Description
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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Ingredients
For the Cake:
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1½ cups granulated sugar
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1 tsp baking soda
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½ tsp salt
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2 large eggs
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1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple in juice (do not drain)
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1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Brown Sugar Topping:
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½ cup packed brown sugar
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½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
For the Butter Sauce:
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1 cup evaporated milk
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½ cup unsalted butter
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1 cup granulated sugar
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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.
Notes
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.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Cuisine: Southern American