cake inspired recipes, try these: Carrot Poke Cake, Pumpkin Carrot Cake and Easy Carrot Cake Recipes.

Why does my carrot cake sink in the middle?

There are a few reasons why your carrot cake might be sinking in the middle:

• Incorrect Ingredient Ratio:Carrot cake batter needs a balance between wet and dry ingredients. Too much liquid (eggs, oil, pineapple chunks) or too little flour can cause a weak structure that collapses in the center.
• Overmixing:Overmixing the batter develops too much gluten, making the cake tough and prone to sinking. Mix until the ingredients are just combined.
• Improper Pan Size:Using a pan that’s too small can’t accommodate all the batter, leading the center to rise too high and then sink as it bakes.
• Uneven Baking Temperature:An oven that’s not preheated properly or has hot and cold spots can cause uneven baking, resulting in a sunken center.
• Oven Door Peek-a-Boo:Opening the oven door frequently disrupts the temperature and can cause the cake to fall.

Ingredient Notes for the Best Carrot Cake with Pineapple and Coconut

• Buttermilk:While this has all the standard cake ingredients such as vegetable oil and white sugar, the addition of buttermilk makes this layer cake so spectacular.
• Crushed Pineapple:Tangy and sweet, a perfect addition to this favorite cake. Fresh pineapple can be crushed for this recipe if you prefer but canned worths great.
• Coconut:Flaked coconut is a little extra surprise to this carrot cake recipe with pineapple.
• Carrots:The star of the show, the grated carrots are so sweet and tender. Use yourfood processoror a box grater to shred.

See the recipe card below for a complete list of the ingredients with measurements.

Variations and Substitutions to Make Carrot Cake

This is an easy cake and an excellent recipe to make this carrot cake but you can change it up with the following:

• Spice it Up:Add a kick with ginger, cardamom, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Tropical Twist:Incorporate mango, or passion fruit for a taste of the tropics for this moist carrot cake recipe .
• Citrus Surprise:Zest or juice lemons, oranges, or even grapefruit for a bright and tangy flavor.
• Go Nuts:Swap out some of the nuts or add a new variety like pistachios or macadamia nuts for the best cake.
• Chocolate Craving:Fold in chocolate chips, cocoa powder, or even a chocolate ganache drizzle.

Special Equipment Needed for the Best Carrot Cake Recipe

• Food processor: This makes quick work of shredding the carrot for the cake.
• Hand Mixer: To make the frosting and the cake batter.

1. Prep Ingredients to Make this Cake

First, preheat oven and line 3 (9-inch) round cake pans with wax orparchment paper; lightly grease and flour paper. Set out ingredients so they are room temperature.

2. Using a Hand Mixer

Second, stir in a large mixing bowl, the first 4 ingredients and then beat eggs and the next 4 ingredientsuntil smooth. Finally add dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, beating at low speed until blended and fold in carrots and the next 3 ingredients. Place cake batter in 9-inch pans and bake for the bake time listed in the recipe card.

3. Make the Glaze for a Moist Carrot Cake

Meanwhile, bring first 5 ingredients to a boil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Boil, stirring often, 4 minutes and then remove from heat, and lastly stir in vanilla. Drizzle Buttermilk Glaze evenly over cake layers; cool in pans on wire rack for 15 minutes.

4. Cream Cheese Frosting

Lastly, to make the frosting, beat cream cheese and butterin a medium bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar until blended and then stir in vanilla. Spread the cream cheese frosting between layers and on top and sides of cake.

Recipe FAQs for Carrot, Pineapple and Coconut Cake

What to Serve with Carrot Cake Recipe with Pineappple and Cream Cheese Frosting

• Southern Coffee Punch
• Oreo Hot Chocolate Bombs
• Mocha Latte