There’s something truly magical about the blend of flavors and textures in a Southern Pineapple Cake that transports you straight to a sun-drenched afternoon in the heart of the South. With its moist base bursting with tropical pineapple, the crunch of pecans, and a dreamy coconut frosting, this cake is a celebration of flavors that promises to bring a slice of paradise to your table.
Why You’ll Love This Cake
Southern Pineapple Cake is not just a dessert; it’s an experience. The combination of sweet and tangy pineapple with the nutty crunch of pecans, all topped with a rich, coconut-infused frosting, makes each bite a perfect balance of textures and flavors. What’s more, it’s surprisingly easy to make, requiring simple ingredients and straightforward steps that even novice bakers can follow with confidence.
Ingredients:
Let’s start with what you’ll need to bring this tropical delight to life.
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 tsp. baking soda
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1 – 20 oz can crushed pineapple (with juice)
For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup butter
- 2/3 cup evaporated milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- 1 cup coconut flakes
Directions:
Preparation is key to baking success. Let’s dive into the steps to make your Southern Pineapple Cake a hit.
- Preheat & Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or spray a 13 x 9-inch baking dish to ensure your cake comes out perfectly.
- Mix & Bake: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, eggs, vanilla, and crushed pineapple with its juice. Mix until well combined. Pour this batter into your prepared pan and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Create the Topping: While the cake bakes, prepare the topping. In a saucepan, heat the butter, evaporated milk, vanilla, and sugar until it reaches a boil over medium-high heat. Add in the pecans or walnuts and coconut flakes, continue to cook on medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring constantly. The mixture will thicken slightly.
- Finish with Flair: Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and poke holes all over the top using a fork or a skewer. Then, evenly spread the warm topping over the cake, allowing it to seep into the holes and cover the surface.
- Let It Cool: Patience is a virtue, especially with baking. Let the cake cool before serving to ensure the flavors meld together beautifully.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Nutritional Information:
Each of the 12 servings comes in at approximately 494 kcal, making it a decadent treat worth every bite.
This Southern Pineapple Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a tribute to the warmth and hospitality of Southern cuisine. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a sweet treat, this cake is sure to impress and delight everyone at your table. So, tie on your apron, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a piece of Southern paradise.
Would like to try this cake
Picture shows a white creamy frosting but does not show in recipe?
The recipe provided is designed for basic purposes, meant to serve a standard portion. However, the accompanying picture features additional layers, intended for a larger gathering, but rest assured, the core recipe shared is suitable for everyday use.
I’m wondering the same thing. Recipe says to spread a cooked topping over a warm cake. That doesn’t sound like what is shown in the picture.
Is there a recipe for the creamy frosting that’s shown in the picture?
It’s #3 in the directions
Can you make this with artificial sweetener.
That #3 topping is not the same as the Pic. What did you use to make it look like the Pic
To achieve the topping shown in the picture, you can follow these steps:
Prepare the Cake: Follow the instructions provided for making the cake batter and baking it in a 13 x 9-inch baking dish as directed.
Create the Topping: Instead of cooking the topping on the stovetop, you can make a variation by combining the following ingredients:
1 cup shredded coconut
1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup melted butter
1/4 cup evaporated milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Assemble the Topping: Once the cake is baked and removed from the oven, immediately sprinkle the shredded coconut and chopped nuts evenly over the hot cake.
Prepare the Syrup: In a separate bowl, mix together the melted butter, brown sugar, evaporated milk, and vanilla extract until well combined. Drizzle this mixture over the coconut and nuts, allowing it to soak into the cake.
Broil the Topping: Place the cake under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching closely, until the coconut and nuts are lightly toasted and the syrup begins to bubble.
Let It Cool: Allow the cake to cool completely before serving to allow the topping to set.
By following these steps, you should be able to achieve a topping similar to the one shown in the picture. Enjoy your delicious Southern Pineapple Cake! If you have any further questions, feel free to ask.
The instructions you gave DO NOT give the result of the ‘icing’ that is in the cake. For starters, spreading a cooked topping on a warm cake is not going to set up like the icing in the picture.