Transport your taste buds to the South with this delicious Southern Pineapple Cake. This moist and flavorful cake combines the sweet tang of pineapple with the rich crunch of pecans and the creamy texture of coconut frosting. Perfect for any occasion, this cake is a true crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple (with juice)
For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup butter
- 2/3 cup evaporated milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- 1 cup coconut flakes
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cake Batter:
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish or cake pan.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and baking soda. Stir the ingredients together until they are evenly distributed.
- Add the Wet Ingredients: Crack the eggs into the bowl with the dry ingredients, and add the vanilla extract. Open the can of crushed pineapple and pour it, including the juice, into the bowl. Stir all the ingredients together until you have a smooth, well-combined batter.
- Pour the Batter: Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
- Bake the Cake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. The cake should be golden brown and spring back when touched.
2. Prepare the Topping:
- Melt the Butter: While the cake is baking, melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the Sugar and Milk: Once the butter is melted, stir in the sugar and evaporated milk. Continue to stir the mixture until the sugar has fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring constantly. Let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Add Vanilla, Pecans, and Coconut: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract, chopped pecans or walnuts, and coconut flakes. Mix well to ensure that the topping is evenly combined.
3. Finish the Cake:
- Top the Cake: As soon as the cake is finished baking, remove it from the oven and use a fork to gently poke holes all over the surface of the cake. This will allow the topping to seep into the cake, adding extra flavor and moisture.
- Pour the Topping: Carefully pour the warm topping over the hot cake, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. Make sure to cover the entire surface of the cake with the delicious pecan and coconut mixture.
- Cool the Cake: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan. As it cools, the topping will set and create a delicious, slightly crunchy layer on top of the soft, moist cake.
4. Serve and Enjoy:
- Slice and Serve: Once the cake has cooled, slice it into squares and serve. The combination of the sweet pineapple cake with the rich, nutty topping is absolutely irresistible.
- Optional Garnishes: For an extra touch, you can garnish each slice with a dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of toasted coconut, or a cherry on top.
Tips for Success:
- Use Fresh Pineapple: While canned crushed pineapple works perfectly in this recipe, you can also use fresh pineapple if you prefer. Just chop it finely and include the juice for the best results.
- Adjust the Sweetness: If you find the topping too sweet, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the topping mixture to suit your taste.
- Toast the Nuts: For added flavor, try toasting the pecans or walnuts before adding them to the topping. Simply spread them on a baking sheet and toast in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are fragrant.
Storage:
- Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The cake tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
- Freeze: You can also freeze the cake for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Final Thoughts:
This Southern Pineapple Cake is a celebration of classic flavors with a tropical twist. The moist pineapple cake, paired with the rich, buttery coconut and pecan topping, makes for a dessert that’s both comforting and unique. Whether you’re enjoying it with a cup of coffee or serving it at a family gathering, this cake is sure to be a hit. The combination of textures—soft cake, crunchy nuts, and chewy coconut—creates a dessert experience that’s both satisfying and memorable. Enjoy this Southern delight and share it with your loved ones!
