All of our grandmother’s cakes hold a special place in our hearts, but if we were forced to pick favorites, we would undoubtedly choose the one affectionately known as “Granny Cake.” This particular cake always comes out flawlessly and never ends up dry, thanks to its exceptional texture and flavor that keep it exciting and keep everyone clamoring for more. Although it may resemble a coffee cake, trust us when we say that it’s far more than that.
To begin, prepare a classic white cake by blending it with a can of crushed pineapple. This ingredient, along with its juices, provides a subtle sweetness that doesn’t overpower the flavor; it’s not a pineapple cake, but rather a granny cake. Once the cake mixture is prepared, pour it into a baking dish and layer it with pecans and brown sugar. Although it may appear to be a lot of sugar, you can reduce it if necessary. The sugar envelops the nuts, and when caramelized in the oven, creates a delectably candied pecan topping that offers the perfect amount of crunch and offsets the pineapple-infused white cake.
However, the magnificence of this recipe isn’t solely due to the cake itself. Oh no, there’s much more to it. While the cake is baking, you’ll create a speedy stovetop icing that will be poured over the cake immediately after it’s removed from the oven. It’s made with just four ingredients, and seeps into the cake, further contributing to its moistness. As it gradually sets, it forms a crackly, crispy-coated top layer that brings everything together.
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
PREPARATION
Preheat oven to 350ยบ F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, flour, baking soda and salt, then mix in eggs and pineapple.
Pour batter into your pan and top with an even layer of pecans and brown sugar.
Place baking dish in oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
While cake cooks, combine evaporated milk, sugar and butter in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat and bring to a boil.
Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract, then pour over hot cake.
Let cake cool so it absorbs icing, then slice, serve and enjoy.
Recipe adapted from Just A Pinch