Tropical Carrot Pisces Cake

Name: Tropical Carrot Pisces Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups grated carrots; 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained; 1 cup shredded coconut; 1 cup vegetable oil; 1 cup sugar; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 4 large eggs; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3 cups powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 cup shredded coconut for garnish

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I’ve always been a fan of carrot cake, but recently I decided to elevate this classic dessert by introducing tropical flavors. The result is a delightful Tropical Carrot Pisces Cake that brings a refreshing twist with bright notes of coconut and pineapple. I love how moist the cake turns out, thanks to the addition of crushed pineapple. Each slice offers not only the warmth of spices but also a burst of tropical sunshine, making it perfect for any gathering or celebration.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-25T19:10:27.736Z

When I first experimented with this Tropical Carrot Pisces Cake, I was aiming for a way to merge my love for traditional carrot cake with the vibrancy of the tropics. The use of crushed pineapple not only adds sweetness but also keeps the cake incredibly moist. I found that using freshly grated carrots enhances the flavor profile while providing a beautiful texture that contrasts with the soft sponge.

One key tip I'd like to share is to let the cake cool completely before icing it. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully and ensures that the cream cheese frosting stays fluffy and doesn’t melt off the cake. It’s a dessert that impresses visually and tastes divine!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        The irresistible combination of carrot and tropical fruits brings joy in every bite.
Moist and flavorful texture that leaves everyone wanting more.
A show-stopping cake perfect for birthdays, parties, or special occasions.

      

Understanding the Ingredients

Each ingredient in the Tropical Carrot Pisces Cake plays a vital role in achieving the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The grated carrots not only provide moisture but also lend a natural sweetness and depth to the cake. Crushed pineapple adds a refreshing tang, elevating the traditional carrot cake to a tropical delight. Meanwhile, shredded coconut infuses a subtle chewiness and enhances the overall flavor profile. It's essential to ensure your pineapple is well-drained to prevent excess moisture, which could affect the cake's structure.

The sugar and brown sugar combination creates a lovely caramelized note and contributes to the cake's moistness. Using large eggs not only provides richness but also helps in binding the ingredients effectively, resulting in a stable structure. When preparing the dry ingredients, be sure to sift them to eliminate lumps and ensure even distribution, which aids in achieving a fluffy texture. The spices, particularly the cinnamon and nutmeg, provide warmth, complementing the cake's tropical elements beautifully.

Frosting Tips and Variations

The cream cheese frosting is the perfect counterpart to the Tropical Carrot Pisces Cake, providing a tangy sweetness that harmonizes with the cake's flavors. To achieve a smooth and glossy frosting, beat the cream cheese and butter until there are no lumps before gradually adding the powdered sugar. This technique ensures that the frosting spreads easily and sits beautifully on the cake. If the frosting seems too thick, you can thin it out with a teaspoon of milk or cream for that perfect spreadable consistency.

For an added twist, consider incorporating some tropical flavors into the frosting as well. A splash of coconut extract or a little lime zest can bring an extra layer of freshness that ties back to the cake's tropical theme. If you’re looking to make the cake a day in advance, frost it just before serving to keep the layers fresh. Store the unfrosted cakes wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature, and the frosting in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to prepare your Tropical Carrot Pisces Cake:

Cake Ingredients

2 cups grated carrots
1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
1 cup shredded coconut
1 cup vegetable oil
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
4 large eggs
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt

Frosting Ingredients

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup shredded coconut for garnish

Once you have all your ingredients ready, you're set to bake!

Instructions

Follow these instructions to create your Tropical Carrot Pisces Cake:

Prepare the Oven and Cake Pans

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.

Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, sugar, brown sugar, and eggs until well combined.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Fold in the grated carrots, crushed pineapple, and shredded coconut.

Bake the Cake

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool the Cakes

Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese and butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.

Frost the Cake

Once the cakes are completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting between the layers and on the top and sides of the cake. Garnish with shredded coconut.

Slice and serve your beautiful Tropical Carrot Pisces Cake, and enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips

For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter. This adds a delightful crunch that complements the moist cake beautifully.

Scaling for Larger Gatherings

If you're looking to serve a larger crowd, this recipe can easily be scaled up. Simply double the ingredients and bake in larger pans, or make two cakes simultaneously in the same size pans. Keep in mind that baking times may extend slightly, so check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. You’ll know it’s done when the toothpick comes out clean, which usually takes around 40-45 minutes for larger cakes.

Alternatively, consider making cupcakes instead of a full cake. This allows for easier serving and portion control. Fill each cupcake liner about two-thirds full and bake for about 18-20 minutes. Don’t forget to adjust the frosting quantities accordingly, as each cupcake will require a dollop of frosting for that delightful finishing touch!

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

To keep your Tropical Carrot Pisces Cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to extend its shelf life, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. However, for the best texture and flavor, serve it at room temperature. If storing in the fridge, consider bringing it out an hour before serving to allow it to warm slightly, enhancing the flavors.

Should you need to prepare the cake in advance, the unbaked batter can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours, making it convenient for parties or special occasions. Just make sure to cover the bowl tightly. When you’re ready to bake, take it out and give it a gentle stir before pouring it into your prepared pans. This ensures that all ingredients are well-combined before it hits the oven.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cake layers a day in advance. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them at room temperature until you're ready to frost.

→ Can I use other nuts in the recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute walnuts or pecans with your favorite nuts for added texture.

→ What if I don't have fresh pineapple?

You can use canned crushed pineapple instead. Just make sure to drain it well to avoid excess moisture in the cake.

→ How should I store leftover cake?

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Allow it to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.