Tina Turner's Carrot Cake Recipe Features A Sweet Tropical Fruit

Tina Turner, the "Queen of Rock 'n' Roll," has died at 83 years old. In the wake of the international star's death, whose career spanned nearly five decades, fans are celebrating Turner's resounding contributions to rock music, art, sequin dresses, and carrot cakes.

More than just a rock star with an electric stage presence, Turner was also an advocate of healthy, energizing foods. In a 2009 interview with Mirror, Turner revealed that her mid-2000s farewell tour was fueled by Thai food, light Italian bites, and plenty of fruit — one of which served as a secret ingredient in her carrot cake. Although a vegetable-based cake might not be everyone's first choice for dessert, Turner, an innovator both on stage and in the kitchen, sweetened hers up with pineapple for a zesty, candied flair, per Retro Foods for Modern Times.

Tina Turner's tropical carrot cake was originally publicized in Roberta Ashley's "Cool Cooking: Recipes of Your Favorite Rock Stars" alongside recipes from fellow legends like John Lennon, Aretha Franklin, and The Who. And although it might sound strange to combine pineapple with carrots, you know what they say — opposites attract. 

If you're not a fan of carrot cake, this tropical fruit-infused iteration of the classic recipe might just change your mind. 

Inspired by her mother's recipe, Turner's recipe calls for one stick of margarine, 1-and-a-half cups of brown sugar, 3 eggs, 2-and-a-half cups of flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1 cup of chopped walnuts, 2 cups of grated carrots, 2 teaspoons of vanilla, half a cup of cinnamon, a third cup of currants, and 1 can of crushed and drained pineapple. After combining the ingredients into a dish, bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 45 minutes to serve 12 of your Turner-loving friends.

The tart flavor of pineapple helps offset the earthy taste of carrots without compromising that classic carrot cake bluster and bravado, while the cinnamon and brown sugar add a sweet, peppery kick that helps bring out the flavors of this timeless Turner recipe. Retro Foods for Modern Times suggests adding a dash of rum for an even beachier flavor. And of course, don't forget to top your pineapple carrot cake with a sinful cream cheese frosting. 

Turn on your favorite Turner track and preheat the oven for this Rock 'n' Roll-approved carrot cake.