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+ servings
A close-up of a slice of Granny Cake showing the moist texture and rich topping, served on a white plate.
5 from 1 vote

Homemade Granny Cake Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
This Homemade Granny Cake Recipe is a moist and flavorful dessert made with crushed pineapple, brown sugar, and walnuts, then topped with a rich buttery glaze. A simple, old-fashioned treat that is perfect for any occasion.
24 Servings

Ingredients

For the Cake:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup white sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 20-ounce can crushed pineapple (with juice, undrained)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Topping:

  • ½ cup packed light brown sugar
  • ½ cup chopped walnuts

For the Glaze:

  • ½ cup unsalted butter
  • ½ cup white sugar
  • ½ cup evaporated milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Use a 9x13-inch baking pan for this recipe. There is no need to grease the pan.

Prepare the Cake Batter:

  1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, white sugar, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined. Stir in the crushed pineapple (including its juice), eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is fully incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the cake’s texture.

Transfer to the Baking Pan:

  1. Pour the batter into the 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula.

Prepare and Add the Topping:

  1. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and chopped walnuts. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the cake batter before baking.

Bake the Cake:

  1. Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The cake should be golden brown and set in the middle.

Prepare the Glaze:

  1. While the cake is baking, prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan, combine the butter, white sugar, evaporated milk, and vanilla extract. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the butter is melted and the sugar has fully dissolved. The mixture will be thin but will thicken as it absorbs into the cake.

Glaze the Cake:

  1. Once the cake is finished baking, remove it from the oven and immediately pour the warm glaze over the entire surface, ensuring even coverage. Allow the cake to absorb the glaze as it cools.

Cool and Serve:

  1. Let the cake cool for at least 15-20 minutes before serving. It can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.

Notes

To make this Homemade Granny Cake Recipe gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for structure. Additionally, ensure that the baking soda and vanilla extract are labeled gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination. The remaining ingredients are naturally gluten-free, preserving the original flavor and texture of the cake.
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