Looking for a moist and delicious carrot cake recipe? This carrot cake with pineapple and coconut is the perfect treat! Packed with shredded carrots, candied pecans, juicy pineapple, and toasted coconut, this cake is guaranteed to be a hit. Topped with a rich brown butter cream cheese frosting, it’s a delightful dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients for Carrot Cake with Pineapple and Coconut
To make this carrot cake with pineapple and coconut, you’ll need:
- 4-5 medium carrots, grated
- 1 ½ cups shredded coconut (toasted)
- 1 cup candied pecans (or toasted pecans), roughly chopped
- 2 cups flour
- 1 cup sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- 2 tsp baking soda
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup melted butter
- ½ cup oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- ½ cup applesauce
Instructions for Making Carrot Cake with Pineapple and Coconut
- Prepare the Carrots and Coconut: Peel and grate your carrots to avoid any color changes during baking. Toast the shredded coconut in an oven preheated to 400°F (200°C) for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. Let it cool.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and baking soda. Set aside.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, melted butter, oil, and vanilla extract.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the texture of your carrot cake with pineapple and coconut.
- Add Fillings: Fold in the grated carrots, toasted coconut, crushed pineapple, applesauce, and chopped pecans. These additions make the carrot cake with pineapple and coconut incredibly moist and flavorful.
- Bake: Divide the batter evenly into three 8-inch cake pans or two pans for thicker layers. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool before frosting.
Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting
This rich brown butter cream cheese frosting complements the carrot cake with pineapple and coconut perfectly.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound of butter (browned, plus additional if needed)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp orange extract (optional)
- A pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Brown the Butter: Brown one pound of butter in a saucepan. Once browned, let it cool and solidify.
- Cream Butter and Cream Cheese: In a mixing bowl, cream the browned butter and softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing slowly to avoid a mess. Add vanilla, orange extract, and salt, then mix until smooth. Be careful not to overwhip, as this can cause the frosting to break.
Frosting and Decorating the Carrot Cake
- Frost the Cake Layers: Start by placing one layer of your carrot cake with pineapple and coconut on a cake plate. Spread a generous amount of frosting over it. Repeat for the remaining layers.
- Crumb Coat: Apply a thin layer of frosting around the entire cake to lock in the crumbs, then chill the cake for 10-15 minutes.
- Final Frosting and Rustic Decoration: Apply a thicker coat of frosting, smoothing it out for a rustic look. Use a bench scraper or spatula to create a rustic wave texture.
- Decorate with Carrots and Leaves: To add a fun touch, pipe small buttercream carrots on top of the cake using orange and green frosting.
- Add Coconut and Pecans: Press toasted coconut and pecans onto the sides of the cake for added texture and flavor.
Tips for the Best Carrot Cake with Pineapple and Coconut
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh carrots, high-quality pineapple, and coconut enhance the flavor of this carrot cake with pineapple and coconut.
- Avoid Overmixing: To keep the cake tender, mix the batter just until ingredients are combined.
- Chill the Cake Before Serving: Chilling the frosted cake for a bit before serving helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
Enjoy this decadent carrot cake with pineapple and coconut! It’s perfect for family gatherings, special occasions, or simply when you crave a slice of moist, flavorful cake.
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