Granny Cake

Moist, sweet, and topped with a buttery coconut-pecan glaze, this Granny Cake is a nostalgic Southern dessert that’s as comforting as it is irresistible. Made with simple pantry ingredients and loaded with crushed pineapple and brown sugar, this old-fashioned cake is tender, gooey, and perfect for potlucks, holidays, or whenever you’re craving a tried-and-true homemade treat.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Old-Fashioned Flavor – Just like grandma used to make.
Super Moist – Crushed pineapple keeps the cake tender and juicy.
Sweet & Sticky Topping – A buttery brown sugar glaze soaks in for incredible flavor.
Easy to Make – No mixer needed and minimal prep time.
Perfect for Sharing – Great for gatherings, potlucks, or gifting.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cake:
1½ cups granulated sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 eggs
1 tsp baking soda
1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple in juice, undrained
½ tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Topping:
1 cup brown sugar, packed
¾ cup evaporated milk
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
1 cup chopped pecans
1 tsp vanilla extract

Tools You’ll Need
Large mixing bowl
Spatula or wooden spoon
9×13-inch baking dish
Saucepan (for glaze)
Whisk or spoon
Toothpick (for testing doneness)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prep the Pan

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

1. In a large bowl, mix sugar, flour, baking soda, and salt.
2. Add eggs, crushed pineapple (with juice), and vanilla extract.
3. Stir by hand until well combined—no need for a mixer.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

1. Pour batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
2. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
3. Begin making the topping about 10 minutes before the cake is done.

Step 4: Make the Topping

1. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine brown sugar, evaporated milk, and butter.
2. Bring to a gentle boil, stirring constantly, and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla, coconut, and chopped pecans.

Step 5: Pour Topping Over Cake

1. While the cake is still warm, poke holes all over the top using a toothpick or skewer.
2. Slowly pour the warm topping over the entire surface, allowing it to soak into the cake.

Step 6: Cool & Serve

1. Let the cake cool for at least 20–30 minutes before slicing.
2. Serve warm or at room temperature—either way, it’s delicious.

Tips for the Best Granny Cake
Use Pineapple in Juice – Not syrup, to avoid extra sweetness.
Poke Deep Holes – So the topping can soak into the cake properly.
Don’t Overmix – Stir just until the batter comes together to keep it tender.
Serve Warm – For the best gooey, buttery texture.
Let It Rest – The flavor gets even better as it sits.

Serving Suggestions
Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Dust with powdered sugar for a pretty finish.
Pair with a cup of coffee or sweet tea.
Serve at family gatherings, bake sales, or holiday dinners.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Cover and refrigerate leftovers for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving or warm slightly.

Reheating:
Microwave individual slices for 15–20 seconds for a warm, gooey texture.

Freezing:
Freeze tightly wrapped slices or the whole cake for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and warm before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
   Canned is best for moisture and sweetness, but you can use finely crushed fresh pineapple with added juice.
2. Can I make this without nuts?
   Yes—simply omit the pecans, or substitute with sunflower seeds or more coconut.
3. What’s a good substitute for evaporated milk?
   You can use half-and-half or whole milk in a pinch, though the flavor may vary slightly.
4. Can I make this cake in advance?
   Yes—it’s even better the next day as the flavors meld and the glaze soaks in.
5. Is this cake overly sweet?
   It’s rich and sweet, like any good Southern dessert, but the pineapple adds balance.

Final Thoughts
This Granny Cake is the definition of a timeless dessert—simple, satisfying, and always a hit. With its moist pineapple base and gooey coconut-pecan topping, it delivers all the warm, comforting flavors of home-baked goodness. Whether you’re baking for loved ones or treating yourself, this old-fashioned recipe is sure to become a treasured favorite.

Bake it, share it, and tag your delicious slice—I’d love to see your take on this classic!

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Cuisine: Southern American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 420 | Protein: 4g | Carbohydrates: 45g | Fat: 24g | Fiber: 2g | Sodium: 210mg

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