Granny Cake is a nostalgic, classic dessert that’s bursting with comforting flavors and sweetness. This vintage recipe features a moist, pineapple-infused cake topped with crunchy pecans and a caramel-like brown sugar glaze that soaks right into the cake. It’s finished with a rich butter-vanilla icing that seeps into every nook, making each bite moist, sweet, and satisfying. Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or just as a cozy treat, this cake is as easy to make as it is delicious.
Ingredients:
Cake:
- 1 ½ cups white sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 (20 oz.) can crushed pineapples, with juice
- 1 cup brown sugar (for topping)
- 1 cup pecans, chopped (for topping)
Icing:
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- ½ cup white sugar
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat and Prepare the Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 350ºF. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with oil or non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
- Make the Cake Batter:
- In a large bowl, combine the white sugar, flour, baking soda, and salt. Whisk the dry ingredients together to ensure they are evenly distributed.
- Add the eggs and the entire can of crushed pineapples (including the juice). Stir the mixture with a spoon until the batter is smooth and fully combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish.
- Add the Topping:
- Sprinkle the chopped pecans evenly over the cake batter, followed by the brown sugar, ensuring it covers the top layer completely.
- Bake the Cake:
- Place the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and dry.
- Prepare the Icing:
- While the cake is baking, make the icing by combining the evaporated milk, white sugar, and butter in a small saucepan. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently, until it comes to a boil. Once boiling, remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Soak the Cake with Icing:
- When the cake is done baking, remove it from the oven. Using a toothpick or bamboo skewer, poke holes all over the surface of the cake. This step ensures that the icing seeps deep into the cake.
- Pour the hot icing evenly over the cake, allowing it to soak into the holes and permeate the cake.
- Cool and Serve:
- Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing it into squares. Serve and enjoy!
Tips for Best Results:
- Use Fresh Pineapple: If you want to add a little extra flavor, you can use fresh pineapple instead of canned. Just blend or crush it well, and use the natural juice.
- Toppings: If you’re not a fan of pecans, you can substitute with walnuts or even shredded coconut for added texture.
- Icing Application: Pour the icing while it’s still hot and the cake is warm to ensure the cake absorbs it fully, making it incredibly moist and flavorful.
- Make Ahead: This cake actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together. Store it at room temperature or refrigerate it if making in advance.
This simple yet delicious Granny Cake brings old-fashioned comfort with every bite, making it a delightful addition to any dessert table!
Leave a Reply