Homemade Granny Cake is a delightful, old-fashioned dessert that combines a moist pineapple-infused cake with a rich, buttery icing. Topped with a layer of chopped pecans and brown sugar, this cake is baked to perfection and then drenched in a warm icing, making every bite sweet, moist, and full of comforting flavor. It’s the kind of dessert that brings back memories of family gatherings and Sunday dinners, and it’s perfect for any occasion where you want to share a little taste of nostalgia.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and Moist: The crushed pineapples keep the cake incredibly moist, while the icing soaks into every part of the cake for a rich flavor.
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps and everyday ingredients, this cake comes together quickly and easily.
- Classic Comfort: The combination of sweet brown sugar, pecans, and buttery icing creates a warm, comforting dessert that everyone will love.
Who Is This Recipe For?
This Homemade Granny Cake is perfect for anyone who loves classic, comforting desserts. If you enjoy baking from scratch and love the flavors of pineapple and warm caramel-like icing, this recipe is for you. It’s ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, or simply when you want to treat yourself to a sweet, homemade delight.
Ingredients
For the 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)
For the Icing:
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- ½ cup white sugar
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk and spatula
- Small saucepan for the icing
- Toothpick or bamboo skewer
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with oil or non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups of white sugar, 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of salt.
Next, add 2 large eggs and the entire 20 oz. can of crushed pineapples with juice. Mix everything together using a spoon until the batter is smooth and well combined.
3. Assemble and Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle 1 cup of chopped pecans and 1 cup of brown sugar evenly over the top of the batter.
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
4. Prepare the Icing
While the cake is baking, make the icing. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine 1 cup of evaporated milk, ½ cup of white sugar, and ½ cup (1 stick) of unsalted butter. Stir until the butter melts and the mixture comes to a boil. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
5. Add the Icing
Once the cake is finished baking, remove it from the oven and use a toothpick or bamboo skewer to poke holes all over the surface of the cake. This helps the warm icing soak into the cake, making it moist and flavorful.
Pour the hot icing evenly over the cake, ensuring that it seeps into all the holes. Allow the cake to cool completely in the baking dish, letting the icing set and soak in fully.
6. Serve
Once cooled, cut the cake into squares and serve. Enjoy the rich, buttery flavor and the sweet crunch of the pecans in every bite!
Tips and Tricks
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is combined to keep the cake tender.
- Use Fresh Pecans: For the best flavor, use fresh, high-quality pecans. They add a wonderful crunch to the sweet topping.
- Serve Warm or Chilled: This cake can be served warm for a gooey, comforting treat or chilled for a firmer texture—both ways are delicious!
