Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite dessert: the Southern creamy pineapple pecan cake! This cake is not just any cake; it’s a slice of pure happiness! It’s incredibly moist—thanks to the crushed pineapple—and has a delightful richness that makes every bite feel like a warm hug. I love how the pecans add a wonderful crunch that perfectly complements the sweet, tropical flavor of the pineapple. This cake has roots deep in Southern tradition, often making an appearance at family gatherings and celebrations. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s a classic! It’s that kind of cake that brings everyone together, and I can’t wait for you to experience it too!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
How to Prepare Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial for getting that perfect rise!
- In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until it’s light and fluffy. I usually beat it for about 3-5 minutes.
- Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This helps incorporate air, making your cake nice and airy.
- Now, stir in the vanilla extract and the crushed pineapple. Make sure to drain the pineapple well to prevent the batter from getting too wet.
- In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Give it a quick whisk to blend everything together.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. I like to do this in thirds, mixing gently to keep the batter light.
- Finally, fold in the chopped pecans. This is where you get that delightful crunch!
- Pour the batter into a greased cake pan, spreading it evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Trust me, the aroma during this time is heavenly!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Moist and rich flavor that keeps you coming back for more
- Easy to prepare, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels
- Ideal for gatherings, bringing a taste of Southern charm to any occasion
- Deliciously unique with the sweet pineapple and crunchy pecans
- Perfectly pairs with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream
- Can be made ahead of time, so you can relax and enjoy the celebration
- Leftovers (if there are any!) stay moist and tasty for days
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s talk about some tips that’ll help you nail this Southern creamy pineapple pecan cake like a pro!
- Creaming is key: Make sure to cream the butter and sugar together until it’s light and fluffy—this usually takes around 3-5 minutes. It’s all about incorporating air, which gives your cake that lovely lift!
- Drained pineapple: Don’t skip draining your crushed pineapple well! Excess moisture can make your cake dense, and we want it to be perfectly moist, not soggy. Just give it a little squeeze with a paper towel if needed.
- Mix gently: When you add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture, mix gently. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake, and we want it to be tender and delicious!
- Check your oven: Oven temperatures can vary, so keep an eye on your cake as it bakes. Start checking around the 30-minute mark to avoid overbaking. You want that toothpick to come out clean but not dry!
- Cooling time: Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This helps it set properly and makes it easier to remove without breaking.
Follow these tips, and I promise you’ll have a show-stopping cake that everyone will love! Happy baking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now that you have this delicious Southern creamy pineapple pecan cake, you may be wondering how to keep it fresh for as long as possible. First things first, make sure to store any leftovers in an airtight container. This will help keep the cake moist and prevent it from drying out. You can keep it at room temperature for a couple of days, or if you want it to last longer, pop it in the fridge!
If you’re storing it in the refrigerator, it should stay good for about a week. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before serving again, as that really helps bring back its lovely texture and flavor. If you find yourself wanting a slice but it’s still cold, just give it a few seconds in the microwave—about 10-15 seconds should do the trick. This will warm it up nicely without drying it out.
And if you’re lucky enough to have leftovers after a few days, you can freeze the cake! Just wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. It’ll keep well for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just let it thaw overnight in the fridge, and it’ll taste just as good as when it was fresh!
Nutritional Information
Alright, let’s dive into the nutritional details of this decadent Southern creamy pineapple pecan cake! Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific brands and ingredients you use. Here’s a breakdown per slice of cake:
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 22g
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 200mg
This cake is definitely a treat, so enjoy every delicious slice! Just remember to balance it out with some fresh fruit or a nice salad on the side, and you’ll be golden! Happy indulging!
FAQ Section
Got questions about this scrumptious Southern creamy pineapple pecan cake? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I get, along with my tried-and-true answers.
Can I use fresh pineapple?
Absolutely! Fresh pineapple works great, just make sure to chop it finely and drain any excess juice. This will help maintain that delightful texture we love in this cake!
What can I substitute for pecans?
If pecans aren’t your thing or you need a nut-free option, feel free to swap them out for walnuts or even sunflower seeds! They’ll still add that nice crunch and flavor.
How long does the cake last?
This cake is quite forgiving! At room temperature, it’ll stay fresh for about 2 days. In the fridge, it can last up to a week. Just be sure to keep it in an airtight container to keep it moist!
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
You bet! This cake actually gets even better after a day or two as the flavors meld together. Just store it properly and enjoy it when you’re ready!
Can I freeze the cake?
Yes, you can definitely freeze it! Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll be good for up to three months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy again.
Feel free to reach out if you have any more questions! I’m here to help you create the best Southern creamy pineapple pecan cake ever!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve whipped up this delightful Southern creamy pineapple pecan cake, let’s talk about how to make it even more irresistible at serving time! Trust me, pairing it with a few tasty accompaniments can elevate your dessert experience to a whole new level.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream on top is a classic choice. It adds a lightness that balances the richness of the cake perfectly!
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Oh wow, can you imagine a slice of this warm cake with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream melting on top? Pure bliss!
- Fresh Fruit: Serve it alongside some fresh fruit like sliced strawberries, blueberries, or even some juicy mango. The fruity flavors complement the pineapple beautifully.
- Coconut Flakes: For an extra tropical twist, sprinkle some toasted coconut flakes on top. They add a lovely crunch and sweetness!
- Caramel Sauce: Drizzling a bit of warm caramel sauce over the cake can take it to decadent heights. Seriously, it’s a game-changer!
- Powdered Sugar: A dusting of powdered sugar right before serving adds a touch of elegance and sweetness without overwhelming the flavors.
These serving suggestions not only enhance the cake’s flavor but also make it visually stunning for any gathering. So, gather your loved ones and dig in—this cake is sure to impress!
Print
Southern Creamy Pineapple Pecan Cake: 7 Reasons to Savor
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A moist and rich cake with pineapple and pecans.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and crushed pineapple.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Fold in the chopped pecans.
- Pour the batter into a greased cake pan.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool before serving.
Notes
- Store the cake in an airtight container.
- This cake can be served with whipped cream.
- For a richer flavor, add more pecans.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: southern creamy pineapple pecan cake