Granny Cake: A Timeless Family Favorite
Treat yourself to a slice of nostalgia with this delightful Granny Cake recipe. Bursting with sweet pineapple, crunchy pecans, and a luscious icing, this cake is a cherished family tradition that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a special milestone or simply craving a taste of home, Granny Cake is sure to bring joy to your taste buds and warm memories to your heart. Let’s dive into the recipe and discover how to make this beloved classic!
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 can (20 oz.) crushed pineapples (with juice)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup chopped pecans
For the Icing:
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Preparing the Cake:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar, all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir until well combined.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add the eggs and crushed pineapples (with juice) to the dry ingredients. Mix until the batter is smooth and well incorporated.
- Prepare Topping: In a separate bowl, mix together the brown sugar and chopped pecans.
- Assemble the Cake: Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the brown sugar and pecan mixture over the top of the batter.
- Bake: Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Making the Icing:
- Combine Ingredients: In a small saucepan, combine the evaporated milk, sugar, and unsalted butter. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a boil.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the icing thickens slightly.
- Add Vanilla: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
Finishing Touches:
- Ice the Cake: Once the cake has finished baking and while it’s still warm, pour the warm icing over the top of the cake, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before slicing and serving. Serve slices of Granny Cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, if desired.
Cook’s Tips and Variations:
- Fresh vs. Canned Pineapples: While canned crushed pineapples are convenient, you can use fresh pineapples if they’re in season. Simply peel and core the pineapples, then crush them in a food processor or blender.
- Nuts Variation: Feel free to substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds, or omit them altogether for a nut-free version of the cake.
- 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. The cake can also be frozen for longer storage; just be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
- Icing Consistency: If the icing becomes too thick upon cooling, you can thin it out by adding a little extra evaporated milk, one tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
1. Can I make this cake ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the cake ahead of time and store it in an airtight container at room temperature. Wait to pour the warm icing over the cake until just before serving for best results.
2. Can I use a different type of milk for the icing? While evaporated milk provides richness to the icing, you can substitute it with half-and-half or heavy cream if desired. Adjust the quantity accordingly to achieve the desired consistency.
3. Can I make this cake without nuts? Absolutely! Simply omit the chopped pecans from the topping for a nut-free version of the cake.
4. Can I use salted butter for the icing? While unsalted butter is preferred for controlling the saltiness of the icing, you can use salted butter if that’s what you have on hand. Just be mindful of the overall saltiness of the dish.
Granny Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a beloved family tradition that’s been passed down through generations. With its moist pineapple-infused cake base, crunchy pecan topping, and rich buttery icing, this cake is a celebration of flavor and nostalgia. Whether enjoyed as a sweet ending to a family dinner or shared with loved ones on special occasions, Granny Cake is sure to evoke memories of cherished moments and create new ones for years to come. So gather your ingredients and bake up a batch of this timeless classic to savor the sweetness of home and family!
