Nothing beats the charm of a homemade Granny Cake—a nostalgic, old-fashioned dessert that’s simple, sweet, and packed with comforting flavors. This cake is incredibly moist, loaded with juicy crushed pineapple, and topped with a caramelized pecan-brown sugar crunch. It’s the perfect dessert for family gatherings, potlucks, holidays, or whenever you need a bite of something warm and comforting.
What makes this cake truly special? The magic happens when the hot, buttery vanilla glaze soaks into the freshly baked cake, making each bite rich, tender, and utterly irresistible. The best part? It’s super easy to make—no fancy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients required. Just mix, bake, pour, and enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Granny Cake
- Easy to make – No layers, no complicated steps—just one bowl and simple ingredients.
- Ultra moist and flavorful – Thanks to the pineapple and buttery glaze.
- A nostalgic favorite – Just like Grandma used to make!
- Perfect for any occasion – A simple cake that works for dessert, brunch, or even a sweet snack.
If you love classic, no-fuss desserts, this Granny Cake is sure to become a favorite in your home!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Granny Cake is made with pantry-friendly ingredients, making it an effortless dessert you can whip up anytime. Here’s everything you’ll need:
For the Cake:
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar – Adds the perfect sweetness.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – Provides structure and texture.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda – Helps the cake rise and stay light.
- ½ teaspoon salt – Enhances the flavors.
- 2 large eggs – Adds richness and moisture.
- 1 (20 oz.) can crushed pineapple, with juice – The key to this cake’s ultra-moist texture and tropical flavor.
- 1 cup brown sugar – Creates a sweet, caramelized topping.
- 1 cup pecans, chopped – Adds a nutty crunch for extra texture.
For the Buttery Glaze:
- 1 cup evaporated milk – Gives the glaze a creamy, rich consistency.
- ½ cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the glaze to perfection.
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter – Adds a velvety smoothness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the overall flavor.
Optional Additions:
- A pinch of cinnamon for extra warmth.
- A handful of shredded coconut for a tropical twist.
Each ingredient plays a role in creating a cake that is soft, moist, and packed with old-fashioned flavor. The combination of brown sugar and pecans on top gives it that signature caramelized crunch, while the glaze takes it to the next level of decadence.
Step-By-Step Instructions for the Perfect Granny Cake
Making this Granny Cake is as simple as mixing, baking, and pouring the luscious glaze over the warm cake. Follow these easy steps to get the perfect texture and flavor.
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Add in eggs and crushed pineapple (with the juice!), then stir until everything is well combined. The batter will be slightly runny, which is exactly what you want!
Step 2: Bake the Cake
- Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the top of the batter, followed by the chopped pecans. This will create the signature caramelized crunch.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The cake should be golden brown and slightly firm to the touch.
Step 3: Make the Buttery Glaze
- While the cake is baking, prepare the glaze. In a medium saucepan, combine evaporated milk, sugar, and butter over medium heat.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves and the glaze thickens slightly.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract for extra depth of flavor.
Step 4: Pour the Glaze Over the Cake
- As soon as the cake comes out of the oven, poke small holes all over using a fork or a toothpick.
- Slowly pour the warm glaze over the hot cake, allowing it to soak in and make the cake extra moist and flavorful.
- Let the cake cool completely so the glaze fully absorbs. Then slice, serve, and enjoy!
Pro Tip: For an extra indulgent twist, serve this cake slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Tips, FAQs, and Storage
To ensure your Granny Cake turns out perfectly every time, here are some helpful tips, troubleshooting answers, and storage guidelines.
Pro Tips for the Best Granny Cake
- Don’t drain the pineapple – The juice keeps the cake moist and enhances the flavor.
- Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly – This helps create a consistent caramelized top.
- Let the glaze soak in – Pouring the glaze over a hot cake allows it to fully absorb, making the cake ultra-moist.
- For extra crunch – Lightly toast the pecans before adding them to the cake.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes, but make sure to use freshly crushed pineapple and include some of the natural juices. If needed, you can add a bit of pineapple juice to compensate.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cake actually tastes better the next day because the flavors have time to deepen. Store it covered at room temperature overnight.
What if I don’t have evaporated milk?
You can substitute heavy cream or whole milk, but evaporated milk provides the richest texture.
Can I make this into cupcakes?
Yes! Simply divide the batter into a lined muffin tin and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18-22 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick.
Can I add other toppings?
Definitely! Try shredded coconut, walnuts, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon for a flavorful twist.
How to Store Granny Cake
At Room Temperature:
- Store the cake covered in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
In the Refrigerator:
- If you prefer a chilled cake, store it in the fridge for up to a week. Let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.
Freezing Instructions:
- You can freeze the whole cake or individual slices by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
- Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Granny Cake is a true old-fashioned favorite that delivers big on flavor with minimal effort. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dessert, a potluck, or a holiday gathering, this cake is guaranteed to impress. Its tender crumb, caramelized pecan topping, and buttery glaze make every bite pure bliss.
Try this recipe, and let me know how it turns out—I’d love to hear how you make it your own!
