Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake

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### **Instructions:**

1. **Preheat the Oven:**
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. **Mix the Dry Ingredients:**
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.

3. **Combine the Wet Ingredients:**
In another bowl, beat together the sugar, oil, and eggs until smooth. Stir in the grated carrots, crushed pineapple (make sure to drain it well), shredded coconut, and walnuts (if using). Mix until everything is evenly incorporated.

4. **Make the Batter:**
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Don’t overmix — a few lumps are totally fine!

5. **Bake the Cake:**
Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans and spread it out into an even layer. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

6. **Make the Frosting:**
While the cakes are cooling, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, 1/2 cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract and pineapple juice for an extra touch of tropical flavor.

7. **Frost the Cake:**
Once the cakes are fully cooled, spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting on top of one cake layer. Place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the entire cake.

8. **Decorate (Optional):**
For extra flair, you can sprinkle some toasted coconut or chopped walnuts on top of the frosted cake. It’s an easy way to make it look extra fancy!

9. **Serve & Enjoy:**
Slice, serve, and enjoy! The combination of moist cake and creamy frosting will have everyone coming back for seconds.

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### **Final Thoughts:**
This *Hawaiian Carrot Pineapple Cake* is a fun twist on the classic carrot cake, with a tropical flair that’s just perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it at a birthday, a potluck, or just because, it’s bound to be a crowd-pleaser. The sweet pineapple and rich cream cheese frosting elevate this cake to a whole new level of deliciousness, making it an unforgettable treat.

Let me know how yours turns out — and feel free to share any fun twists you put on it! Happy baking! 🍍🌴

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If you’d like me to tweak the recipe or add anything else (like a dairy-free version, for example), just let me know!