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Tropical Carrot Cake

36 reviews
Test Kitchen Approved
Total Time

Prep: 15 min. Bake: 45 min. + cooling

Makes

16 servings

Updated: Apr. 22, 2022
I look forward to August because our family reunion means fun and great food, like this classic cake with the special flair it gets from pineapple. My great-aunt gave me this recipe, and I always make it for the reunion. —Victoria Casey, Enterprise, Oregon
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Ingredients

  • 3 large eggs
  • 3/4 cup canola oil
  • 3/4 cup buttermilk
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 cups finely shredded carrots
  • 1 cup raisins
  • 1 can (8 ounces) crushed pineapple, undrained
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts
  • 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
  • FROSTING:
  • 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
  • 4 to 4-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

  1. In a large bowl, beat eggs, oil and buttermilk. Combine flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon and salt; add to egg mixture and mix well. Stir in vanilla, carrots, raisins, pineapple, walnuts and coconut; mix well. Pour into a greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking pan. Bake at 350° for 45-50 minutes or until cake tests done. Cool.
  2. For frosting, beat all ingredients in a bowl until smooth. Frost cake.
buttermilk
To substitute for each cup of buttermilk, use 1 Tbsp. white vinegar or lemon juice plus enough milk to measure 1 cup. Stir, then let stand 5 min. Or, use 1 cup plain yogurt or 1-3/4 teaspoon cream of tartar plus 1 cup milk.