Carrot Pineapple Cake Recipe by Ina Garten with a Moist Surprise

Check out the world of carrot pineapple cake, where unexpected flavor symphonies burst with tropical sweetness.

Root vegetables and sun-kissed fruit create a mesmerizing dessert that defies traditional baking norms.

Moist, tender crumbs whisper stories of culinary innovation with every forkful.

This cake blends earthy carrots and tangy pineapple into a remarkable taste experience that tingles your senses.

Creamy frosting adds luxurious depth to the already complex flavor profile.

Each slice promises a delightful journey through texture and taste that challenges your dessert expectations.

Get ready to transform ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary masterpiece that will leave everyone craving more.

Plating and Pairing Ina’s Carrot Pineapple Cake

• Serve Stunning Slices: Cut the carrot cake into generous wedges, showcasing the layers of moist cake and creamy frosting. Each slice reveals delightful bursts of pineapple and nutty walnuts.
• Pair with Perfect Beverages: Complement the cake's rich flavors with a steaming cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk. The sweet and spicy notes of cinnamon blend beautifully with these classic drinks.
• Elevate with Elegant Plating: Present the cake on a beautiful cake stand, garnished with fresh mint leaves or a sprinkle of crushed walnuts. This adds a touch of sophistication to your dessert presentation.
• Create Festive Moments: Serve this carrot cake at birthdays, holiday gatherings, or as a special weekend treat. Its crowd-pleasing flavor makes it perfect for sharing with loved ones.

Keeping Ina’s Cake Fresh for Days

• Meal Planning & Storage Advice
• Refrigerate Wisely: Store your carrot pineapple cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover tightly to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.
• Freeze for Future Enjoyment: Wrap individual cake slices or the whole cake in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Room Temperature Tips: Keep frosted cake at cool room temperature for 4-6 hours if serving the same day. Avoid direct sunlight or warm areas that might melt the cream cheese frosting.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Bake cake layers a day in advance and store wrapped in plastic at room temperature. Frost just before serving to ensure maximum freshness and perfect texture.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 55 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Calories: 600 kcal

Servings: 11

All the Ingredients for Ina’s Carrot Pineapple Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: Choose unbleached flour for richer flavor and better texture.
• Sugar: Opt for fine granulated sugar for smoother cake consistency.
• Vegetable Oil: Select a neutral-flavored oil like canola for lightweight moisture.
• Eggs: Use fresh, room-temperature eggs for better blending and volume.

• Cinnamon, Salt: Select freshly ground cinnamon for robust, warm aroma.
• Baking Soda: Ensure it's fresh and not expired for proper cake rising.

• Raisins, Chopped Walnuts: Pick plump, soft raisins and crisp, halved walnuts for balanced crunch.
• Grated Carrots: Use fresh, bright orange carrots for natural sweetness.
• Fresh Pineapple: Select ripe, golden pineapple with minimal brown spots for sweet-tangy notes.

• Cream Cheese, Unsalted Butter: Choose high-quality, full-fat products for creamy consistency.
• Vanilla Extract: Use pure vanilla extract for authentic, rich flavor.
• Confectioners' Sugar: Sift to prevent lumps in the silky frosting.

Tools for Ina’s Tropical Carrot Pineapple Cake

• Mixing Bowls: Large, sturdy bowls for blending wet and dry ingredients smoothly.
• Electric Mixer or Whisk: Perfect for creating light, fluffy cake batter.
• Sifter: Essential for removing lumps from dry ingredients and ensuring even mixing.
• 8-inch Round Cake Pans: Two pans for creating perfect cake layers.
• Parchment Paper: Helps prevent cake from sticking and ensures easy removal.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurements for consistent results.
• Rubber Spatula: Great for folding ingredients and scraping bowl edges.
• Cooling Rack: Allows cake to cool evenly and prevent soggy bottoms.
• Toothpick: Helps check cake doneness by testing for clean insertion.
• Serving Plate: Beautiful presentation for your finished carrot pineapple cake.

Directions for Ina Garten’s Pineapple-Carrot Delight

• Preheat Oven

Fire up your oven to 350°F. Coat two cake pans with oil, line with parchment, then dust with flour to prevent sticking.

• Create Wet Base

Whisk sugar, oil, and eggs in a large bowl until the mixture turns light and fluffy. Splash in vanilla for extra flavor.

• Combine Dry Elements

In another bowl, thoroughly mix flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt until completely smooth and lump-free.

• Blend Mixtures

Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture, stirring until you achieve a silky, consistent batter. Toss nuts and raisins with a bit of flour to prevent sinking.

• Add Fruits and Vegetables

Fold in grated carrots and diced pineapple, ensuring even distribution throughout the batter for maximum taste and texture.

• Bake and Cool

Pour batter into prepared pans and slide into the oven. Bake for about an hour, checking with a toothpick for doneness. Allow cakes to cool completely before frosting.

• Craft Creamy Frosting

Whip cream cheese, butter, and vanilla until smooth. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar, beating until the frosting reaches a silky consistency.

• Decorate and Serve

Layer cake with frosting, covering entirely. Finish with fresh pineapple pieces for a stunning and delicious presentation.

Expert Tips to Nail Ina’s Pineapple Carrot Cake

• Bake Like a Pro: Expert Carrot Cake Techniques
• Prevent Fruit Sinking: Toss raisins and chopped walnuts in flour before adding to batter to keep them evenly suspended throughout the cake.
• Moisture Magic: Replace some vegetable oil with applesauce for a lighter texture while maintaining incredible moisture and reducing overall fat content.
• Spice It Up: Experiment with additional warm spices like ground nutmeg or cardamom to enhance the classic cinnamon flavor profile and create a more complex taste experience.
• Frosting Finesse: Chill cream cheese before mixing to ensure a smoother, lump-free frosting that spreads beautifully and holds its shape perfectly.

Mouthwatering Ina Garten Carrot Pineapple Cake Recipe

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4.7 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 11 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s carrot pineapple cake blends sweet tropical notes with classic carrot cake comfort. Moist layers of spiced batter showcase pineapple’s rich flavor, creating a delightful dessert you’ll savor with each memorable bite.

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Ingredients

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• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour (for coating)
• 2 cups sugar
• 1 ⅓ cups vegetable oil
• 1 pound carrots, grated
• ¾ pound cream cheese, room temperature
• ½ pound unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 pound confectioners’ sugar
• 1 cup raisins
• 1 cup walnuts, chopped
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tsps cinnamon
• 2 tsps baking soda
• 1 ½ tsps salt
• 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced (divided into ½ cup for cake, ½ cup for frosting)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line two 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper, then flour lightly to prevent sticking.
2. Wet Mixture: Whisk together sugar, vegetable oil, and eggs until pale and creamy. Blend in vanilla extract thoroughly.
3. Dry Ingredients: Sift flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt, ensuring a lump-free mixture.
4. Batter Creation: Merge dry ingredients into wet mixture, stirring methodically to create a smooth batter. Lightly coat raisins and walnuts with flour to prevent sinking.
5. Incorporate Fruits: Gently fold grated carrots and diced pineapple into the batter, ensuring even distribution for consistent flavor and texture.
6. Baking Process: Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for 55-60 minutes, testing doneness with a toothpick that should come out clean.
7. Cooling: Remove cakes from oven and cool completely on a wire rack to maintain optimal texture.
8. Frosting Preparation: Whip cream cheese, butter, and vanilla until silky. Gradually add confectioners’ sugar, mixing until smooth and spreadable.
9. Assembly and Decoration: Layer cake with frosting, covering entire surface. Adorn top with fresh pineapple pieces for a vibrant finishing touch.

Notes

• Prevent Ingredient Sinking: Coat raisins and nuts with a light flour dusting to stop them from settling at the cake’s bottom during baking.
• Moisture Magic: Use vegetable oil instead of butter to create an incredibly moist and tender cake texture that stays soft for days.
• Temperature Precision: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing to guarantee smooth blending and consistent cake structure.
• Frosting Finesse: Chill cream cheese and butter briefly before whipping to achieve a perfectly smooth, lump-free frosting that spreads effortlessly.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 11
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 66g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Fat: 38g
• Saturated Fat: 18g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 63g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 100mg