Quick & Delightful Ina Garten Carrot Pineapple Cake Recipe

Carrot pineapple cake combines unexpected flavors that dance beautifully on your palate.

Sweet root vegetables mingle with tropical fruit in a delightful dessert that challenges traditional baking expectations.

Each slice promises a symphony of textures and tastes that surprise and comfort simultaneously.

The cake magical transformation happens through careful mixing and precise ingredient balance.

Moisture becomes the secret weapon, creating a tender crumb that melts softly with each bite.

Rich and decadent, this dessert breaks through ordinary cake boundaries with its complex yet harmonious profile.

Sophisticated yet approachable, it represents culinary creativity at its finest: Come taste the deliciousness.

How to Make Ina Garten’s Carrot Pineapple Cake

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to 350°F. Grab two 8-inch round cake pans and give them a good grease. Line with parchment paper, then grease and dust with flour to keep the cake from sticking.

Step 2: Whip Up Wet Ingredients

• Sugar
• 1 vegetable oil
• 3 large eggs

Blend until the mixture turns a light yellow. Splash in vanilla extract and mix thoroughly.

Step 3: Sift Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Cinnamon
• Baking soda
• 1 salt

Make sure everything is well mixed and lump-free.

Step 4: Marry the Mixtures

Gently blend the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir until you create a smooth, consistent cake batter.

Step 5: Prepare Add-Ins

• Raisins
• Chopped walnuts

Toss these in flour to keep them evenly distributed.

Step 6: Fold in Fruits and Veggies

• Grated carrots
• Diced fresh pineapple

Ensure everything is evenly distributed for maximum flavor.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Pour batter into prepared pans. Slide into the oven and bake for 55-60 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean. Let cakes cool completely.

Step 8: Whip Up Creamy Frosting

• Cream cheese
• Unsalted butter
• Vanilla extract

Gradually mix in confectioners’ sugar until silky smooth.

Step 9: Assemble and Decorate

Place first cake layer on serving plate. Spread frosting on top. Add second layer and frost entire cake. Garnish with diced fresh pineapple for a stunning finish.

Pro Tips for Ina Garten’s Carrot Pineapple Cake

• Crush Walnuts Perfectly: Break walnuts into smaller, uneven pieces by hand instead of chopping with a knife to create rustic, textural chunks that add interesting bite to each cake slice.
• Control Pineapple Moisture: Press diced pineapple between paper towels to remove excess liquid, preventing soggy cake layers and ensuring a perfectly balanced crumb texture.
• Shred Carrots Strategically: Use the fine side of a box grater for ultra-thin carrot strands that melt seamlessly into the cake batter, distributing sweetness and moisture evenly.
• Select Spice Quality: Opt for whole spices like cinnamon sticks and nutmeg nuts, grinding them moments before mixing to capture maximum aromatic intensity and deep flavor profiles.
• Check Cake Doneness Smartly: Insert a wooden skewer near the center and look for minimal moist crumbs – not wet batter – which indicates the cake is perfectly baked and ready to cool.

How to Store Ina Garten’s Carrot Pineapple Cake

• Freezer Storage: Slice the cake into individual portions before freezing. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen cake maintains its delightful texture for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for a perfect, fresh-tasting treat.
• Refrigerator Preservation: Keep the entire cake or remaining slices in an airtight container to lock in moisture. Freshness is guaranteed for 5 days when stored properly in the refrigerator. Seal tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out and preserve the cake's delectable flavor.
• Room Temperature Caution: Avoid leaving the cake out for extended periods. Cream cheese frosting requires careful temperature control to prevent spoilage. Consume within 2 hours if left at room temperature, or refrigerate immediately to maintain its delicious quality.

Creative Variations on Ina Garten’s Carrot Pineapple Cake

• Tropical Carrot Dream: Replace walnuts with macadamia nuts and add shredded coconut to the batter for a Hawaiian-inspired tropical version of the classic cake.
• Spiced Autumn Remix: Incorporate ground nutmeg and ginger alongside cinnamon, and swap fresh pineapple with dried cranberries for a warm, seasonal variation that highlights fall flavors.
• Cream Cheese Orange Zinger: Enhance the frosting by adding orange zest and a splash of orange liqueur, and mix orange marmalade into the cake batter for a citrusy kick that brightens the traditional recipe.
• Nutty Chocolate Fusion: Fold in dark chocolate chips and replace half the walnuts with pecans, then sprinkle cocoa powder into the dry ingredients for a rich, chocolatey transformation of the original carrot cake.

Ina Garten’s Carrot Pineapple Cake: A Sweet, Moist Masterpiece

Carrot pineapple cake whispers nostalgia through each delectable slice, blending classic comfort with gourmet sophistication.

Ina Garten’s masterful recipe transforms humble ingredients into an extraordinary dessert experience.

Sweet carrots and tangy pineapple create complex flavor profiles that dance across taste buds.

Cream cheese frosting adds luxurious smoothness, elevating this classic cake beyond ordinary expectations.

Home bakers can confidently craft this stunning dessert with simple techniques and premium ingredients.

Beyond mere recipe, this cake tells delicious stories of family gatherings, celebration, and culinary passion – a slice of pure joy waiting to be shared with cherished companions.

You’ll want to savor each moment, snap mouthwatering photos, and spread delectable delight by liking, commenting, and sharing this irresistible creation with fellow dessert enthusiasts.

Why Ina Garten’s Carrot Pineapple Cake is the Ultimate Moist Dessert

• Burst of Tropical Sweetness: Combines classic carrot cake with unexpected pineapple, creating a delightful flavor explosion that dances between earthy and bright taste profiles.
• Texture Paradise: Delivers a perfect balance of moistness from carrots and pineapple, crunch from walnuts, and silky smoothness from cream cheese frosting, providing a multi-dimensional eating experience.
• Quick Homemade Comfort: Requires just over an hour to prepare, making it an accessible gourmet dessert that feels like a warm hug from your favorite baker, perfect for weekend gatherings or special celebrations.

What You Need for Ina Garten’s Carrot Pineapple Cake

• Sugar: Sweet foundation for the cake, provides moisture and caramelization.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures cake remains moist and tender, creates soft texture.
• Eggs: Binding agent that adds structure and richness to the cake.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor with warm, sweet complexity.

• All-Purpose Flour: Primary structural component of the cake, creates cake's basic texture.
• Cinnamon: Warm spice that adds depth and complementary flavor to carrots.
• Baking Soda: Leavening agent that helps cake rise and become light.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor profile.

• Raisins, Walnuts: Added texture and nutty, sweet elements to the cake, best when fresh and high-quality.
• Carrots, Fresh Pineapple: Primary moisture sources that add natural sweetness and unique texture to the cake.

• Cream Cheese, Unsalted Butter: Creamy base for frosting, providing rich and smooth consistency.
• Confectioners' Sugar: Sweetens and thickens frosting, creates smooth spreadable texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds subtle flavor complexity to the frosting.

Ina Garten Carrot Pineapple Cake Recipe

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4.8 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s carrot pineapple cake blends tropical sweetness with comforting spices for an irresistible dessert. Rich cream cheese frosting crowns this classic American treat, inviting friends and family to savor each delectable slice.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound carrots, grated
• 1 cup raisins
• 1 cup walnuts, chopped
• ½ cup fresh pineapple, diced

Baking Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (for coating)
• 2 cups sugar
• 1 ⅓ cups vegetable oil
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Frosting Ingredients:

• ¾ pound cream cheese, room temperature
• ½ pound unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 pound confectioners’ sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup fresh pineapple, diced

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and meticulously prepare two 8-inch (20 cm) round cake pans by generously greasing them, lining with parchment paper, then re-greasing and dusting with flour to prevent sticking.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly combine granulated sugar, vegetable oil, and eggs until the mixture transforms into a pale, creamy consistency. Incorporate vanilla extract, blending until completely integrated.
3. In a separate bowl, carefully sift all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, baking soda, and salt, ensuring a uniform mixture with no lumps present.
4. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring methodically to create a smooth, well-combined cake batter.
5. Coat raisins and chopped walnuts with a light dusting of flour, which prevents them from sinking to the bottom of the cake during baking.
6. Gently fold grated carrots and diced fresh pineapple into the batter, distributing them evenly to guarantee consistent flavor and texture throughout the cake.
7. Divide the batter precisely between the prepared cake pans, spreading it evenly. Bake for 55-60 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean and dry.
8. Remove cakes from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack, which prevents soggy bottoms and ensures optimal texture.
9. For the frosting, whip cream cheese, unsalted butter, and vanilla extract until silky smooth. Gradually introduce confectioners’ sugar, mixing until the frosting reaches a perfect, spreadable consistency.
10. Position the first cake layer on a serving plate, applying a generous layer of frosting on top. Carefully place the second layer and frost the entire cake, creating a smooth, even coating.
11. Garnish the cake’s top with freshly diced pineapple, adding a vibrant and appetizing final touch to your carrot cake masterpiece.

Notes

• Elevate your baking game with this tropical twist on classic carrot cake, blending comfort and exotic flavors.
• Flour-coated nuts and raisins prevent sinking, ensuring every bite is packed with delightful texture and taste.
• Finely grated carrots melt into the batter, creating a naturally moist and tender cake experience.
• Sifting dry ingredients guarantees a silky-smooth batter without annoying lumps or uneven mixing.
• Completely cool cakes before frosting to achieve that picture-perfect, professional decorating finish.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 620
• Sugar: 55 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 45 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 30 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 60 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg