The Ultimate Moist Carrot Cake Recipe with Pineapple for You!

If you believe that a carrot cake should be incredibly moist, packed with texture, and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, then you have found your perfect recipe.

Now, we’re making a carrot cake that is guaranteed to be a showstopper. It’s a classic dessert that is humble in its ingredients but truly spectacular in its final form.

The secret to this cake’s unbelievably moist and tender crumb is the addition of crushed pineapple. The fruit not only adds a wonderful, subtle sweetness and a hint of tropical tang, but its juices ensure the cake stays moist for days.

We’ll also be loading it up with fragrant spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, sweet shredded carrots, and the delightful crunch of toasted pecans. It’s a cake that has something wonderful happening in every single bite.

This is a straightforward, no-fuss recipe that yields a bakery-quality cake. Let’s get our bowls out and bake something truly special.

Quick Recipe Snapshot

Here’s a quick look at the timeline for this incredibly moist and flavorful cake.

Ingredients

This cake uses simple, wholesome ingredients to create its signature moist texture and spiced flavor.

For the Carrot Cake:

• All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups.
• Granulated Sugar: 1 cup, packed.
• Brown Sugar: 1 cup, packed.
• Baking Soda: 2 tsp.
• Baking Powder: 1 tsp.
• Salt: 1 tsp.
• Ground Cinnamon: 2 tsp.
• Ground Nutmeg & Ginger: ½ tsp each.
• Large Eggs: 4.
• Vegetable Oil: 1 cup.
• Vanilla Extract: 2 tsp.
• Shredded Carrots: 3 cups, finely shredded (from about 4-5 large carrots).
• Crushed Pineapple: 1 (8 oz) can, drained well.
• Toasted Pecans or Walnuts: 1 cup, chopped.

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• Cream Cheese: 8 oz (1 block), softened to room temperature.
• Unsalted Butter: ½ cup (1 stick), softened to room temperature.
• Powdered Sugar: 4 cups, sifted.
• Vanilla Extract: 1 tsp.
• Heavy Cream or Milk: 1-2 tbsp (optional, for consistency).

The Flavor Architects A Look at the Ingredients

• Crushed Pineapple: This is the secret weapon for moisture. The fruit itself adds a tender texture and a subtle tropical sweetness, while its natural juices ensure the cake never dries out.
• Oil, not Butter: Using a liquid fat like vegetable oil (instead of solid butter) is a key technique for creating a cake with a super moist and tender crumb that stays soft even when refrigerated.
• Brown Sugar: This adds more than just sweetness; it contributes a slight molasses flavor and extra moisture, which helps to create a denser, softer cake texture.
• Cinnamon, Nutmeg, & Ginger: This trio of warm spices provides the classic, aromatic, and cozy flavor profile that is the hallmark of a great carrot cake.
• Cream Cheese Frosting: The essential partner to carrot cake, its rich, tangy flavor provides the perfect contrast to the sweet, spiced cake.

Essential Tools

This is a classic baking project that uses standard kitchen equipment.

• 9×13 inch baking pan
• Large and medium mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Spatula
• Box grater or food processor for carrots
• Electric mixer (stand or hand mixer) for the frosting

Cooking Instructions

This easy, “stir-together” cake batter comes together in just a few simple steps, making it a perfect recipe for bakers of all levels.

Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Dry Ingredients

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your 9×13 inch baking pan, or line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to easily lift the cake out later.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all of the dry ingredients: the all-purpose flour, both granulated and brown sugars, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.

Whisking them together first ensures that the leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients and Make the Batter

In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients. Lightly beat the eggs, then whisk in the vegetable oil and vanilla extract until they are well combined.

Pour this wet mixture directly into the large bowl containing the dry ingredients. Use a spatula to gently fold everything together until it is just combined.

Be careful not to overmix; a few streaks of flour are perfectly fine at this stage.

Step 3: Fold in the Stars and Bake

Now it’s time for the signature ingredients. Add the finely shredded carrots, the well-drained crushed pineapple, and the toasted pecans to the batter.

Gently fold them in with your spatula until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. Pour the finished batter into your prepared 9×13 inch pan and use the spatula to spread it into a smooth, even layer.

Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.

Step 4: Cool the Cake and Make the Frosting

Let the baked cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. It is very important that the cake is at room temperature before you attempt to frost it, or the frosting will melt into a greasy mess.

While the cake cools, make the cream cheese frosting. In the bowl of your stand mixer, or using a hand mixer, beat the softened cream cheese and softened butter together on medium-high speed until they are completely smooth and creamy. Reduce the speed to low and gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, mixing until it is just incorporated.

Add the vanilla, then increase the speed to high and beat for 2-3 minutes until the frosting is light and fluffy. If it seems too stiff, you can add a tablespoon of heavy cream or milk to reach a spreadable consistency. Once the cake is completely cool, spread the frosting evenly over the top.

Recipe Variations

This classic cake is a wonderful base for your own favorite additions.

• Add Raisins: For a classic touch, fold in ½ cup of raisins (you can soak them in hot water for 10 minutes first to make them extra plump) along with the carrots and pineapple.
• Coconut Lover’s Version: Add ¾ cup of sweetened shredded coconut to the batter for another layer of sweetness and chewy texture.
• Layer Cake: This recipe can be baked in two 9-inch round cake pans. Reduce the baking time to 25-30 minutes. Let the layers cool completely before frosting the top and sides.

Serving Suggestions

A slice of this decadent cake is a perfect dessert on its own.

• Extra Nuts: Garnish the top of the frosted cake with a sprinkle of extra chopped toasted pecans or walnuts for a beautiful look and an extra crunch.
• A Simple Slice: This cake is so moist and flavorful that it needs nothing more than a fork and a plate.
• With Coffee or Tea: It’s the perfect accompaniment to a hot cup of coffee or tea for an afternoon treat.

Storage & Reheating Tips

Because of the cream cheese frosting, this cake must be stored in the refrigerator.

• Storage: Store the frosted cake, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The oil-based cake will stay wonderfully moist even when chilled.
• Reheating: This cake is meant to be eaten chilled or at room temperature. Do not reheat it. For the best flavor and texture, you can let a slice sit out on the counter for about 20-30 minutes before serving to take the chill off.

Common Mistakes & Fixes

FAQs

Do I have to use pineapple?

The pineapple is a key ingredient for the signature moisture and subtle sweetness in this specific recipe.

If you absolutely must omit it, you can substitute it with an equal amount of unsweetened applesauce to help maintain the cake’s moistness.

Can I use pre-shredded carrots from the store?

For the best results, it is highly recommended to shred your own carrots.

The pre-shredded carrots sold in bags are often very thick and dry, and they don’t incorporate into the batter as nicely or provide the same level of moisture as freshly shredded carrots.

Why does my cream cheese frosting taste grainy?

This happens if you don’t sift your powdered sugar. Powdered sugar contains cornstarch and can form hard clumps.

Sifting it before you add it to the butter and cream cheese is the secret to a perfectly smooth, silky frosting.

Enjoy a Slice of Heaven!

You are now ready to bake a carrot cake recipe with pineapple that is unbelievably moist, flavorful, and sure to become a family favorite.

It’s the perfect cake for any celebration, from Easter to a simple Tuesday. I hope you enjoy every single spiced, sweet, and creamy bite!