Granny Cake is a nostalgic dessert that combines the flavors of pineapple, brown sugar, and pecans, topped with a rich and creamy icing. This moist and delicious cake is perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or any special occasion. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the step-by-step process of making Homemade Granny Cake, provide helpful cooking notes, and offer variations to suit different tastes and dietary preferences.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 (20 oz.) can crushed pineapples, with juice
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
For the Icing:
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar, all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix well.
- Add Wet Ingredients:
- Add the eggs and the entire can of crushed pineapples with juice to the dry ingredients. Mix until well combined.
- Prepare the Baking Dish:
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Pour Batter into Baking Dish:
- Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Step 2: Add Toppings and Bake
- Add Brown Sugar and Pecans:
- Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the top of the cake batter.
- Sprinkle the chopped pecans evenly over the brown sugar.
- Bake:
- 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.
Step 3: Prepare the Icing
- Combine Icing Ingredients:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the evaporated milk, sugar, and unsalted butter.
- Cook the Icing:
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a gentle boil.
- Continue to cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the mixture thickens slightly.
- Add Vanilla:
- Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla.
Step 4: Ice the Cake
- Poke Holes in the Cake:
- Using a fork or a skewer, poke holes all over the top of the warm cake.
- Pour Icing Over Cake:
- Slowly pour the hot icing over the entire cake, allowing it to seep into the holes.
- Cool:
- Allow the cake to cool completely in the baking dish before serving.
Step 5: Serve
- Serve:
- Serve the Granny Cake at room temperature. Enjoy as is or with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Cook Notes and Variations
Cook Notes:
- Pineapple: Ensure to use the entire can of crushed pineapple, including the juice, for a moist and flavorful cake.
- Icing: Pour the icing over the cake while both are still warm to ensure it soaks in properly.
Variations:
- Nut-Free Version:
- Omit the pecans if you have a nut allergy, or replace them with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a similar crunch.
- Spiced Granny Cake:
- Add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a spiced version of the cake.
- Tropical Twist:
- Add 1/2 cup of shredded coconut to the cake batter for a tropical twist.
- Gluten-Free Version:
- Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make the recipe gluten-free.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pineapple, but make sure to crush it and include the juice for the best results.
2. How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover Granny Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
3. Can I freeze Granny Cake?
Yes, you can freeze Granny Cake. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
4. What can I serve with Granny Cake?
Granny Cake is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
5. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the cake a day ahead. Store it covered at room temperature or in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Homemade Granny Cake is a delightful and nostalgic dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With its moist texture, rich flavor, and delicious topping, this cake is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Whether you’re making it for a special gathering or just because, this recipe is easy to follow and full of comforting flavors. Give this Granny Cake recipe a try and enjoy a taste of homemade goodness. Happy baking!