Granny Cake

Moist, rich, and full of old-fashioned charm, this Granny Cake is a timeless classic straight from grandma’s recipe box. Made with crushed pineapple, chopped pecans, and a sweet brown sugar glaze that soaks into the cake while it’s hot, this dessert is the definition of Southern comfort. No fancy steps, just pure, nostalgic goodness—perfect for potlucks, holidays, or anytime you need a cozy dessert.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ultra Moist Texture – Thanks to crushed pineapple and warm glaze
No Mixer Required – Stir everything together by hand
Great for Crowds – Feeds a family or gathering easily
Full of Flavor – Sweet, nutty, and buttery in every bite
Even Better the Next Day – Flavors deepen as it sits

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cake:
1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple in juice (do not drain)
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

For the Brown Sugar Glaze:
1 cup packed brown sugar
½ cup butter (1 stick)
¾ cup evaporated milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Optional Garnishes:
Chopped nuts
Whipped cream
Powdered sugar
Vanilla ice cream

Tools You’ll Need
Mixing bowl
9×13-inch baking dish
Whisk or spatula
Small saucepan

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.

Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the crushed pineapple with its juice, sugar, eggs, and vanilla.
Add the flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir until just combined—don’t overmix.
Fold in the chopped pecans or walnuts if using.

Step 3: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth out the top.
Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 4: Make the Glaze
While the cake is baking, combine brown sugar, butter, and evaporated milk in a saucepan over medium heat.
Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly.
Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and a pinch of salt.

Step 5: Pour the Glaze Over the Cake
Once the cake is out of the oven, immediately pour the warm glaze evenly over the top.
Let it sit for 15–20 minutes to soak in fully before serving.

Tips for the Best Granny Cake
Use pineapple in juice, not syrup – It gives the perfect moisture without extra sweetness
Don’t drain the pineapple – The juice goes right into the batter
Add coconut or raisins – For a fun twist on the classic
Let it rest – The longer it sits, the better the flavor and texture
Serve warm – It’s even more comforting fresh from the oven

Serving Suggestions
Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream
Top with whipped cream and toasted pecans
Enjoy chilled the next day with a cup of coffee
Bring to a potluck or holiday meal—it’s always a hit

How to Store & Reheat
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days
Reheat individual slices in the microwave for 15–20 seconds
Freezes well for up to 2 months—thaw and warm gently to serve

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
You can, but it should be finely chopped and very juicy. You may need to add extra liquid.

Can I skip the glaze?
The cake is delicious without it, but the glaze makes it extra moist and sweet—highly recommended!

Can I make this nut-free?
Absolutely—just leave out the pecans or substitute with seeds or shredded coconut.

Is this the same as a dump cake?
Nope! This is a mix-and-pour style cake with a glaze, more like a traditional old-fashioned snack cake.

Final Thoughts
This Granny Cake is the perfect balance of simplicity and indulgence. It’s sweet, soft, and full of flavor—everything you love about vintage desserts made with love and real ingredients. Whether for a family gathering or a quiet night in, this cake is comfort food at its finest.

Bake it once, and you’ll see why Granny’s recipes are always the best.

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Baking Time: 40 minutes
Cuisine: Southern American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – 12 servings):
Calories: 360 | Protein: 4g | Carbohydrates: 50g | Fat: 17g | Sugar: 34g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 220mg

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