*For the Cake*: – 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour – 1 ½ tsp baking soda – ½ tsp baking powder – 1 tsp ground cinnamon – ½ tsp ground nutmeg (optional) – ½ tsp salt – 2 large eggs – 1 cup granulated sugar – ½ cup vegetable oil – 1 tsp vanilla extract – 1 cup finely grated carrots – 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained (reserve juice) – ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional) – ½ cup shredded coconut (optional)
*For the Cream Cheese Frosting*: – 8 oz cream cheese, softened – ½ cup unsalted butter, softened – 4 cups powdered sugar – 1 tsp vanilla extract – Pinch of salt
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*Instructions*:
*For the Cake*: 1. *Preheat the oven*: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or two 8-inch cake pans.
2. *Mix dry ingredients*: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
3. *Prepare the wet ingredients*: In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, sugar, oil, and vanilla extract together until smooth.
4. *Add the carrots and pineapple*: Stir in the grated carrots and the drained crushed pineapple (reserve a small amount of the juice if you want to add it to the frosting or glaze later). 5. *Combine with dry ingredients*: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. If using, fold in the chopped nuts and shredded coconut.
6. *Bake the cake*: Pour the batter into the prepared pan(s). Bake for 30-35 minutes (for one 9-inch pan) or 25-30 minutes (for two 8-inch pans), or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
7. *Cool the cake*: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
*For the Cream Cheese Frosting*: 1. *Make the frosting*: In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
2. *Add powdered sugar*: Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating until smooth.
3. *Add vanilla and salt*: Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
4. *Frost the cake*: Once the cake has cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top. If desired, sprinkle some additional chopped nuts or shredded coconut on top for garnish.
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*Enjoy*: This *Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake* is rich, moist, and packed with tropical flavors! Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just any time you want a delicious homemade treat!
