Granny Cake

Naomi

Everyday Culinary Delights 👩‍🍳

Granny Cake is a beloved classic dessert that evokes memories of family gatherings, cozy kitchens, and the simple pleasures of home-baked goodness. Passed down through generations, it represents the charm of old-fashioned, homemade cakes made from everyday pantry ingredients. Its origins, though somewhat hazy, are rooted in the tradition of creating moist, flavorful cakes with minimal fuss, making it a favorite among busy home cooks.

What sets Granny Cake apart is its combination of unexpected yet delightful ingredients, such as crushed pineapple, pecans, and brown sugar. These elements come together to create a cake that’s moist and bursting with flavor, thanks to the natural sweetness of the pineapple and the crunchy texture of the pecans. The brown sugar, when baked, forms a caramelized topping that complements the cake’s softness perfectly.

This recipe is approachable for both beginner and seasoned bakers alike, with simple steps and forgiving ingredients. It doesn’t require any advanced baking techniques, making it an ideal dessert to prepare for a special family dinner or as a comforting treat on a weekend afternoon. Its versatility and ease have kept it a cherished dessert for decades, loved by many for its timeless appeal.

Ingredients for Granny Cake

The ingredients for Granny Cake are simple yet carefully chosen to create a dessert with layers of flavor and texture. Here’s a breakdown of the essential components:

Sugar (1 ½ cups): Adds sweetness and helps with browning during baking.

All-purpose flour (2 cups): Provides structure and makes the cake soft yet sturdy.
Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Helps the cake rise and become fluffy.
Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor by balancing the sweetness.

Eggs (2 large): Bind the ingredients together and add richness.
Crushed pineapple (20 oz. can, with juice): The star ingredient that keeps the cake incredibly moist and adds a subtle tartness.
Brown sugar (1 cup): Used for the topping to create a caramelized crust.

Pecans (1 cup, chopped): Add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor to the cake.

Using fresh, high-quality ingredients is essential to achieving the best flavor and texture. The pineapple’s juice, in particular, is key to the cake’s moistness, while the pecans and brown sugar create a delightful contrast.

Cake-Making Process: Step-by-Step Instructions

Making Granny Cake is as easy as it is rewarding. Follow these simple steps for a delicious, comforting dessert:

Preparing the baking dish: Start by preheating your oven to 350º F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly with butter or cooking spray. This ensures the cake will not stick and allows for easy serving once it’s baked.
Mixing the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine 1 ½ cups of sugar, 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Stir these together to distribute the ingredients evenly. This creates the base for your cake.
Adding the wet ingredients: To the dry mixture, add 2 large eggs and 1 can (20 oz.) of crushed pineapple, including its juice. Stir the mixture until everything is well-combined and forms a smooth, consistent batter. The juice from the pineapple will keep the cake moist and infuse it with flavor as it bakes.

Combining and pouring the batter: Pour the prepared batter into your greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. Make sure it’s level for even baking.
Adding the topping: Sprinkle 1 cup of chopped pecans and 1 cup of brown sugar evenly over the top of the batter. This will create the signature caramelized, crunchy topping once baked.
Baking instructions: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This ensures that the cake is fully cooked and ready to serve.

Tip: If your toothpick comes out with batter on it, bake the cake for a few more minutes, checking frequently to avoid overbaking.

The Importance of Pecans and Brown Sugar Topping

The pecan and brown sugar topping is what makes Granny Cake truly special. As the cake bakes, the brown sugar melts and combines with the pineapple’s natural juices, creating a rich, caramelized layer on top. This sugary crust contrasts perfectly with the moist, tender cake beneath it.

The pecans not only add a delightful crunch but also introduce a nutty, slightly earthy flavor that balances the sweetness of the cake. Their crispy texture pairs beautifully with the soft cake, offering a satisfying bite with every forkful.

For those who love experimenting, you can try variations with the topping. Swap the pecans for walnuts or almonds or sprinkle some shredded coconut for added flavor and texture. However, the timing is crucial—the topping is added before baking so that it caramelizes during the cooking process, infusing the cake with its signature flavor and texture.

Preparing the Icing for Granny Cake

The icing for Granny Cake is the final touch that elevates this dessert into something truly irresistible. It adds richness and sweetness that seeps into the cake, ensuring each bite is bursting with flavor. The icing is made from simple ingredients, but its role is essential.

Ingredients required for the icing:

1 cup evaporated milk
½ cup sugar
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions for making the icing:

In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup evaporated milk, ½ cup sugar, and ½ cup unsalted butter.

Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking or burning.
Once the mixture starts boiling, let it cook for about 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly to ensure the sugar dissolves completely and the ingredients are well combined.
After removing the pan from the heat, stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. The icing should be smooth and glossy at this point.

The icing is poured immediately after the cake comes out of the oven. Doing this while the cake is still hot allows the icing to soak into the cake, adding moisture and a melt-in-your-mouth sweetness.

Tip: To prevent the icing from being too thick or runny, ensure that you bring it to a boil but don’t overcook it. If the icing becomes too thick, you can thin it out by adding a small amount of milk.

Pouring the Icing: A Crucial Step

The timing of pouring the icing over the hot Granny Cake is critical to achieving the right texture and flavor. As soon as the cake is removed from the oven, it’s still soft and porous, making it the perfect moment for the icing to be absorbed.

Immediately pour the hot icing over the entire surface of the cake, ensuring it is distributed evenly. You may need to gently tilt the pan to help the icing spread to the corners. As the icing sinks into the hot cake, it enhances the cake’s moisture and creates a rich, flavorful layer that penetrates each bite.

The icing also forms a delicate, glossy coating on the surface, sealing in the cake’s moisture while adding a luxurious sweetness. If you wait too long to pour the icing, the cake may cool and won’t absorb the icing as well, leaving the top overly sticky without penetrating the layers.

For the best serving experience, let the cake cool slightly after icing it, allowing the flavors to settle and the texture to firm up a bit. This balance of warm cake and gooey icing is the hallmark of Granny Cake’s comforting appeal.

Serving Suggestions and Best Pairings

Granny Cake is a versatile dessert that pairs beautifully with a variety of accompaniments. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance the flavor and presentation:

Whipped cream: A dollop of fresh whipped cream adds a light and airy contrast to the rich, dense cake.
Vanilla ice cream: Serve the cake warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. The combination of hot cake and cold ice cream creates a delightful balance.

Fresh fruit: For a fresher take, add a side of berries or sliced strawberries, which complement the sweetness of the cake.

Granny Cake is perfect for any occasion, from casual family dinners to potlucks and parties. It’s easy to transport and can be made ahead of time. To store leftovers, cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. It stays fresh for up to 3 days, and the cake can be reheated briefly in the microwave to restore its warm, gooey texture.

Creative Variations of Granny Cake

Granny Cake’s simplicity lends itself to endless possibilities for creative variations, allowing you to adapt the recipe to suit different tastes or dietary preferences. Here are a few ideas to experiment with:

Healthier version: To make a lighter, healthier version of Granny Cake, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the batter and icing. Consider using a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup. You can also swap all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or almond flour for a more nutritious option.
Fruit variations: While pineapple is a key ingredient, you can switch it up by using other canned or fresh fruits. Crushed peaches, pears, or even applesauce can be used as substitutes. Each fruit will bring a unique flavor and texture to the cake.
Different nuts: Pecans are traditional, but if you’re looking for a different flavor profile, try using walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts. For added texture and flavor, consider toasting the nuts before adding them to the cake.

Coconut twist: Add shredded coconut to the topping for a tropical twist. The coconut will toast in the oven, giving the cake a deliciously crispy and sweet layer.
Gluten-free alternative: For those with gluten sensitivities, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the baking soda and other ingredients are also gluten-free.
Cupcakes or layered cake: You can turn the Granny Cake batter into cupcakes or a layered cake. For cupcakes, reduce the baking time to around 20-25 minutes. For a layered cake, bake in two 9-inch round pans and double the icing to spread between and on top of the layers.

FAQs about Granny Cake

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned pineapple?
- Yes, fresh pineapple can be used, but it’s important to keep in mind that the moisture content in fresh pineapple differs from canned. Fresh pineapple tends to be less juicy, so you may need to add a little extra liquid (like pineapple juice or water) to the batter to maintain the cake’s moisture.
What other nuts can I use instead of pecans?
- Pecans are traditional in Granny Cake, but you can substitute them with other nuts like walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts. Each nut will add a different texture and flavor, so feel free to experiment based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
How long can I store Granny Cake?
- Granny Cake can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days if covered well. For longer storage, refrigerate the cake for up to 5 days. You can also freeze Granny Cake for up to 3 months; just be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.

Is it possible to make Granny Cake without icing?
- Yes, you can skip the icing if you prefer a less sweet cake. However, without the icing, the cake may not be as moist or flavorful. If you choose to go without icing, consider adding extra fruit or a glaze made with powdered sugar and pineapple juice for added moisture.
Can I make Granny Cake ahead of time?
- Absolutely! Granny Cake can be made a day or two in advance. Prepare the cake and store it, covered, at room temperature. For the best results, add the icing shortly before serving, as this keeps the cake fresh and prevents it from becoming too soggy over time.

Conclusion: Why You’ll Love Granny Cake

Granny Cake is a timeless dessert that evokes warm memories of family gatherings and the joy of homemade treats. Its nostalgic appeal lies in its simplicity—using basic ingredients like crushed pineapple, brown sugar, and pecans to create a dessert that’s both comforting and delicious. The rich, moist cake, combined with its caramelized topping and buttery icing, makes every bite unforgettable, making it a go-to recipe for many home bakers.

One of the best things about Granny Cake is its versatility. Whether you stick with the classic recipe or try creative variations like adding different fruits or experimenting with nuts, you can tailor the cake to suit your personal preferences. This adaptability ensures that Granny Cake can be enjoyed in many forms, making it a favorite for generations to come.

In addition to its rich flavors, Granny Cake is incredibly easy to make, even for beginner bakers. With just a few simple steps, you can create a dessert that feels like it’s been made with love and care, perfect for sharing with family and friends. Whether served at a party, holiday gathering, or just as a weeknight treat, Granny Cake is sure to become a cherished recipe in your household.

Granny Cake

Author: Christine

Description

Granny Cake is a classic, old-fashioned dessert that’s rich, moist, and full of nostalgic charm. This recipe combines simple pantry ingredients like crushed pineapple, brown sugar, and pecans to create a soft, flavorful cake with a sweet, caramelized topping. The cake is then soaked in a warm, buttery icing, adding an extra layer of richness. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, holiday party, or just a cozy night in, Granny Cake is a comforting treat that will impress everyone with its delicious flavor and simplicity.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350º F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Mix sugar, flour, baking soda and salt in a big bowl. Add eggs and pineapple, stir well.
Pour batter into your pan. Sprinkle pecans and brown sugar on top.

Bake for 40-45 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
While it’s baking, make the icing. Mix evaporated milk, sugar and butter in a pot. Bring to a boil.
Take it off the heat, stir in vanilla.

As soon as the cake’s done, pour the hot icing all over it.
Let it cool a bit, then dig in!

Notes

For a softer cake: Make sure to use the full can of crushed pineapple, including the juice, to keep the cake moist.

Topping variations: Feel free to experiment with different nuts or add a sprinkle of shredded coconut to the topping for a unique twist.
Storage: Granny Cake stays fresh for up to 3 days when covered and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for a warm and gooey dessert.
Icing tip: Pour the icing while the cake is still hot so it fully absorbs and adds a luscious, moist texture.

Make-ahead option: You can bake the cake a day in advance, but pour the icing on just before serving for the best results.

Granny Cake

Naomi