The Best Barefoot Contessa Carrot And Pineapple Cake Recipe Ever

Carrot and pineapple cake represents pure dessert magic that transforms humble ingredients into something extraordinary.

Bakers passionate about creating memorable sweets will adore this delightful combination of natural flavors.

Sweet carrots and tangy pineapple merge wonderfully in a recipe that feels both comforting and surprising.

The cake’s texture promises a tender crumb with unexpected depth and complexity.

Nuts and dried fruit add delightful bursts of contrasting richness throughout each slice.

Cream cheese frosting elevates the entire dessert, bringing creamy sophistication to every bite.

Home cooks seeking a crowd-pleasing treat will fall in love with this remarkable creation: prepare to become everyone’s favorite baker.

Smart Storage for Carrot and Pineapple Cake

• Seal Tightly: Lock in freshness by wrapping cake slices individually in plastic wrap before placing in an airtight container. This method prevents moisture loss and keeps cake edges from drying out, maintaining that just-baked softness and flavor intensity.
• Freeze for Future Enjoyment: Carefully layer cake pieces between sheets of parchment paper inside a freezer-safe container. Properly sealed cakes can survive up to 4 months without losing texture or taste, offering a delightful dessert emergency stash for unexpected sweet cravings.
• Refrigeration Strategy: Store cake in the coolest section of your refrigerator, away from strong-smelling foods. Cover with a loose tent of aluminum foil to protect the cream cheese frosting from absorbing other refrigerator odors while preserving its creamy consistency.

Creative Spins on Carrot and Pineapple Cake

• Tropical Fruit Fiesta: Replace walnuts with macadamia nuts and add shredded coconut to enhance the tropical flavor profile of the cake.
• Spiced Autumn Edition: Include ground nutmeg and ginger alongside cinnamon for a warmer, more complex spice blend that complements the carrots perfectly.
• Gluten-Free Garden Cake: Substitute regular flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend, ensuring those with wheat sensitivities can enjoy this delicious dessert.
• Reduced Sugar Wellness Version: Use honey or maple syrup instead of sugar, and incorporate Greek yogurt to reduce overall sweetness while maintaining moisture in the cake.

Closing Reflections on Carrot and Pineapple Cake

Barefoot Contessa’s carrot and pineapple cake delivers an irresistible symphony of flavors that dance across palates.

Sweet pineapple chunks and warm cinnamon weave magic through each delectable slice.

Rich cream cheese frosting blankets layers of moist, nutty goodness with luxurious smoothness.

Nostalgic yet modern, this classic dessert whispers comfort and celebration in equal measure.

Family gatherings and special moments find their perfect companion in this remarkable cake.

Passionate bakers and dessert enthusiasts, share this culinary masterpiece, comment with your experiences, and spread deliciousness across your social networks – because extraordinary recipes deserve extraordinary love.

Fall for Carrot and Pineapple Cake

• Burst with Wholesome Goodness: Packed with nutritious carrots and sweet pineapple, this cake delivers a powerful punch of natural ingredients that make every bite feel like a healthy indulgence.
• Create Incredible Texture Symphony: The combination of soft, moist cake with crunchy walnuts and tender fruit chunks creates a delightful sensory experience that keeps your taste buds dancing with excitement.
• Master Effortless Baking Magic: Even novice bakers can nail this recipe with simple mixing steps and straightforward instructions that guarantee a professional-looking dessert without complicated techniques or expensive equipment.

Core Ingredients for Carrot and Pineapple Cake

• Sugar: Sweet component that helps create tender cake texture and enhances overall flavor.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures moisture and softness in the cake, providing a lighter crumb than butter.
• Eggs: Binding agent that adds structure and richness to the cake batter.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides warm, sweet flavor depth and complements other ingredients.

• All-Purpose Flour: Fundamental structure for the cake, creating a stable and consistent texture.
• Ground Cinnamon: Warm spice that adds depth and complements the sweet cake flavors.
• Bicarbonate of Soda: Leavening agent that helps the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the cake.

• Carrots, Pineapple: Fresh fruits that add natural sweetness, moisture, and texture to the cake.
• Raisins, Walnuts: Provide additional texture, crunch, and nutty flavor to the cake.
• Cream Cheese, Butter: Base for creamy, tangy frosting with rich, smooth consistency.
• Icing Sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes the frosting, creating a smooth spreadable texture.

Step-by-Step for Carrot and Pineapple Cake

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grab two 8-inch round cake pans and coat them with butter, then dust with flour to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Creamy Base

• Sugar
• Vegetable oil
• Eggs

Use an electric mixer and beat until the mixture looks light and airy. Splash in vanilla extract for extra flavor.

Step 3: Blend Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Ground cinnamon
• Baking soda
• Kosher salt

Ensure everything is well combined and lump-free.

Step 4: Unite Wet And Dry Mixtures

Slowly incorporate dry ingredients into wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined – don’t overmix!

Step 5: Fold In Delicious Extras

• Grated carrots
• Diced pineapple
• Chopped walnuts
• Raisins

Dust mix-ins with a tablespoon of flour, then fold into batter carefully.

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Pour batter evenly into prepared pans. Slide into preheated oven and bake for 55-60 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean.

Step 7: Craft Dreamy Frosting

• Cream cheese
• Softened butter
• Vanilla extract

Gradually add powdered sugar until frosting becomes fluffy and spreadable.

Step 8: Layer And Decorate

Place first cake layer on serving plate. Spread thick layer of frosting. Top with second cake layer. Cover entire cake with remaining frosting.

Step 9: Final Flourish

Sprinkle diced pineapple on top. Slice and serve this magnificent dish!

Pro Hints for Carrot and Pineapple Cake

• Maximize Carrot Freshness: Grate carrots just before mixing to capture maximum moisture and natural sweetness, giving your cake a vibrant flavor and tender crumb.
• Prevent Pineapple Soggy Spots: Pat diced pineapple dry with paper towels to remove excess liquid, ensuring your cake stays light and perfectly textured.
• Keep Add-ins Evenly Distributed: Coat raisins and walnuts in a light flour dusting to prevent them from sinking during baking, creating a balanced bite in every slice.
• Create Smooth Cake Release: Use butter and parchment paper to line cake pans, guaranteeing your beautiful layers will emerge intact without sticking or breaking.
• Master Frosting Technique: Let cakes cool completely on wire racks for at least an hour before spreading cream cheese frosting, allowing a smooth, professional-looking finish.

Barefoot Contessa Carrot And Pineapple Cake Recipe

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4.8 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s carrot and pineapple cake brings Southern charm to dessert tables with its moist crumb and cream cheese frosting. Rich spices and tropical sweetness combine in a delightful treat that promises to become a cherished family favorite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 450g (1 pound) carrots, grated
• 150g (5.3 ounces) raisins
• 150g (5.3 ounces) chopped walnuts
• 75g (2.6 ounces) fresh pineapple, diced

Dry Ingredients:

• 320g (11.3 ounces) plain flour
• 1 tablespoon plain flour (for coating)
• 400g (14.1 ounces) granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons bicarbonate of soda
• 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt

Wet Ingredients and Frosting Components:

• 320 milliliters (10.8 fluid ounces) vegetable oil
• 3 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 340g (12 ounces) full-fat cream cheese, at room temperature
• 225g (8 ounces) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 450g (15.9 ounces) icing sugar, sifted
• 75g (2.6 ounces) fresh pineapple, diced

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 180°C (350°F) or Gas Mark 4. Carefully coat two 20-centimeter (8-inch) circular cake pans with butter and line with parchment paper.
2. Create a smooth wet mixture by vigorously whisking granulated sugar, vegetable oil, and eggs using an electric mixer until the texture becomes light and airy. Incorporate vanilla extract thoroughly.
3. Sift together all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, sodium bicarbonate, and table salt in a separate mixing bowl, ensuring no lumps remain.
4. Slowly integrate the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, gently folding until the batter appears uniform without overmixing.
5. Coat raisins and chopped walnuts with one tablespoon of flour to prevent them from settling at the bottom of the cake. Carefully fold these ingredients along with freshly grated carrots and diced pineapple into the batter.
6. Distribute the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 55-60 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a clean skewer into the center – it should emerge without any raw batter clinging to it.
7. Allow cakes to cool completely within the pans, resting on a wire cooling rack to prevent structural damage.
8. Prepare cream cheese frosting by blending room temperature cream cheese, unsalted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar, mixing until the frosting achieves a light, fluffy consistency.
9. Assemble the cake by positioning the first layer on a serving plate with the flat side facing upward. Spread a generous layer of frosting across the surface.
10. Carefully place the second cake layer on top, with the rounded side facing upward. Frost the entire cake, covering the top and sides evenly with the remaining cream cheese frosting.
11. Embellish the cake with additional diced pineapple pieces for visual appeal and serve at room temperature.

Notes

• Grab crisp, freshly grated carrots for the most vibrant flavor and perfect moisture in your cake.
• Thoroughly drain pineapple chunks to prevent a soggy, dense cake texture that could ruin your baking efforts.
• Coat raisins and walnuts lightly with flour before folding into batter to keep them evenly suspended throughout the cake.
• Protect cake pans with a generous butter and parchment paper coating for seamless cake removal and beautiful presentation.
• Wait patiently for cakes to reach room temperature before spreading creamy frosting to ensure a smooth, professional finish.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 573 kcal
• Sugar: 50g
• Sodium: 356mg
• Fat: 34g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Carbohydrates: 64g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 66mg