Description
Pineapple Carrot Cake Frosting is a luscious, creamy topping that combines the earthiness of carrot cake with the bright, juicy tropical flavor of pineapple. This frosting balances sweetness and spice perfectly, adding moisture and a unique twist to your cakes, cupcakes, or even breakfast spreads. Easy to make with simple ingredients, it’s perfect for those looking to elevate their dessert with a refreshing and comforting flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 to 3 cups powdered sugar, adjust to taste
- 1/2 cup crushed fresh pineapple, drained slightly
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon or nutmeg (optional)
Variations
- Dairy-Free Option: vegan cream cheese and 1/2 cup coconut oil instead of cream cheese and butter
- Extra Tropical: 2 tablespoons coconut cream or 1/4 cup shredded coconut
- Spiced Up: 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger or allspice
- Lighter Version: substitute part of butter with Greek yogurt
Instructions
- Soften Your Ingredients: Let cream cheese and unsalted butter sit at room temperature until soft and easy to blend, preventing lumps and ensuring a creamy texture.
- Beat Butter and Cream Cheese Together: In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter on medium speed until smooth and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Incorporate Powdered Sugar Gradually: Slowly add powdered sugar in small batches, mixing well after each addition to avoid graininess and control sweetness.
- Add Crushed Pineapple and Vanilla: Gently fold in the drained crushed pineapple and vanilla extract, ensuring even distribution without overmixing.
- Optional Spices: Sprinkle in cinnamon or nutmeg if desired and blend just until incorporated to keep a subtle warm spice.
- Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the frosting for at least 30 minutes to firm up and enhance flavors before spreading.
Notes
- Drain pineapple well to prevent runny frosting.
- Use room temperature ingredients for smoother blending.
- Fresh crushed pineapple provides a brighter flavor than canned.
- Beat well to incorporate air and create a light texture.
- Adjust powdered sugar after taste to perfect sweetness.
- Store in airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Frosting can be frozen up to 2 months; thaw in fridge overnight and stir before use.
- Do not reheat frosting; bring to room temperature and stir if too firm.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: pineapple frosting, carrot cake frosting, tropical frosting, cream cheese frosting, easy frosting, carrot cake topping