Ina Garten Pineapple Carrot Cake Recipe

This Ina Garten Pineapple Carrot Cake Recipe is rich, soft and full of flavor.It blends sweet carrots, juicy pineapple and warm spices perfectly.Many people love this cake for family events and holidays.

If you want comfort baking, this recipe is ideal.I will show How to make Ina Garten Pineapple Carrot Cake step by step.

You will also learn the Ingredients for Ina Garten Pineapple Carrot Cake easily.This guide is simple, friendly and beginner safe.

My Experience With This Recipe

I baked this cake on a quiet weekend afternoon.The smell filled my kitchen fast.The pineapple made the cake extra moist.The carrots added great texture and sweetness.

I topped it with cream cheese frosting.My family loved every bite.The cake stayed soft for days.Now, this recipe is a favorite in my home.

Recipe Card info

• Recipe Name: Ina Garten Pineapple Carrot Cake
• Servings: 10
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 60 minutes
• Course: Dessert
• Cuisine: American
• Calories: 420 kcal per serving

Equipment List

• Large mixing bowl
• Medium mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Spatula
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Grater
• 9-inch cake pan
• Oven

Ingredients You Need for Ina Garten Pineapple Carrot Cake

• All-purpose flour – 2 cups
• Baking soda – 2 teaspoons
• Baking powder – 1 teaspoon
• Salt – ½ teaspoon
• Ground cinnamon – 2 teaspoons
• Vegetable oil – 1 cup
• Granulated sugar – 1 cup
• Brown sugar – ½ cup
• Eggs – 3 large
• Vanilla extract – 2 teaspoons
• Grated carrots – 2 cups
• Crushed pineapple – 1 cup, drained
• Chopped walnuts – ½ cup
• Cream cheese – 8 ounces
• Butter – ½ cup, softened
• Powdered sugar – 3 cups

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 350°F. Grease the cake pan lightly. This helps the cake release easily.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients

Add flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt and cinnamon into a bowl. Whisk until well mixed.

3. Mix Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk oil, sugars, eggs and vanilla. Mix until smooth and glossy.

4. Combine Wet and Dry

Slowly add dry ingredients to wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined.

5. Add Carrots and Pineapple

Fold in grated carrots and crushed pineapple carefully. Do not overmix the batter.

6. Add Nuts

Stir in chopped walnuts evenly. This adds crunch and rich flavor.

7. Bake the Cake

Pour batter into the pan. Bake for 40 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.

8. Cool the Cake

Let the cake cool fully before frosting. This prevents frosting from melting.

9. Make the Frosting

Beat cream cheese and butter. Add powdered sugar slowly. Mix until smooth.

10. Frost and Serve

Spread frosting evenly on cooled cake. Slice and enjoy.

Tips to Make the Best Ina Garten Pineapple Carrot Cake

• Always drain pineapple well
• Use fresh carrots for best taste
• Do not overmix the batter
• Let cake cool before frosting
• Use room temperature cream cheese

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using wet pineapple
• Skipping cooling time
• Overbaking the cake
• Using cold frosting ingredients
• Cutting cake too early

Serving Suggestions

Serve this cake chilled or at room temperature. It pairs well with tea or coffee. Add extra nuts or carrot shreds on top. It works great for birthdays and holidays. A scoop of vanilla ice cream tastes amazing too.

Variations You Can Try

• Add raisins for extra sweetness
• Use pecans instead of walnuts
• Add shredded coconut
• Make cupcakes instead of cake
• Use orange zest for citrus flavor

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Store in fridge up to five days
• Cover tightly to keep moist
• Freeze unfrosted cake up to two months
• Thaw overnight in fridge
• Serve chilled or room temperature

Nutrition Information

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	420 kcal
Carbs	45 g
Protein	6 g
Fat	24 g
Fiber	3 g
Sugar	32 g

Health Benefits

Carrots provide vitamin A and fiber. Pineapple helps digestion naturally.
Nuts add healthy fats and protein. Homemade cake avoids preservatives. Moderate portions fit balanced eating.

FAQs about Ina Garten Pineapple Carrot Cake Recipe

Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cake one day earlier. Store it covered in the fridge. Frost before serving.

How do I know when the cake is done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready.

Can I reduce sugar in this recipe?
Yes, reduce sugar slightly. Pineapple and carrots already add natural sweetness.

What frosting works best for this cake?
Cream cheese frosting is perfect. It balances sweetness and adds creamy texture.

Can I make this cake without nuts?
Yes, skip the nuts completely. The cake will still taste soft and rich.

Final Thoughts

This Ina Garten Pineapple Carrot Cake Recipe is simple and rewarding. It tastes moist, rich and comforting every time. The steps are easy for home bakers.

Now you know How to make Ina Garten Pineapple Carrot Cake confidently. Keep the Ingredients for Ina Garten Pineapple Carrot Cake fresh. Bake it once and you will bake it again.Happy baking and sharing.