Delicious and Moist Carrot Apple Pineapple Cake Recipe
Carrot cake has long been a staple dessert in many households, but have you ever tried carrot apple pineapple cake? This recipe is a fun twist on the classic, combining the sweetness of apples and pineapples with the earthy flavors of carrots to create a delicious and moist cake that’s perfect for any occasion.
As a baker, I’m always looking for new ways to innovate classic recipes, and this one truly takes the cake (pun intended!). The texture of this cake is what makes it so special – it’s unbelievably moist thanks to the addition of pineapple juice, and the crunch from pecans provides the perfect contrasting bite.
Not only is this cake incredibly tasty, but it’s also a healthier option than your typical dessert. By using canola oil instead of butter and honey instead of white sugar, you’re cutting down on saturated fat and added sugars without sacrificing flavor. Plus, the addition of fruit makes this recipe chock full of vitamins and minerals.
Trust me when I say that this carrot apple pineapple cake will be a crowd-pleaser at any event or gathering. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or as a birthday cake, one bite of this sweet and tangy treat will have everyone coming back for more. So let’s get started on this delicious journey together!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I’m going to tell you all about why you’re going to fall in love with this Carrot Apple Pineapple Cake recipe. I promise you won’t be able to resist its tasty, moist crumb and sweet pineapple flavor that will make your taste buds dance.
This cake has everything you could want in a dessert: it’s soft, fluffy, and full of texture with juicy chunks of apples and pineapples mixed throughout. The combination of these flavors is perfect for anyone who loves the sweetness of carrot cake paired with the tartness of fruit.
And you know what else? This recipe is versatile and can easily be adjusted to suit your preferences. You can customize it by adding other ingredients like pecans or cinnamon to bring it to the next level. Plus, if you’re a fan of cream cheese frosting (who isn’t?), then you’ll be excited to know that this cake pairs perfectly with it.
Not only is this cake delicious, but it’s a healthier option compared to other cakes out there. With ingredients such as applesauce, honey, and canola oil, you’ll feel better knowing that what you’re eating is good for you.
In short, this Carrot Apple Pineapple Cake recipe is a must-try for any dessert lover out there who wants to indulge in something sweet without feeling guilty afterward. Once you taste it, I’m sure it will become one of your go-to recipes when you want something special.
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you will need to make this delicious carrot apple pineapple cake recipe:
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Wet Ingredients:
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup canola oil
- 1 cup honey
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Fruits and Vegetables:
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and shredded (about 2 cups)
- 1 medium apple, peeled and shredded (about 1 cup)
- 1 can (8 oz) crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 ripe banana, mashed (optional)
Others:
- 1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Note that if you don’t have honey, you can use molasses or maple syrup as a substitute. Moreover, if you want to cut down on the sweetness, you can use unsweetened applesauce.
The Recipe How-To
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Before we get baking, we need to ensure that the oven is ready. I like to preheat my oven to 350°F.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
Firstly, combine the dry ingredients (2 cups of flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg) in a medium-sized bowl.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
Next, mix together the wet ingredients (3 eggs, 1 cup of canola oil, 1 cup of honey, and 1 tablespoon of vanilla) on medium speed using a stand mixer or hand mixer.
Step 4: Add Sweetness and Moisture
To add some sweetness and moisture to the cake, peel and shred two large carrots and one large apple. Add the shredded carrot and apple mixture into the wet ingredients in a medium-sized bowl. Use a spatula or spoon to mix everything together evenly until just combined.
Step 5: Mix in Pulp and Crushed Pineapple
Now it’s time to mix in the pulps! Add in two cups of crushed pineapple pulp and one banana pulp. Give it all a good mix with a spatula or spoon until well combined.
Step 6: Fold in Nuts and Coconut Shreds
Add in half a cup each of chopped pecans and coconut shreds, folding them into the cake mixture.
Step 7: Prepare Baking Dish
Prepare an 9×13 inch rectangular baking dish by spraying it with non-stick cooking spray.
Step 8: Pour and Bake
Pour your carrot apple pineapple cake batter into your prepared baking dish. Smooth out the top with a spatula or spoon.
Bake for about 45-50 minutes, or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean. Your kitchen will be filled with mouth-watering aroma while it bakes!
Once done, remove from oven and let cool on a wire rack for at least 10-15 minutes before cutting into slices.
Tip: To add more creativity to your masterpiece try decorating your cake with cream cheese frosting or your other favorite toppings.
Substitutions and Variations
Variety is the spice of life, and this carrot apple pineapple cake recipe can be tweaked to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Here are some substitutions and variations that you can try.
– Flour: If you’re gluten-sensitive, replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative or almond flour. However, keep in mind that the texture and consistency of the cake will change.
– Oil: I use canola oil in this recipe because it has a neutral taste and keeps the cake moist. However, you can substitute it with any vegetable oil or butter.
– Sweetener: Instead of honey, feel free to use maple syrup, agave nectar, or brown sugar as an alternative sweetener. Adjust the amount according to your desired level of sweetness.
– Fruit: This recipe calls for carrots, apples, and pineapples, but you can experiment with other fruits such as bananas, pears, or peaches. Use pulp from two cups of your fruit of choice in place of one cup each of the apples and pineapples to keep the texture similar.
– Nuts: If you’re allergic to pecans, substitute it for walnuts or hazelnuts. Alternatively, omit nuts completely for a nut-free cake.
– Coconut: This recipe also includes coconut flakes for added flavor and nutrition. If you’re not a fan of coconut, just leave it out.
– Spices: I love using cinnamon and nutmeg in this recipe because they add warmth and depth to the flavors. However, if you don’t have these spices on hand or prefer a different combination, feel free to experiment.
Remember that substitutions may change the texture or taste of the cake slightly, so be prepared to experiment a bit before perfecting your variation.
Serving and Pairing
Alright, now that your cake is finally ready and out of the oven, it’s time to think about serving and pairing. First things first, you should allow your cake to cool for a bit before digging in. I know it’s tempting, but trust me, you’ll thank yourself later. However, once the time comes to slice into this masterpiece, there are a few ways you can serve it up.
One option is to dust the top with some powdered sugar or adorn it with some fresh edible flowers, such as pansies or violets. This will add a touch of sophistication and springtime cheer to your cake. You could also drizzle on some honey or cream cheese frosting for added sweetness and indulgence.
When it comes to pairing your Carrot Apple Pineapple Cake, there are quite a few options. A nice cup of coffee would make for a lovely accompaniment to this flavorful cake. The bitterness of the coffee would cut through the sweetness of the cake, creating a well-rounded dessert experience.
If you’re looking for something more refreshing to wash down your treat, try pairing it with a glass of freshly squeezed pineapple juice or a fruity cocktail. The tropical flavors in both the juice and cocktail would complement the pineapple and coconut in the cake.
All in all, serving and pairing your Carrot Apple Pineapple Cake is all about personal preference. Whether you go for something simple like dusting with powdered sugar or opt for something more lavish like cream cheese frosting, as long as you savor every bite with delight, you really can’t go wrong.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
As a professional baker, I know the importance of proper storing and reheating techniques to maintain the quality and flavor of your baked goods. Luckily, this Carrot Apple Pineapple Cake Recipe is extremely easy to make-ahead, store, and reheat.
If you want to make things easier for yourself, you can prepare the cake batter earlier than needed and store it in the refrigerator. You can keep it up to two days in the fridge. Alternatively, you can bake this cake ahead of time and let it cool down at room temperature before storing it in an airtight container. You can keep it for up to three days when stored properly.
If you have leftovers that you would like to reheat, simply place a slice of cake on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp microwave-safe paper towel or cloth and warm it up at high temperature. You can also reheat it in the oven by putting individual slices on an ovenproof dish and covering them with foil. Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes or until heated through.
One super important tip to take into consideration when storing this Carrot Apple Pineapple Cake is not to put any frosting on top before refrigerating or freezing. Instead, wait until just before serving. Another excellent idea is to add some crushed pecans on top of the cheese frosting at serving time to give it that extra crunchiness and delicious texture.
By following these simple tips, you can be sure that your Carrot Apple Pineapple Cake will always taste fresh and delicious even when reheated!
Tips for Perfect Results
Baking can be tricky sometimes, but with the right tips and tricks, achieving a delicious and perfect Carrot Apple Pineapple Cake is definitely possible. Here are some tips to help you get the best results every time.
Firstly, make sure to use room temperature eggs. When eggs are at room temperature, they mix more easily with the rest of the ingredients, creating a smoother batter. It also helps the cake rise higher in the oven, leading to a more fluffy and light texture.
Secondly, don’t overmix your batter. Overmixing can cause gluten to form in the flour, making your cake tough instead of tender. Mix the ingredients just enough to combine them thoroughly.
Thirdly, use quality vanilla extract in your recipe. Vanilla adds a great depth of flavor to baked goods and is especially important in a cake like this where it is the star ingredient. Don’t skimp on this ingredient!
Fourthly, if you want to add some crunch to your cake, try adding some pecans into the batter or sprinkling them on top before baking. Pecans not only add a nice texture but also enhance the nutty flavor in your cake.
Fifthly, if you want a healthier version of this cake recipe, you can substitute canola oil for coconut oil and honey for sugar. The coconut oil adds a subtle tropical flavor while honey gives natural sweetness that’s less processed than white sugar.
Lastly, don’t forget about cream cheese frosting! A good frosting can truly take your cake from good to amazing. You can adjust the sweetness level by adding less or more powdered sugar depending on your preference. Additionally, try grating some fresh nutmeg over the frosting just before serving — it’s an optional step but really elevates the flavor profile.
By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to perfection when baking this Carrot Apple Pineapple Cake recipe!
FAQ
As you embark on making this delicious Carrot Apple Pineapple Cake, you may encounter some questions or concerns along the way. Here in the FAQ section, we address some of the most common queries and doubts so that you can approach the recipe with confidence and ease. So, let’s dive into some helpful answers that will make sure your baking journey goes as smoothly as possible.
Why is my carrot cake not fluffy?
When making a cake, I suggest making some tweaks to the usual ingredients to achieve a lighter texture. Instead of using all oil, using a combination of butter and oil could make a noticeable difference. Additionally, swapping out brown sugar for a combination of white and brown sugar or exclusively using white sugar can also lead to a lighter end result. When combining the butter and sugar, aim for a light and fluffy consistency, just like frosting. Keeping these adjustments in mind will allow you to make a cake that is lighter in texture.
Is carrot cake supposed to have raisins?
The addition of raisins in a carrot cake tends to spark some disagreement amongst bakers, as some may enjoy the chewy texture they provide while others may not. Chopped walnuts are also a point of contention and their addition ultimately depends on your personal preference. However, it’s recommended to toast them beforehand to enhance their flavor.
Why do they put carrots in carrot cake?
Adding carrots to cake batter is a delicious way to enhance both sweetness and moistness, with a history dating back centuries. However, it was during World War II when sugar was being rationed that the modern version of carrot cake emerged, as carrots were suggested as a substitute ingredient to add sweetness to cakes. This unconventional ingredient quickly became popular due to its unique flavor profile and ability to improve the texture of cakes.
Does Ina Garten have a carrot cake recipe?
For this recipe, we’ll need to allocate a good amount of time since it involves a few steps. Firstly, we’ll have to prepare two circular baking pans by greasing them, lining them with parchment paper, then greasing and flouring them. Once that’s done, we can proceed to the mixing stage where we’ll be beating together a combination of eggs, vegetable oil, and sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer. Finally, we’ll stir in some vanilla extract to wrap up this phase of the recipe.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this Carrot Apple Pineapple Cake recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves carrot cake, pineapple cake or apple cake! Combining these three flavors makes for a truly unique and delicious dessert that everyone will love. With a moist crumb, plenty of texture from the pecans and coconut, and just the right amount of sweetness, this cake is sure to satisfy your cravings.
Whether you’re looking to impress your guests at a special occasion or simply want to indulge in a satisfying treat, this recipe is perfect for you. Not to mention that it’s incredibly easy to make and can be customized with different variations and substitutions.
So what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and get started on making this scrumptious Carrot Apple Pineapple Cake. With its delectable taste and countless possibilities for variation, this recipe is sure to become one of your go-to desserts for any occasion.
Carrot Apple Pineapple Cake Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups carrots, pulp
- 1/2 cup pineapple, pulp
- 1/2 cup apple, pulp
- 1 cup coconut
- 3 cups flour
- 1 tablespoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 cup honey
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup canola oil
- 1 tablespoon vanilla
- 1 1/2 cups pecans
Instructions
- Carrot, pineapple and apple pulp can be made by pulsing in a food processor.
- Add honey, oil and vanilla. Mix well.
- Sift dry ingredients together and then add until just blended.
- Fold in coconut and pecans.
- Pour into a greased and floured 9x13 pan.
- Bake at 350°F for 50-60 minutes.
- To make muffins: Fill muffin pans 3/4 full and bake at 350°F for 40-45 minutes.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Steven is a chef by heritage, so it’s no wonder why baking is such a big part of who he is. To share his passion for all things sweet, he created cookiesncrepes.com. It’s the perfect platform to indulge in delicious treats, all with a sprinkle of his signature flare.