“Grandma’s Cake Recipe”
Let me tell you about a cake my grandma used to make—one so memorable we all simply called it Granny Cake. It’s the kind of dessert that instantly brings joy with every bite.
This cake is anything but plain. It bakes up unbelievably moist—never dry, never crumbly—with a perfect combination of flavors and textures. One slice is all it takes to understand why it became such a treasured part of our family traditions.
The magic starts with a basic white cake batter that gets transformed by adding a can of crushed pineapple. It doesn’t turn the cake into a pineapple dessert; instead, it lends a gentle sweetness and exceptional moisture. Then, before baking, a mixture of brown sugar and pecans is scattered over the top. As it cooks, that topping melts into a golden, candy-like crunch that’s pure bliss.
And there’s still more to love. While the cake is baking, you prepare a warm stovetop icing. The moment the cake comes out of the oven, you pour that hot icing right over it. It soaks into the surface, creating a slightly crackly, irresistible finish.
The name might be simple, but the cake is a true standout. Make it once, and chances are it’ll earn a permanent place in your own recipe collection.
Granny Cake Recipe
📝 Ingredients
Cake
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple, juice included
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Icing
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
👩🍳 Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, combine the sugar, flour, baking soda, and salt. Add the eggs and the pineapple (with its juice) and mix until fully combined.
- Spread the batter into the prepared pan. Evenly sprinkle the pecans and brown sugar on top.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- While the cake bakes, make the icing: place the evaporated milk, sugar, and butter in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla.
- Pour the hot icing over the cake immediately after removing it from the oven.
- Let it cool slightly, slice, and enjoy!
