Imagine a dessert that captures the essence of Southern hospitality in every single bite – a cake so moist, so rich, and so utterly irresistible that it becomes the star of any gathering. This Pineapple Pecan Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a slice of Southern comfort that promises to transport you to a world of sweet, nostalgic bliss.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 2 cups / 250g all-purpose flour
- 2 cups / 400g sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp / 5ml vanilla extract
- 1 tsp / 5g baking soda
- ½ tsp / 3g salt
- 1 can (20 oz / 567g) crushed pineapple, undrained
- 1 cup / 100g chopped pecans
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz / 225g cream cheese, softened
- 1 stick / 113g butter, softened
- 4 cups / 480g powdered sugar
- 1 tsp / 5ml vanilla extract
- ½ cup / 50g chopped pecans (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare for Baking
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature
2. Create the Cake Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- Flour
- Sugar
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Stir in crushed pineapple (with juice)
- Fold in chopped pecans
- Mix until ingredients are well combined
3. Bake the Cake
- Pour batter into prepared baking dish
- Spread evenly
- Bake for 35-40 minutes
- Check doneness with a toothpick
- Toothpick should come out clean when inserted in the center
- Remove from oven and let cool completely
4. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
- In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and butter
- Beat until smooth and creamy
- Gradually add powdered sugar
- Mix in vanilla extract
- Continue beating until frosting is light and fluffy
5. Assemble and Finish
- Once cake is completely cooled
- Spread frosting generously over the entire cake
- Sprinkle chopped pecans on top for garnish
Cooking Details
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Bake Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Servings: 12-16 slices
Nutritional Snapshot (per slice)
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fat: 22g
- Sugar: 50g
Why This Cake is a Southern Treasure
This Pineapple Pecan Cake is more than just a sweet treat – it’s a nutritional celebration. The crushed pineapple provides natural sweetness and enzymes that aid digestion, while pecans offer a powerful punch of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and essential minerals.
The cream cheese frosting adds a luxurious protein boost, and the combination of ingredients creates a dessert that’s both indulgent and somewhat nutritionally balanced. The pecans contribute omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants, making this cake a guilt-free indulgence.
Pro Tip: For an extra Southern touch, serve slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Get ready to experience a slice of Southern heaven!