Aunt Mary’s Carrot-Pineapple Bundt Cake

🥕🍍 Aunt Mary’s Carrot-Pineapple Bundt Cake 🍰

Aunt Mary’s Carrot-Pineapple Bundt Cake is a delightful and moist dessert that perfectly combines the earthy sweetness of carrots with the tropical tang of pineapple. It’s a classic homemade cake that’s known for its rich flavor and beautiful presentation, often served at family gatherings and special occasions.

History:
The history of this cake is rooted in American baking traditions. Carrot cakes have been enjoyed for centuries, with recipes dating back to the Middle Ages when sugar was scarce, and carrots were used as a natural sweetener. The addition of pineapple in the recipe likely originated in the 20th century, adding a unique twist to the classic carrot cake. Over time, this recipe has been passed down through generations, becoming a cherished family favorite.

Components:
Here are the key components of Aunt Mary’s Carrot-Pineapple Bundt Cake:

1. Carrots: Freshly grated carrots provide natural sweetness and moisture to the cake.
2. Pineapple: Crushed pineapple, often canned, adds a tropical flavor and keeps the cake moist.
3. Flour: All-purpose flour serves as the main dry ingredient.
4. Eggs: Eggs bind the ingredients together and add structure to the cake.
5. Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the cake.
6. Vegetable Oil: Vegetable oil makes the cake exceptionally moist.
7. Baking Powder: This leavening agent helps the cake rise.
8. Baking Soda: Baking soda also contributes to the cake’s rise.
9. Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon adds warmth and depth of flavor.
10. Salt: A small amount of salt enhances the cake’s overall taste.

Steps to Prepare:

1. Preparation: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a Bundt cake pan.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until well combined. Slowly add the vegetable oil while continuing to mix. Stir in the grated carrots and crushed pineapple.
4. Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until you have a smooth batter.
5. Bake: Pour the batter into the greased Bundt pan and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Cool: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then remove it from the pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
7. Icing (Optional): You can top the cake with cream cheese icing for an extra layer of flavor.

Time Needed:
The total time required to prepare Aunt Mary’s Carrot-Pineapple Bundt Cake is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, including prep time, baking time, and cooling time. Please note that the icing is optional and can add extra time if you choose to make it.

This cake is a fantastic combination of flavors and textures, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Enjoy baking and sharing Aunt Mary’s Carrot-Pineapple Bundt Cake with your loved ones! 🥕🍍🍰

Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Aunt Mary’s Carrot-Pineapple Bundt Cake:

Nutrition Facts (Approximate values per serving):

• Calories: 320
• Total Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 35mg
• Sodium: 260mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 29g
• Protein: 3g
• Vitamin A: 45% of the Daily Value (DV)
• Vitamin C: 10% of DV
• Calcium: 6% of DV
• Iron: 6% of DV

Health Information:

1. Moderation is Key: Aunt Mary’s Carrot-Pineapple Bundt Cake is a delicious treat, but it should be enjoyed in moderation due to its sugar and calorie content. It’s not a low-calorie dessert.

2. Fiber and Nutrients: The cake does provide some dietary fiber and essential nutrients, such as vitamin A from the carrots. However, the health benefits may be offset by the sugar and fat content.

3. Fat Content: The cake contains a moderate amount of fat, mainly from vegetable oil. While fat is an important part of the diet, it’s best to balance it with healthier fats found in nuts, avocados, and olive oil.

4. Added Sugars: The cake’s sugar content is relatively high. Excessive sugar intake should be limited as it can contribute to weight gain and other health issues. Consider reducing the sugar in the recipe or enjoying smaller portions.

5. Vitamins and Minerals: This cake does provide a notable amount of vitamin A and some vitamin C. These vitamins are beneficial for vision and immune health.

6. Antioxidants: Carrots and pineapple contain antioxidants, which can help combat free radicals in the body. However, the benefits may be somewhat diminished in a cake with added sugar and other less healthy ingredients.

In summary, while Aunt Mary’s Carrot-Pineapple Bundt Cake can be a delightful indulgence, it’s important to consume it in moderation and balance it with a nutritious overall diet. The cake does offer some vitamins and minerals, but it’s also high in added sugars and fats, which can have health implications when consumed in excess.