Southern Preacher Cake

Southern Preacher Cake: A Heavenly Dessert Delight

Step into the warm embrace of Southern hospitality with a slice of Preacher Cake. This beloved Southern dessert is steeped in tradition and bursting with flavor, making it the perfect treat for any occasion. With its moist, tender crumb and luscious cream cheese frosting, Preacher Cake is sure to become a cherished favorite in your recipe collection. Let’s embark on a journey to discover the secrets behind this heavenly dessert and learn how to recreate it in your own kitchen.

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• Pinch of nutmeg
• 2 cups sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 (20-ounce) can crushed pineapple, with juice
• 1 1/2 cups finely chopped walnuts, divided
• 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, room temperature
• 1/2 cup butter, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, divided
• 2 cups powdered sugar

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. In another bowl, beat together the sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until smooth and well incorporated.
5. Fold in the crushed pineapple (with its juice) and 1 cup of chopped walnuts until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly with a spatula.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. While the cake is baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese, butter, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
9. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until the frosting is thick and smooth.
10. Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
11. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts over the frosting for added texture and flavor.
12. Slice the Preacher Cake into squares and serve.

Cook Notes and Variations

• For a nut-free version of this cake, simply omit the walnuts from the batter and the topping.
• You can customize the frosting by adding a splash of lemon juice or orange zest for a citrusy twist.
• Feel free to experiment with different types of nuts or dried fruits in the cake batter for added variety and flavor.

Keto and Low Carb Versions

For those following a keto or low carb lifestyle, here’s how to adapt this recipe:

• Replace the all-purpose flour with almond flour or coconut flour to reduce the carb content.
• Use a low carb sweetener such as erythritol or monk fruit sweetener in place of the sugar.
• Substitute the crushed pineapple with unsweetened applesauce or mashed berries for a lower carb fruit option.
• Replace the powdered sugar in the frosting with a powdered low carb sweetener such as powdered erythritol.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned pineapple? Yes, you can use fresh pineapple in this recipe if you prefer. Simply chop the fresh pineapple into small pieces and use it in place of the canned crushed pineapple. Be sure to drain any excess juice before adding it to the batter.
2. Can I make this cake ahead of time? Yes, Preacher Cake can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Allow the cake to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.
3. Can I freeze leftover cake? Yes, you can freeze leftover Preacher Cake for up to 2-3 months. Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. Thaw the cake in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
4. Can I use a different type of frosting? While cream cheese frosting is traditional for Preacher Cake, you can certainly use a different type of frosting if you prefer. Vanilla buttercream or whipped cream would both be delicious options.
5. Can I add other mix-ins to the cake batter? Absolutely! You can customize this cake by adding shredded coconut, raisins, or chopped dried fruit to the batter for added flavor and texture.

Preacher Cake is more than just a dessert – it’s a taste of Southern tradition and hospitality. With its simple ingredients and irresistible flavor, this cake is sure to become a favorite in your home. Whether enjoyed as a sweet treat with afternoon tea or served as the grand finale to a special meal, Preacher Cake is guaranteed to delight your taste buds and warm your heart. So gather your ingredients and get ready to savor the rich, moist goodness of this beloved Southern classic.