How to make an Irresistible Carrot Cake with Pineapple and Cream Cheese Icing

Ring-shaped carrot cake topped with cream cheese frosting and decorated with mini carrots, with floral china tea set and a small vase of garden flowers.

If you’re searching for the ultimate carrot cake recipe with pineapple and cream cheese icing, you have found the right one. Achieving a perfectly moist carrot cake starts with the infusion of natural pineapple sweetness and the delightful crunch of pecan nuts. Additionally, this cake is topped with a velvety cream cheese icing, making it ideal for any celebration or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth. Follow this step-by-step guide to bake this delicious cake and enjoy every bite.

Why you will love the Carrot Cake with pineapple and cream cheese icing

Super moist and flavourful: This carrot cake combines grated carrots, crushed pineapple, and vegetable oil. The result is always moist and delicious. Plus, chopped pecan nuts add a delightful crunch that perfectly complements the cake’s soft texture.

Easy to make: The simple instructions and readily available ingredients make this carrot cake perfect for both novice and experienced bakers. For a beautiful presentation, decorate with nuts or carrot toppers. Your guests will be impressed by the stunning finish.

Guaranteed to be a hit: The moist texture, rich flavour, and creamy icing make this carrot cake an irresistible treat. Whether you bake it for a party, a special occasion, or just because, this carrot cake will quickly become a favourite.

Ring-shaped carrot cake topped with cream cheese frosting and decorated with mini carrots, with floral china tea set and a small vase of garden flowers.

Carrot Cake with Pineapple and Cream Cheese Icing

Carrot cake is a sweet and moist cake, full of grated carrots and crunchy nuts, covered in cream cheese icing 
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Course Dessert
Servings 12 people

Ingredients
  

  • 240 g / 2 cups / 8.5 oz flour
  • 400 g / 2 cups / 14 oz sugar
  • 260 g / 2 cups / 9 oz grated carrots
  • 355 ml / 1½ cups / 12 fl oz vegetable oil
  • 60 g / ½ cup / 60g / 2oz chopped pecan nuts
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • tsp bicarbonate of soda
  • 4 large eggs
  • 432 g net / 1 can / 15.2 oz crushed pineapple in syrup 

Ingredients for icing

  • 75 g / 2.6 oz room temperature butter 
  • 150 g / 5.3 oz cream cheese
  • 350 g / 350g / 12.3 oz icing sugar
  • Pecan nuts and carrots to decorate

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 180°C (356°F).
  • Generously grease a large bundt pan and a small bundt pan using non-stick spray. This recipe yields a bit more batter than a single large cake tin can handle, so you'll also get a small cake – perfect for gifting or sampling.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine all the cake ingredients.
    Combine all the Carrot Cake Ingredients
  • Mix until well combined.
    Mix until well combined - Carrot Cake
  • Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pans. The large bundt pan size is 25cm/10inches.
    Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pans
  • Bake the small cake for approximately 25 minutes and the large cake for approximately 1 hour. Check for doneness with a cake tester – it should come out clean, and the cake should be a rich dark brown.
  • Allow to cool completely before icing.

Cream cheese Icing

  • Using a Kitchen Aid stand or hand mixer, beat the butter for 5 minutes until light and fluffy. Place a clean kitchen towel over the stand mixer to prevent a mess.
    Stand mixer covered with a white kitchen towel on a brown countertop
  • Add the cream cheese and beat for another 5 minutes until fully incorporated.
  • Gradually add the icing sugar and continue to beat for an additional 5 minutes until smooth and creamy. 
  • Ice the cooled cake and decorate with nuts and carrots.

Notes

Variations
  • Nut free version : Omit the pecan nuts for a nut-free cake that’s just as delicious.
 
Keyword Cake, Carrot Cake, Cream Cheese Icing

Setting the Table

For a truly special touch, set the table with the beautiful Villeroy & Boch tea set. Additionally, add a chocolate surprise for your guests. It always delights and makes your gathering even more memorable.

Showcasing Creative Variations: Carrot Cakes with Pineapple and Cream Cheese Icing

Decorated with Bunting Toppers

Using the same delectable carrot cake with pineapple recipe, I baked two delightful cakes in 20cm round tins. Both cakes are beautifully adorned with charming bunting toppers, adding a festive touch to this classic dessert.

Mini Cakes decorated with Bunny Bait Cookies

These adorable mini carrot cakes are packed with flavour and finished off with a playful touch—a carrot-shaped cookie on top, lovingly known as Bunny Bait.

Easter Baking Ideas | Carrot Cake, Chocolate Cake, Scones & More!

Frequently asked Questions

Where to buy authentic South African ingredients?

Check out my guide on Where to Buy South African Products to find everything you need for your next bake!

I would love to hear from you

What’s your favourite way to decorate a carrot cake? Share your tips and variations in the comments below. If you have any questions about the recipe, feel free to ask – I’m here to help.

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