Saturday, 23 August 2025

Simple Carrot Cake Recipes with Pineapple and Pineapple Cream Cheese Frosting

Simple Carrot Cake Recipes with Pineapple and Pineapple Cream Cheese Frosting

Carrot cake is a timeless dessert that strikes the perfect balance between wholesome and indulgent. Sweet, moist, and spiced with warm flavors, it has long been a favorite for birthdays, holidays, and casual gatherings. Adding pineapple to carrot cake enhances its texture and flavor with tropical sweetness and extra moisture. Pair that with a luscious pineapple cream cheese frosting, and you’ve got a cake that’s light yet decadent, rustic yet sophisticated.


Here, we’ll explore three simple carrot cake recipes that highlight the marriage of carrots, pineapple, and cream cheese frosting—one traditional, one simplified for busy bakers, and one healthier version for those wanting a lighter treat. Each offers its own charm while sticking to the irresistible flavor combination of carrots and pineapple.


Recipe 1: Classic Carrot Cake with Pineapple and Pineapple Cream Cheese Frosting

The first recipe is a traditional carrot cake loaded with grated carrots, crushed pineapple, walnuts, and warm spices. It’s moist, rich, and full of texture—the way carrot cake is meant to be.


Ingredients

For the cake:


2 cups all-purpose flour


2 teaspoons baking powder


1 teaspoon baking soda


1 teaspoon ground cinnamon


½ teaspoon ground nutmeg


½ teaspoon ground ginger


½ teaspoon salt


1 cup granulated sugar


1 cup brown sugar, packed


1 cup vegetable oil


4 large eggs


2 cups grated carrots (about 4 medium carrots)


1 cup crushed pineapple, well-drained


1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)


1 teaspoon vanilla extract


For the pineapple cream cheese frosting:


8 oz cream cheese, softened


½ cup unsalted butter, softened


3 cups powdered sugar


¼ cup crushed pineapple, drained well


1 teaspoon vanilla extract


Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line with parchment.


In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.


In another bowl, whisk sugar, brown sugar, oil, and eggs until smooth. Stir in vanilla.


Gradually fold in the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined.


Stir in carrots, pineapple, and nuts (if using). The batter will be thick.


Divide evenly between pans and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.


Let cakes cool completely before frosting.


To make frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar gradually, mixing well. Stir in pineapple and vanilla.


Frost cooled cakes and garnish with extra walnuts or shredded coconut if desired.


Why it works: This recipe is the gold standard—moist, flavorful, and beautifully layered with a tangy-sweet pineapple cream cheese frosting that enhances the fruitiness of the cake.


Recipe 2: Easy One-Bowl Carrot Pineapple Cake with Pineapple Cream Cheese Frosting

Sometimes, you just want a quick dessert without a pile of dirty dishes. This simplified one-bowl recipe cuts down on prep time while still delivering a deliciously moist carrot cake.


Ingredients

For the cake:


2 cups all-purpose flour


2 teaspoons baking soda


2 teaspoons ground cinnamon


½ teaspoon salt


1 ½ cups sugar


1 cup vegetable oil


3 large eggs


2 cups grated carrots


1 cup crushed pineapple (with some juice)


½ cup shredded coconut (optional)


1 teaspoon vanilla extract


For the pineapple cream cheese frosting:


8 oz cream cheese, softened


¼ cup unsalted butter, softened


2 ½ cups powdered sugar


2 tablespoons pineapple juice (from canned pineapple)


1 teaspoon vanilla extract


Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.


In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.


Add sugar, oil, and eggs directly into the dry mixture. Stir until just blended.


Fold in carrots, pineapple, coconut, and vanilla. Mix gently but thoroughly.


Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 35–40 minutes, until golden brown and set in the center.


Let cool completely in the pan.


For the frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar gradually, then stir in pineapple juice and vanilla.


Spread frosting evenly over cooled cake and serve directly from the pan.


Why it works: This version is approachable, quick, and perfect for potlucks or family gatherings. No layering or fussing required—the cake is baked in one pan and frosted simply, yet still has all the flavor of a traditional carrot cake.


Recipe 3: Healthier Carrot Pineapple Cake with Light Pineapple Cream Cheese Frosting

For those who want a guilt-free version, this recipe reduces the sugar and fat while still producing a moist, flavorful cake. Whole wheat flour, applesauce, and Greek yogurt lighten things up without compromising taste.


Ingredients

For the cake:


1 cup whole wheat flour


1 cup all-purpose flour


2 teaspoons baking powder


1 teaspoon baking soda


1 teaspoon cinnamon


½ teaspoon nutmeg


½ teaspoon salt


½ cup brown sugar


½ cup unsweetened applesauce


¼ cup coconut oil (or canola oil)


¾ cup plain Greek yogurt


3 large eggs


2 cups grated carrots


¾ cup crushed pineapple, drained


½ cup raisins (optional)


1 teaspoon vanilla extract


For the light pineapple cream cheese frosting:


6 oz reduced-fat cream cheese (Neufchâtel)


2 tablespoons unsalted butter


2 cups powdered sugar


2 tablespoons crushed pineapple, well-drained


½ teaspoon vanilla extract


Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8x8-inch square pan.


In a medium bowl, mix flours, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.


In another bowl, whisk brown sugar, applesauce, oil, and yogurt until combined. Add eggs and vanilla.


Gradually fold in dry ingredients. Stir in carrots, pineapple, and raisins if using.


Pour batter into prepared pan and bake 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.


Let cool completely.


For frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until fluffy. Add powdered sugar gradually. Stir in pineapple and vanilla.


Spread over cake and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before slicing for best texture.


Why it works: This recipe satisfies cravings while being lighter in calories and sugar. The Greek yogurt adds protein, while pineapple and applesauce keep it naturally moist. It’s an excellent option for those who want a healthier dessert without giving up flavor.


Tips for Perfect Carrot Pineapple Cake

Drain pineapple well: Too much liquid can make the cake soggy. Reserve juice for the frosting if desired.


Use freshly grated carrots: Pre-shredded carrots are often too dry. Grating them fresh ensures a moist cake.


Don’t overmix: Overmixing develops gluten, making the cake dense. Mix until just combined.


Chill frosting: Pineapple cream cheese frosting is softer than traditional. Chilling the frosted cake helps it set.


Customize: Add shredded coconut, chopped nuts, raisins, or even a hint of orange zest for a personal touch.


Final Thoughts

Carrot cake with pineapple and pineapple cream cheese frosting is a dessert that brings comfort, warmth, and joy. The classic version is rich and layered, the easy one-bowl recipe is perfect for weeknights and casual gatherings, and the healthier variation ensures everyone can enjoy a slice. Each highlights the beautiful combination of spiced carrots and tropical pineapple, crowned with a tangy, creamy frosting that ties everything together.


Whether you’re baking for a celebration, a potluck, or a simple family dessert, these three recipes prove that carrot cake doesn’t have to be complicated to be extraordinary. The pineapple adds a sunny note that makes every bite more refreshing, and the cream cheese frosting gives just the right amount of indulgence. With these recipes, you can enjoy carrot cake any day, any way you like it—classic, quick, or healthy.

Further Reading 

Carrot Cake Recipes 

https://www.amazon.com/Carrot-Cake-Recipes-Montego-Publishing-ebook/dp/B0CW1GD4G5/

Cornbread Around the World 

https://www.amazon.com/Cornbread-Around-World-Southern-Nutritious-ebook/dp/B0F8PKVQWR/

Potted Meyer Lemon Trees & Indoor Pomegranate Tree Care

https://www.amazon.com/Indoor-Pomegranate-Potted-Meyer-Lemon-ebook/dp/B0DGGSZDNS/

Planting Lithops 

https://www.amazon.com/Planting-Lithops-Succulents-Kingston-Publishing-ebook/dp/B0CW1BBTKP

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