Easy Homemade Granny Cake

There’s something incredibly comforting about baking a cake that feels like a warm hug from your grandmother. For me, the Easy Homemade Granny Cake is exactly that—a simple, nostalgic dessert that brings back memories of family gatherings, cozy kitchens, and the sweet aroma of cinnamon and sugar wafting through the air. It’s the kind of cake that doesn’t require fancy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients, yet it always manages to impress.

What I love most about this recipe is its versatility. Whether you’re baking it for a weekend treat, a potluck, or just because you’re craving something sweet, this cake never disappoints. It’s moist, tender, and topped with a deliciously crunchy layer of brown sugar and pecans. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make, even if you’re not an experienced baker. Trust me, once you try this Granny Cake, it’ll become a staple in your recipe collection.

What You Need To Make This Recipe

All-purpose flour: This is the foundation of the cake, providing structure and texture. Make sure to measure it correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off with a knife.

Granulated sugar: Sugar adds sweetness and helps create a tender crumb. It also caramelizes slightly during baking, giving the cake a lovely golden color.

Baking soda: This leavening agent helps the cake rise and become light and fluffy. Make sure your baking soda is fresh for the best results.

Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the flavors of the other ingredients and balances the sweetness of the cake.

Canned pineapple: The star of the show! Pineapple adds moisture, natural sweetness, and a tropical flavor that pairs perfectly with the crunchy topping.

Eggs: Eggs bind the ingredients together and add richness to the cake. Make sure they’re at room temperature for even mixing.

Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla enhances the overall flavor of the cake, adding warmth and depth.

Brown sugar: Used in the topping, brown sugar creates a caramel-like crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft cake.

Pecans: These add a nutty, buttery flavor and a delightful crunch to the topping. If you’re not a fan of pecans, you can substitute them with walnuts or omit them entirely.

Ingredients List

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 can (20 ounces) crushed pineapple, undrained
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup chopped pecans

How to Make Easy Homemade Granny Cake

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This ensures the cake bakes evenly and doesn’t stick to the pan.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, and salt. This ensures the leavening agent is evenly distributed, which is key for a consistent texture.

Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients

Stir in the crushed pineapple (with its juice), eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, so be gentle.

Step 4: Pour the Batter

Transfer the batter to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.

Step 5: Make the Topping

In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and chopped pecans. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the batter.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The topping should be golden and slightly crunchy.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Tips for Making this Recipe

Use fresh ingredients: Ensure your baking soda and eggs are fresh for the best results.
Don’t overmix: Overmixing the batter can make the cake dense. Mix until just combined.
Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet cake, reduce the granulated sugar by ¼ cup.
Experiment with toppings: Try adding shredded coconut or a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra flavor.
Store properly: Keep the cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer storage.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes, but make sure to chop it finely and add a bit of pineapple juice or water to maintain moisture.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

Can I freeze Granny Cake?
Yes, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

What can I use instead of pecans?
Walnuts or almonds work well, or you can omit the nuts entirely if you have an allergy.

Why is my cake too dense?
This could be due to overmixing the batter or using expired baking soda. Be gentle when mixing and check your ingredients.

Enjoy baking this Easy Homemade Granny Cake—it’s a timeless treat that’s sure to bring joy to your kitchen!