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Granny Cake Recipe

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4.1 from 14 reviews

Granny Cake is a moist, flavorful pineapple cake topped with a rich, buttery icing infused with vanilla and pecans. This classic Southern dessert combines the sweetness of crushed pineapple and brown sugar with the crunch of chopped pecans, baked to perfection and finished with a luscious evaporated milk glaze, making it a perfect treat for gatherings or special occasions.

  • Author: Emma
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: Serves 12-16
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Southern American

Ingredients

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

Icing:

  • 1 cup evaporated milk
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat and grease: Preheat your oven to 350º F (175º C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar, all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt thoroughly to combine.
  3. Add wet ingredients: Beat in the eggs and then stir in the crushed pineapples along with their juice until the batter is well blended and smooth.
  4. Assemble cake batter: Pour the prepared batter evenly into the greased baking dish, spreading it out with a spatula if needed.
  5. Add topping: Sprinkle an even layer of the chopped pecans and brown sugar over the top of the batter for a crunchy, caramelized topping.
  6. Bake the cake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean, indicating doneness.
  7. Prepare icing: While the cake is baking, combine the evaporated milk, sugar, and unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, stirring occasionally to ensure it doesn’t burn.
  8. Flavor icing: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract to enhance the flavor of the glaze.
  9. Pour icing over cake: Immediately pour the hot icing evenly over the freshly baked cake, allowing it to soak in and create a moist, flavorful finish.
  10. Cool and serve: Let the cake cool completely so the icing sets and is absorbed into the cake layers. Once cooled, slice and serve to enjoy this deliciously moist and nutty dessert.

Notes

  • Ensure the cake is completely cooled before slicing to allow the icing to properly absorb for best texture and flavor.
  • Chopped pecans can be toasted lightly beforehand to bring out extra flavor and crunch.
  • This cake can be stored covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
  • For a variation, substitute walnuts for pecans or add a pinch of cinnamon to the batter for added warmth.
  • If toasted nuts are unavailable, raw pecans work well too, but toasting enhances their natural oils and flavor.