Southern Pineapple Cake is a beloved dessert that embodies the rich, flavorful traditions of Southern baking. This cake is known for its moist texture and vibrant flavor, thanks to the inclusion of crushed pineapple, which infuses every bite with a sweet, tropical essence. The cake is topped with a luxurious mixture of butter, evaporated milk, sugar, nuts, and coconut flakes, creating a decadent finish that perfectly complements the light, fruity base. This dessert is a staple at family gatherings, potlucks, and holiday celebrations, often evoking nostalgia and warmth.
The beauty of this cake lies in its simplicity and the harmonious blend of flavors and textures. The combination of a moist, tender crumb and a crunchy, sweet topping makes it irresistible. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a novice, this recipe is straightforward and easy to follow, ensuring that you can create a delicious cake that will impress your friends and family.
Below, you’ll find the detailed recipe for Southern Pineapple Cake, along with several variations and substitutions to help you customize it to your taste or dietary needs.
Southern Pineapple Cake Recipe
Ingredients
For the Cake:
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple (including juice)
For the Topping:
1/2 cup butter
2/3 cup evaporated milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup sugar
1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
1 cup coconut flakes
Instructions
Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or spray a 13×9-inch baking dish with baking spray.
Prepare the Cake Batter:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and baking soda. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and crushed pineapple with its juice. Beat the mixture until well combined.
Bake the Cake:
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Make the Topping:
While the cake is baking, melt the butter in a medium-sized saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the evaporated milk, vanilla extract, and sugar, stirring until the mixture begins to boil. Stir in the chopped nuts and coconut flakes, and continue cooking over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring constantly. The mixture will thicken slightly.
Assemble the Cake:
Remove the baked cake from the oven. Using a wooden chopstick or the tines of a large fork, poke holes all over the top of the cake. Pour the topping evenly over the warm cake, ensuring it seeps into the holes.
Cool and Serve:
Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Variations
Tropical Twist:
Add a cup of diced mango or papaya to the cake batter for an extra tropical flavor.
Citrus Pineapple Cake:
Add the zest of one lemon or lime to the batter for a citrusy note.
Chocolate Pineapple Cake:
Mix in 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips into the batter for a chocolatey twist.
Caramel Pecan Topping:
Replace the coconut flakes in the topping with an additional 1/2 cup of chopped pecans and add 1/4 cup of caramel sauce.
Substitutions
Gluten-Free Option:
Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Dairy-Free Version:
Use coconut milk instead of evaporated milk and replace the butter with a dairy-free margarine.
Low-Sugar Option:
Use a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol in place of the granulated sugar.
Nut-Free Variation:
Omit the nuts in the topping or replace them with an equal amount of extra coconut flakes.
Conclusion
Southern Pineapple Cake is a delightful dessert that captures the essence of Southern hospitality and flavor. Its moist, pineapple-infused crumb paired with a rich, nutty, coconut topping makes it a memorable treat for any occasion. The recipe is easy to follow and can be adapted to suit various tastes and dietary needs, making it a versatile addition to your baking repertoire. Whether you enjoy it as is or experiment with the suggested variations and substitutions, this cake is sure to become a favorite. Enjoy the tropical flavors and the comforting, homemade goodness of Southern Pineapple Cake.