This Homemade Granny Cake is a timeless classic, combining a moist and flavorful pineapple cake with a rich, caramel-like icing. The combination of crushed pineapples, brown sugar, and pecans gives the cake a delightful texture and a perfect balance of sweetness. Topped with a luscious icing made from evaporated milk and butter, this cake is sure to become a favorite in your household, just like it has been in many others for generations.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 1 1/2 cups sugar: Provides the sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base of the cake, giving it structure.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Acts as a leavening agent to help the cake rise.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 2 large eggs: Adds richness and helps bind the ingredients together.
- 1 (20 oz.) can crushed pineapples, with juice: The star ingredient that adds moisture, sweetness, and a fruity flavor.
- 1 cup brown sugar: Adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness and enhances the cake’s flavor.
- 1 cup pecans, chopped: Adds a crunchy texture and a nutty flavor that complements the sweetness of the cake.
For the Icing:
- 1 cup evaporated milk: Adds richness and a creamy texture to the icing.
- 1/2 cup sugar: Sweetens the icing, balancing the flavors.
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter: Provides a rich, buttery flavor and smooth consistency.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla: Adds warmth and enhances the overall flavor of the icing.
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
- Preheat the oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar, flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir the dry ingredients together until they are well mixed.
- Add wet ingredients: Add the eggs and the entire can of crushed pineapples (including the juice) to the dry ingredients. Using a hand mixer or a wooden spoon, mix everything together until well combined. The batter should be thick and moist.
- Pour batter into the baking dish: Once the batter is mixed, pour it into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread the batter evenly in the dish.
- Top with brown sugar and pecans: Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the top of the batter. Then, evenly distribute the chopped pecans on top of the brown sugar layer.
Step 2: Bake the Cake
- Bake in the preheated oven: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. The cake should be golden brown on top and set in the center.
- Cool the cake: Once the cake is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly while you prepare the icing.
Step 3: Prepare the Icing
- Combine icing ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the evaporated milk, sugar, and butter. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture comes to a gentle boil.
- Simmer the icing: Once the mixture starts to boil, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. The icing should thicken slightly and develop a rich, caramel-like flavor.
- Add vanilla: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Mix well to combine.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake
- Pour icing over the cake: While the cake is still warm, pour the icing evenly over the top. Use a spatula to spread the icing, making sure it covers the entire surface of the cake.
- Let the cake set: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan. As it cools, the icing will seep into the cake, creating a moist and flavorful dessert.
- Serve: Once the cake has cooled and the icing has set, slice and serve. This cake is delicious on its own or served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Tips for Success:
- Use room temperature ingredients: Make sure your eggs are at room temperature before mixing them into the batter. This helps create a smoother batter and a more evenly baked cake.
- Chop the pecans finely: Finely chopped pecans will distribute more evenly on top of the cake, ensuring each bite has a bit of nutty crunch.
- Serve warm or at room temperature: While this cake is delicious at room temperature, it’s also wonderful served slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.
Homemade Granny Cake is a nostalgic dessert that brings comfort and warmth with every bite. The combination of sweet pineapples, crunchy pecans, and rich caramel icing makes this cake a standout treat for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering, a potluck, or just because, this cake is sure to impress and become a beloved recipe in your kitchen. Enjoy this delightful dessert with your loved ones and create sweet memories that will last a lifetime.
