Grandma’s Golden Touch: The Comfort Granny Cake Recipe

My grandma’s cherished cake recipe brings nostalgia dancing across kitchen counters with surprising simplicity.

Sweet memories flood back when mixing these classic ingredients.

Her handwritten notes reveal culinary magic passed through generations.

Comfort and warmth emerge from every carefully measured spoonful.

Generations of family celebrations live within this delectable dessert.

Baking connects us to roots deeper than mere ingredients.

Whip up this treasured treat and watch smiles bloom around your table.

Granny Cake – Why It’s a True Classic

• Quick and Easy Baking: Whip up this delightful Granny Cake with minimal effort, perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• No-Fuss Ingredients: Pantry staples like flour, sugar, and pineapple come together to create a mouthwatering dessert without complicated shopping.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: The warm, gooey texture and sweet pecan topping make this cake an instant hit for family gatherings and potlucks.
• Sweet Nostalgia Factor: Reminiscent of classic homemade desserts, this recipe brings back memories of grandma's kitchen and traditional baking.

Ingredients for Granny Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: A pantry staple perfect for cake baking.
• Sugar: Sweet and essential for the cake's base.
• Baking Soda: Helps the cake rise and become fluffy.
• Salt: Balances and enhances the overall flavor.

• Eggs: Provide structure and richness to the cake.
• Pineapple: Adds moisture and tropical sweetness.

• Pecans: Crunchy nutty addition for texture.
• Brown Sugar: Adds a deep caramel-like sweetness.

• Evaporated Milk: Creamy base for the icing.
• Butter: Adds richness and smooth texture.
• Sugar: Sweetens the icing.
• Vanilla: Brings a classic warm flavor.

How to Make Granny Cake from Scratch

Step 1: Prepare Oven And Baking Dish

Crank up your oven to a cozy 350°F.

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a generous coating of grease to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Create Cake Base

• Sugar
• Flour
• Baking soda
• Salt

Crack in the eggs and fold in the pineapple.

Stir everything until you have a smooth, delightful batter.

Step 3: Add Delicious Topping

Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish.

• Pecans
• Brown sugar

Spread these goodies evenly across the top for a crunchy, caramelized finish.

Step 4: Bake To Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven.

Bake for 40-45 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean when the cake is ready.

Step 5: Craft Irresistible Icing

• Evaporated milk
• Sugar
• Butter

Combine these in a saucepan and bring to a rolling boil, stirring constantly.

Step 6: Finish Icing

Remove the pan from heat.

Stir in vanilla, creating a silky smooth topping.

Step 7: Final Touch

The moment the cake emerges from the oven, drench it with the hot icing.

Let it cool slightly, then serve and enjoy this mouthwatering treat.

Tips for Moist and Sweet Granny Cake

• Sift dry ingredients before mixing to ensure a smooth, lump-free cake batter that will bake evenly.
• Toast pecans lightly before sprinkling on top to enhance their nutty richness and add extra depth to the cake's flavor profile.
• Use the toothpick test by inserting it into the center; if it comes out clean with no wet batter, the cake is perfectly baked.
• Stir the hot icing continuously while boiling to prevent burning and achieve a silky, pourable texture that soaks into the warm cake.
• Substitute gluten-free flour for regular flour and use dairy-free alternatives like coconut milk and margarine to make the recipe suitable for different dietary restrictions.

Proper Storage and Heating for Granny Cake

• Store leftover Granny Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain its moisture and flavor.
• Keep the cake covered at room temperature for 1-2 days if you plan to enjoy it quickly.
• Warm individual slices for 15-20 seconds on medium power to restore softness and bring out the cake's delicious warmth.
• Gently reheat the entire cake at 300°F for 10-15 minutes, which helps preserve its original texture and prevents drying out.

Great Pairings for Granny Cake

• Pair Warm Comfort with Smooth Beverages: Serve this rich Granny Cake with a steaming cup of vanilla-infused coffee to complement its sweet, nutty flavors.
• Enhance Dessert Texture with Cool Contrast: Scoop vanilla bean ice cream alongside the cake to balance its warm, gooey caramel-like topping and provide a refreshing counterpoint.
• Match Sweet Notes with Complementary Drinks: Pour a chilled glass of sweet moscato wine that echoes the cake's fruity pineapple undertones and caramelized brown sugar essence.
• Brighten Flavor Profile with Herbal Touch: Brew a light chamomile tea to cut through the cake's richness and add a delicate, soothing background to each decadent bite.

Fun Granny Cake Styles and Twists

• Gluten-Free Granny Cake: Replace regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe safe for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
• Vegan Version: Swap eggs with flax eggs or applesauce, use coconut milk instead of evaporated milk, and choose plant-based butter for a completely dairy-free and egg-free cake.
• Nut-Free Alternative: Omit pecans and replace with sunflower seeds or skip the topping completely, making it safe for those with nut allergies.
• Low-Sugar Option: Reduce sugar content by using monk fruit sweetener or stevia, and opt for a sugar-free icing alternative to create a diabetic-friendly dessert.

FAQs

• What makes this cake different from other desserts?

This cake combines pineapple and pecans with a unique hot icing that’s poured immediately after baking, creating a moist and rich texture that sets it apart from traditional cakes.

• Can I use a different type of nuts instead of pecans?

Absolutely! You can substitute pecans with walnuts or chopped almonds if you prefer or have them on hand.

• Is this recipe considered a traditional Southern dessert?

Yes, Granny Cake is a classic Southern-style cake that has been passed down through generations, known for its simple ingredients and comforting homemade taste.

• Do I need any special baking skills to make this cake?

Not at all! This recipe is beginner-friendly and requires basic mixing and baking techniques that even novice bakers can easily follow.

Granny Cake Recipe

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4.8 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Sweet memories of childhood bloom in this nostalgic Granny Cake, combining simple ingredients with heartwarming flavor. Homemade comfort wraps you in warm memories of family recipes passed down through generations.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Fruit and Liquid Ingredients:

• 1 20 ounces (567 grams) can crushed pineapples, with juice

Protein and Nut Ingredients:

• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup pecans, chopped

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Instructions

1. Combine granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt in a spacious mixing bowl, creating a uniform dry mixture.
2. Gently fold in whole eggs and crushed pineapple, stirring until the batter achieves a smooth, even consistency.
3. Transfer the batter into a thoroughly greased 9×13-inch baking dish, ensuring even distribution.
4. Artfully scatter chopped pecans across the surface, then generously dust with brown sugar for a delectable crumbly topping.
5. Position the cake in a preheated oven at 350°F and bake for approximately 40-45 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick that emerges completely clean.
6. While the cake bakes, prepare the luxurious glaze by combining evaporated milk, granulated sugar, and butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
7. Allow the mixture to reach a rolling boil, stirring constantly to prevent scorching.
8. Remove from heat and swirl in pure vanilla extract, creating a rich, aromatic glaze.
9. Immediately after removing the cake from the oven, drench the surface with the hot glaze, ensuring complete coverage.
10. Allow the cake to rest and cool slightly, permitting the glaze to seep into the warm cake, then serve and enjoy.

Notes

• Swap out regular flour with gluten-free flour blend for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Toast pecans beforehand to intensify their nutty flavor and enhance the cake’s overall taste profile.
• Use fresh pineapple instead of canned for a brighter, more vibrant fruit experience.
• Adjust sugar quantities slightly to control sweetness if you prefer a less sugary dessert.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 276
• Sugar: 31 g
• Sodium: 162 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 27 mg