Granny Cake is a delightful, nostalgic dessert that’s rich with flavors and textures. This cake is a perfect blend of moist, sweet cake topped with a crunchy layer of brown sugar and pecans, all drizzled with a creamy icing. It’s an old-fashioned treat that brings back memories of family gatherings and homemade goodness. Here’s how to make this comforting and delicious cake.
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 extract
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups of sugar, 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Mix well to ensure all dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add 2 large eggs and the entire can of crushed pineapples with juice to the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. The batter will be quite thick and chunky from the pineapples.
Step 2: Assemble and Bake the Cake
- Pour Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the top of the batter, followed by the chopped pecans.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven 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: While the cake is baking, prepare the icing. In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of evaporated milk, 1/2 cup of sugar, and 1/2 cup (1 stick) of unsalted butter. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a boil.
- Cook and Thicken: Continue to cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Step 4: Finish the Cake
- Pour Icing: As soon as the cake comes out of the oven, use a fork or skewer to poke holes all over the top of the cake. Pour the hot icing evenly over the cake, ensuring it seeps into the holes and covers the entire surface.
- Cool and Set: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan. The icing will soak into the cake, making it incredibly moist and flavorful.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Serve: Once cooled, cut the cake into squares and serve. This cake is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat.
Cooking Notes
- Crushed Pineapple: Make sure to use the entire can of crushed pineapple with the juice. This adds moisture and sweetness to the cake.
- Pecans: You can substitute the pecans with walnuts or your favorite nuts if desired.
- Icing: Pour the icing over the cake while both are still hot. This ensures the icing penetrates the cake and makes it extra moist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned? A: It’s best to use canned crushed pineapple with the juice for this recipe, as the juice adds necessary moisture. If you use fresh pineapple, you might need to add some additional liquid.
Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time? A: Yes, this cake can be made a day ahead. Store it covered at room temperature or in the refrigerator. The flavors tend to deepen when the cake sits overnight.
Q: How should I store leftovers? A: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Q: Can I freeze this cake? A: Yes, you can freeze the cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. Thaw it at room temperature before serving.
Keto/Low Carb Version
To make a keto or low-carb version of this cake, use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour, a sugar substitute like erythritol instead of sugar, and coconut milk instead of evaporated milk. Replace the canned pineapple with fresh pineapple and reduce the quantity to minimize the carbs.
Granny Cake is a delightful, nostalgic dessert that will remind you of cozy family gatherings and homemade treats. Its moist texture, crunchy topping, and sweet icing make it a favorite for any occasion.
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