Tropical Carrot Pisces Cake

Name: Tropical Carrot Pisces Cake
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups grated carrots; 1 cup crushed pineapple (drained); 1/2 cup shredded coconut; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 4 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 8 oz cream cheese (softened); 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened); 3 cups powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 tablespoon milk (if needed for consistency)

Highlighted under: Bakery-Style Treat Recipes

I absolutely adore this Tropical Carrot Pisces Cake! With its unique blend of flavors, it transports me straight to a sunny beach with each bite. The moist carrot base infused with fresh pineapple and coconut shavings creates a delightful harmony that makes every occasion special. I’ve served it at various celebrations, and it never fails to impress my family and friends. Perfectly topped with a creamy frosting, this cake is not just delicious but also a fun way to bring a tropical twist to a classic dessert.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-25T18:02:27.792Z

I remember the first time I baked this Tropical Carrot Pisces Cake. The moment the fragrance of the coconut and fresh pineapple filled my kitchen, I knew I had stumbled upon something magical. I used a special mix of spices to enhance the natural sweetness of the carrots and pineapple, which takes this cake to a whole new level!

As I watched my friends enjoy their slices, I realized that the key is in the texture. Grating the carrots finely ensures they mix beautifully with the other ingredients, creating a moist cake that’s full of flavor. Trust me, this cake is sure to steal the show at your next gathering!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
A tropical twist that brightens up a classic dessert
Moist and flavorful combination of carrots, pineapple, and coconut
Generous frosting that adds a creamy touch to every slice

Understanding the Ingredients

The combination of grated carrots, crushed pineapple, and shredded coconut creates a symphony of textures and flavors that define the Tropical Carrot Pisces Cake. The carrots provide moisture and subtle sweetness, while the pineapple adds a juicy burst and tanginess. Shredded coconut brings a delightful chewiness and a tropical aroma that makes every bite reminiscent of a sunny getaway. Together, these ingredients not only enhance the cake's flavor profile but also contribute significantly to its moist texture, ensuring a cake that stays fresh for days.

Using fresh ingredients is crucial for the cake’s overall taste. Opt for ripe, sweet pineapples and finely shredded coconut for the best flavor. If you're short on fresh pineapple, you can substitute with canned pineapple, but ensure it's well-drained to avoid excess moisture in the batter. For those seeking a healthier version, consider substituting half of the granulated sugar with applesauce or a natural sweetener like honey to reduce refined sugar intake, all while retaining that sweet and tropical flavor.

Frosting Tips for Perfection

The cream cheese frosting is what elevates this cake to the next level. Be sure to use softened cream cheese and butter to achieve a smooth and airy texture. This can be accomplished by leaving them at room temperature for about an hour or using a microwave in short bursts—just make sure they don't melt. The frosting should be glossy and spreadable; if it’s too thick, add a tablespoon of milk to loosen it, allowing for easy spreading without compromising on flavor.

When frosting the cake, it's best to do so when the layers are completely cooled. This prevents the frosting from melting and sliding off. I recommend using an offset spatula to spread the frosting evenly, starting from the center and working your way outwards. For an added decorative touch, you can reserve a bit of coconut to sprinkle on top, or even add some fresh fruit like pineapple slices or mango for a pop of color and extra tropical flair.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to create the best Tropical Carrot Pisces Cake!

For the Cake:

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

For the Frosting:

8 oz cream cheese (softened)
1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
3 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon milk (if needed for consistency)

Make sure to have everything measured out for an effortless baking experience!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create the Tropical Carrot Pisces Cake.

Prep the Oven and Baking Pan

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

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, mix the eggs, vegetable oil, crushed pineapple, shredded coconut, and vanilla extract.

Combine the Mixtures

Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Gently fold in the grated carrots.

Bake the Cakes

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

Prepare the Frosting

In a bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until fluffy. Add milk if needed for a spreadable consistency.

Assemble the Cake

Once the cakes are cooled, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread frosting on top, then place the second layer and frost the top and sides.

Enjoy your delightful creation with friends and family!

Pro Tips

For an extra flavor punch, consider adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter. They add a nice crunch alongside the sweetness of the cake.

Storage and Make-Ahead Options

To keep your Tropical Carrot Pisces Cake fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last up to a week, making it a fantastic option for pre-made desserts for gatherings. If you want to make it ahead of time, bake the cake layers, let them cool completely, and wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in the refrigerator or freezing them. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months; just be sure to let them thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting.

If you're unsure about how many layers to make, you can easily scale the recipe. For a smaller gathering, consider halving the ingredients and baking in a single 9-inch pan. For an extravagant celebratory cake, you might choose to triple the batch and use three layers, which can be equally delicious and impressive, especially when frostings and toppings are applied generously.

Serving Suggestions

This cake can be served warm or chilled. However, I find that it shines when allowed to rest for a few hours after frosting, as this gives the flavors time to meld together. A delightful accompaniment is a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, which adds a luxurious element to the cake’s tropical flavors. For an extra twist, you can serve it alongside a pineapple salsa, which balances the sweetness of the cake with a refreshing, zesty kick.

If you're feeling adventurous, consider transforming this cake recipe into cupcakes for fun, portable servings. Bake the cake batter in lined cupcake trays for about 18-20 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick. This makes for a great option for events where individual servings are preferred. You can frost the cupcakes the same way and even add different toppings like toasted coconut flakes or chocolate shavings for a unique touch.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cake layers in advance and freeze them. Be sure to wrap them tightly to prevent freezer burn.

→ What is the best way to store leftover cake?

Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze leftovers for longer storage.

→ Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Absolutely! Just make sure to finely chop or crush the fresh pineapple to match the texture of canned.

→ Are there any substitutions for the frosting?

If you prefer a dairy-free option, you can use coconut cream mixed with powdered sugar as a frosting alternative.