Granny Cake

Moist, sweet, and irresistibly nostalgic, Granny Cake is the kind of old-fashioned dessert that brings comfort with every bite. Made with crushed pineapple, brown sugar, and a rich buttery topping, it’s a simple sheet cake that’s bursting with flavor and texture. Perfect for potlucks, holidays, or cozy evenings at home, this Southern-style favorite is easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Super Moist – Thanks to the pineapple and brown sugar.
No Mixer Required – Stir by hand and bake.
Nostalgic Flavor – Just like Grandma used to make.
Feeds a Crowd – Great for sharing at family gatherings or church suppers.
Make-Ahead Friendly – Tastes even better the next day!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cake:

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

For the Brown Sugar Topping:

• ½ cup packed brown sugar
• ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

For the Butter Sauce:

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

Tools You’ll Need

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Mixing bowls
• Spatula or spoon
• Medium saucepan
• Wire rack for cooling

Step-by-Step Instructions

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

Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt.
Add eggs, crushed pineapple (with juice), and vanilla extract.
Stir by hand until fully combined and no dry streaks remain. Batter will be thick and moist.

Step 3: Pour & Sprinkle
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula.
Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the top.
Add chopped pecans or walnuts if using.

Step 4: Bake the Cake
Bake for 35–40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top is golden.
While the cake bakes, prepare the butter sauce.

Step 5: Make the Butter Sauce
In a medium saucepan, combine evaporated milk, butter, and granulated sugar.
Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring constantly until butter is melted and sugar is dissolved.
Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.

Step 6: Pour the Sauce Over the Hot Cake
As soon as the cake comes out of the oven, pour the warm butter sauce evenly over the top.
Let it soak in as the cake cools. It will create a moist, flavorful finish.

Step 7: Cool, Slice & Serve
Allow the cake to cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing.
Serve warm, room temperature, or even chilled. It’s delicious any way you slice it.

Tips for Perfect Granny Cake
Don’t Drain the Pineapple – The juice adds moisture and sweetness.
Add Nuts – Pecans or walnuts add a great crunch, but leave them out if you prefer nut-free.
Let the Sauce Soak – Don’t skip the butter sauce—it’s what makes this cake special.
Make Ahead – It’s even better the next day after the flavors settle.
Serve with Ice Cream – A scoop of vanilla takes it over the top.

Serving Suggestions
Vanilla Ice Cream – Cold and creamy against the warm cake.
Whipped Cream – Light and fluffy contrast to the rich texture.
Hot Tea or Coffee – The perfect pairing for an afternoon treat.
Fruit Topping – Try fresh strawberries or caramelized bananas.
Brunch Dessert – A great sweet finish to any breakfast spread.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Room Temp: Cover and store for up to 2 days.
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freeze: Wrap individual slices and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating:
Microwave: Warm slices for 15–30 seconds.
Oven: Reheat at 300°F for 10 minutes if you want to warm the whole pan.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes, but you’ll need to blend it and make sure it includes the juice to match the moisture level.

2. What can I use instead of evaporated milk?
You can use whole milk or half-and-half, though the sauce may be slightly thinner.

3. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes—use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Be sure your other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

4. Does this cake need frosting?
Nope! The buttery sauce soaks in and acts like a built-in glaze.

Final Thoughts
Granny Cake is the ultimate old-fashioned dessert that never goes out of style. With its moist pineapple base, sweet brown sugar topping, and rich buttery sauce, it’s a guaranteed hit at any table. Whether you’re making it for a potluck, holiday gathering, or a weekend treat, this cake delivers big flavor with little effort.

So go ahead—slice into a bit of nostalgia and enjoy every delicious bite!

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

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 380 | Protein: 4g | Carbohydrates: 50g | Fat: 18g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 180mg

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