Granny Cake

Old-fashioned, sweet, and irresistibly moist, this Granny Cake is a Southern-style favorite that’s packed with warm, comforting flavors. With a soft pineapple-studded cake base, a crunchy brown sugar and nut topping, and a buttery caramel glaze poured over while warm, every bite is pure nostalgic joy. It’s perfect for holidays, potlucks, or just a cozy dessert at home.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
No Mixer Needed – Just stir, pour, and bake.
Super Moist – Crushed pineapple adds natural sweetness and keeps it soft.
Crowd Favorite – Everyone asks for the recipe.
Old-Fashioned Flavor – A true classic with simple pantry ingredients.
Perfect for Any Occasion – Serve warm with coffee, whipped cream, or just as-is.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1½ cups granulated sugar
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 2 large eggs
• 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple with juice (do not drain)
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Topping:

• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup evaporated milk
• ½ cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Tools You’ll Need
Mixing bowls
9×13 inch baking dish
Whisk or spoon
Medium saucepan
Spatula or knife for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt.
2. Add eggs, crushed pineapple with juice, and vanilla.
3. Stir until well combined and smooth (batter will be slightly thick and chunky from the pineapple).

Step 3: Add the Topping Before Baking

1. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
2. Sprinkle brown sugar evenly over the top.
3. Add chopped walnuts or pecans on top of the brown sugar.

Step 4: Bake the Cake

1. Bake in preheated oven for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
2. While the cake is baking, prepare the glaze.

Step 5: Make the Glaze

1. In a medium saucepan, combine evaporated milk, butter, and sugar.
2. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring constantly.
3. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened, then remove from heat and stir in vanilla.

Step 6: Pour the Glaze Over the Hot Cake

1. As soon as the cake comes out of the oven, poke small holes all over the top with a fork or skewer.
2. Slowly pour the warm glaze evenly over the cake.
3. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes to soak in before serving.

Step 7: Slice and Serve

1. Serve warm or at room temperature.
2. Enjoy as-is or with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Tips for the Best Granny Cake
Use Pineapple in Juice – Not syrup, to keep the cake from being too sweet.
Don’t Drain the Pineapple – The juice is essential for moisture and flavor.
Toast the Nuts – For extra depth of flavor, toast the nuts before adding them.
Let the Glaze Soak In – This makes the cake ultra-moist and flavorful.
Make Ahead – It’s even better the next day as the flavors meld.

Serving Suggestions
Perfect with coffee or tea as a sweet afternoon treat.
Top with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Serve at holiday dinners, potlucks, or as a weekend dessert.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:

• Let the cake cool completely. Cover and store at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Reheating:

• Microwave individual slices for 15–20 seconds.
• Oven: Warm the whole cake at 300°F for 10 minutes covered with foil.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this cake nut-free?
   Yes! Just skip the nuts or replace them with shredded coconut or sunflower seeds for crunch.
2. Can I freeze Granny Cake?
   Absolutely. Freeze tightly wrapped portions for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and warm slightly before serving.
3. Is this the same as dump cake?
   Not quite—Granny Cake is made from scratch and includes a cooked glaze, while dump cake is usually made with cake mix.
4. What’s the best pan to use?
   A 9×13 inch baking dish is ideal, but you can also use a large round or square pan—just adjust bake time accordingly.

Final Thoughts
This Granny Cake is a true down-home classic. With its simple ingredients, comforting texture, and rich, buttery glaze, it’s the kind of dessert that feels like a warm hug from grandma herself. It’s incredibly easy to make and guaranteed to become a staple for holidays, family gatherings, or whenever you need a sweet slice of nostalgia.

Bake it once, and you’ll see why it’s called Granny Cake—because only something this good could come from a grandma’s kitchen!

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Cuisine: Southern-American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 370 | Protein: 4g | Carbohydrates: 45g | Fat: 20g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 180mg

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