Classic Do-Nothing Cake: A Timeless Treat for Every Occasion
Indulge in the nostalgia of this Classic Do-Nothing Cake, where simplicity meets sensational flavor. With its effortless preparation and irresistible taste, this cake is sure to become a staple in your dessert repertoire. Whether you’re a novice baker or a seasoned pro, this recipe promises to delight your taste buds and impress your guests. Let’s dive into the sweet world of this timeless treat.
Ingredients:
Cake:
- 1 (8 or 11 oz.) crushed pineapple, undrained
- 1 (15.25oz) box yellow cake mix
- 3 large eggs
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Frosting:
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- 1 cup walnut or pecans, roughly chopped
- 3/4 cup evaporated milk
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
Instructions:
- Preheat and Prepare:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Mix Cake Batter:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the crushed pineapple (with its juice), yellow cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, water, and vanilla extract. Stir until well combined and smooth.
- Bake:
- Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking pan. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Prepare Frosting:
- While the cake is baking, prepare the frosting. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar, shredded coconut, chopped nuts, evaporated milk, and unsalted butter. Stir continuously until the butter is melted and the sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat.
- Frost the Cake:
- Once the cake is baked and still warm, pour the warm frosting over the top, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Allow the cake to cool completely before serving.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Slice the Classic Do-Nothing Cake into squares and serve. Enjoy the moist texture and delightful flavor of this timeless dessert!
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Storage: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Nuts: Feel free to use either walnuts or pecans according to your preference, or even a combination of both for added texture and flavor.
- Coconut: If you’re not a fan of coconut, you can omit it from the frosting or substitute it with another ingredient like raisins or chocolate chips.
- Frosting Texture: Adjust the consistency of the frosting by adding more or less evaporated milk. For a thicker frosting, reduce the amount of milk; for a thinner consistency, increase the milk slightly.
- Decoration: Sprinkle additional shredded coconut or chopped nuts on top of the frosted cake for an extra touch of visual appeal.
- Serve with Ice Cream: Pair slices of this cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert combination.
Keto and Low Carb Versions:
- Keto Version: To make a keto-friendly version of this cake, you can substitute the yellow cake mix with a low-carb baking mix or almond flour mixed with a sugar substitute like erythritol or stevia. Adjust the sweetness according to your taste preferences.
- Low Carb Version: For a lower-carb option, you can reduce the amount of sugar in both the cake and frosting recipes or use a sugar substitute suitable for baking. Additionally, you can decrease the amount of pineapple used in the cake to further reduce the carb content.
In conclusion, the Classic Do-Nothing Cake is a delightful dessert that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum satisfaction. With its moist texture, tropical flavor, and comforting sweetness, this cake is perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to potluck parties. Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or explore keto and low-carb variations, one thing is certain: this timeless treat will always be a crowd-pleaser. So, roll up your sleeves, preheat your oven, and embark on a baking adventure that promises to tantalize your taste buds and warm your heart.