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Carrot Pineapple Cupcakes are soft, moist, and naturally sweetened with finely grated carrot and crushed pineapple creating a tender, fruit-forward crumb. A swirl of pineapple-kissed cream cheese frosting adds a tangy, silky finish that makes each bite feel balanced and bright.

Carrot Pineapple Cupcakes Recipe

I am not typically a fan of adding fruit to a baked dessert, but there are a few recipes where I will make an exception and adding pineapple to carrot cake is 100% one of them.

It might sound weird, but the crushed pineapple helps to make this carrot cake lusciously tender and moist and balances out the spices and natural sweet earthiness of the carrots.

This carrot pineapple cupcake recipe is lightly spiced, rich without feeling heavy and perfectly balanced when it comes to flavor.

The cupcakes are topped with a swirl of cream cheese frosting, whipped until silky smooth and just tangy enough to balance the sweetness and gentle spice of the cupcakes. A splash of pineapple juice in the frosting lifts it with a subtle sweet-tartness that complements the spicy sweet cakes wonderfully.

How should I store leftover cupcakes? Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving for best flavor and texture.

Can I freeze these cupcakes? Yes, you can freeze the unfrosted cupcakes for up to 2 months. Wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag or your favorite freezer containers.
(This set of freezer containers is a crazy bargain.) Thaw at room temperature, then frost before serving. I do not recommend freezing them with the frosting, but if you need to freeze them with frosting, freeze until solid, then wrap and store; defrost uncovered in the fridge.

Can I substitute fresh pineapple for crushed canned pineapple? Yes, finely chop and drain fresh pineapple. You’ll want it to be moist but not watery, so blot with a paper towel if needed.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Check that your baking powder is gluten-free as well.

Is it possible to make this into a sheet cake or layer cake? Absolutely, this recipe makes one 8×8-inch cake or an 8-inch round layer. Adjust baking time to 30–35 minutes and check for doneness with a toothpick.

Carrot Pineapple Cupcake Ingredients

For the cupcakes:

• All-Purpose Flour
• Baking Powder
• Baking Soda
• Salt 
• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Eggs
• Brown Sugar, packed
• White Sugar
• Oil
• Vanilla Extract
• Grated Carrots
• Crushed Pineapple, well drained
• Pecans, optional

For the pineapple cream cheese frosting:

• Cream Cheese, softened at room temperature
• Butter
• Powdered Sugar
• Pineapple Juice (use what was drained from the crushed pineapple)
• Salt

Scroll down to the printable recipe card for full measurements.

Kitchen Tools You May Find Helpful

• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing bowl
• Electric mixer or whisk
• Muffin pans
• Muffin liners
• Piping bag with a large star tip

How to Make Carrot Cupcakes with Pineapple Cream Cheese Frosting

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners. Set aside.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.

In a large bowl, whisk the eggs with both sugars until well combined. Add oil and vanilla, and mix until smooth.

Stir in the grated carrots and pineapple. Fold in the dry ingredients until just combined. Add nuts if using.

Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners. Bake for 18–22 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Let cupcakes cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the frosting, beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until fluffy. Mix in pineapple juice and salt, adjusting consistency as needed.

Transfer frosting to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip and pipe onto cooled cupcakes.

Pin this Luscious Carrot Pineapple Cupcakes with Pineapple Cream Cheese Frosting recipe for your next baking session:

Grab your free printable recipe card for our carrot pineapple cupcake recipe:

I hope your family loves this easy carrot pineapple cupcake recipe as much as mine did!

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