Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Add eggs and the entire can of crushed pineapple (with juice).
- Stir until well combined. The batter will be wet and loose—this is normal!
Step 2: Bake the Cake
- Pour the batter into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Evenly sprinkle brown sugar and chopped pecans over the top of the batter.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 3: Prepare the Buttery Icing
- While the cake is baking, combine evaporated milk, white sugar, and unsalted butter in a medium saucepan.
- Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring frequently.
- Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes, then remove from heat.
- Stir in vanilla extract.
Step 4: Glaze the Cake
- Once the cake comes out of the oven, immediately pour the hot icing over the warm cake.
- The glaze will seep into the cake, making it incredibly moist and flavorful.
Step 5: Cool & Serve
- Allow the cake to cool for at least 15–20 minutes before slicing.
- Serve warm or at room temperature for best texture.
Notes
🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator:
Store covered for up to 5 days. The flavor gets even better after a day! Freezing:
Freeze individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheating:
Warm slices gently in the microwave for 20–30 seconds for a fresh-from-the-oven taste. 🥄 Variations Nut-Free Option: Omit pecans or replace with sunflower seeds for crunch. Coconut Twist: Sprinkle shredded coconut along with pecans for tropical flair. Fruit Mix: Add ½ cup chopped maraschino cherries to the batter for a vintage touch. Spiced Version: Add 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon and ¼ teaspoon nutmeg to the batter. Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. No Evaporated Milk: Substitute with heavy cream or half-and-half for a rich glaze. Vegan-Friendly: Use plant-based butter, almond milk + vinegar in place of eggs, and coconut milk for the glaze. Chocolate Lover's Version: Add mini chocolate chips to the batter for a twist. Lemon-Pineapple Flavor: Add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest to brighten up the cake. Mini Cakes: Bake in muffin tins for portable Granny Cake cupcakes. ❓ 10 FAQs Why is it called “Granny Cake”?
It's a classic recipe from grandma's cookbook — simple, sweet, and heartwarming. Do I have to use crushed pineapple with juice?
Yes, the juice adds moisture and sweet flavor that makes the cake so tender. Can I reduce the sugar?
You can cut the granulated sugar by ¼ cup, but molasses-rich brown sugar is essential for topping. Do I need to use pecans?
No, they can be omitted or swapped with another nut or crunchy topping. Can I bake this in a bundt pan?
Not recommended — it’s best as a sheet cake for the glaze to soak in properly. How do I know when the cake is done?
The top should be golden brown, and a toothpick should come out clean. Is this cake overly sweet?
It’s sweet but balanced with the tang of pineapple and richness of the glaze. Can I make this the night before?
Absolutely! It stays moist and delicious the next day. How can I lighten up the glaze?
Use half the glaze amount or substitute with a drizzle of sweetened Greek yogurt. Does it need to be refrigerated?
It can stay at room temperature for 1–2 days, but refrigerating extends freshness. 🏁 Conclusion This Homemade Granny Cake is a time-honored recipe that never goes out of style. Moist, rich, and packed with sweet pineapple flavor, it’s the perfect dessert to bring to gatherings or to enjoy with a cup of coffee at home.
Store covered for up to 5 days. The flavor gets even better after a day! Freezing:
Freeze individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheating:
Warm slices gently in the microwave for 20–30 seconds for a fresh-from-the-oven taste. 🥄 Variations Nut-Free Option: Omit pecans or replace with sunflower seeds for crunch. Coconut Twist: Sprinkle shredded coconut along with pecans for tropical flair. Fruit Mix: Add ½ cup chopped maraschino cherries to the batter for a vintage touch. Spiced Version: Add 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon and ¼ teaspoon nutmeg to the batter. Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. No Evaporated Milk: Substitute with heavy cream or half-and-half for a rich glaze. Vegan-Friendly: Use plant-based butter, almond milk + vinegar in place of eggs, and coconut milk for the glaze. Chocolate Lover's Version: Add mini chocolate chips to the batter for a twist. Lemon-Pineapple Flavor: Add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest to brighten up the cake. Mini Cakes: Bake in muffin tins for portable Granny Cake cupcakes. ❓ 10 FAQs Why is it called “Granny Cake”?
It's a classic recipe from grandma's cookbook — simple, sweet, and heartwarming. Do I have to use crushed pineapple with juice?
Yes, the juice adds moisture and sweet flavor that makes the cake so tender. Can I reduce the sugar?
You can cut the granulated sugar by ¼ cup, but molasses-rich brown sugar is essential for topping. Do I need to use pecans?
No, they can be omitted or swapped with another nut or crunchy topping. Can I bake this in a bundt pan?
Not recommended — it’s best as a sheet cake for the glaze to soak in properly. How do I know when the cake is done?
The top should be golden brown, and a toothpick should come out clean. Is this cake overly sweet?
It’s sweet but balanced with the tang of pineapple and richness of the glaze. Can I make this the night before?
Absolutely! It stays moist and delicious the next day. How can I lighten up the glaze?
Use half the glaze amount or substitute with a drizzle of sweetened Greek yogurt. Does it need to be refrigerated?
It can stay at room temperature for 1–2 days, but refrigerating extends freshness. 🏁 Conclusion This Homemade Granny Cake is a time-honored recipe that never goes out of style. Moist, rich, and packed with sweet pineapple flavor, it’s the perfect dessert to bring to gatherings or to enjoy with a cup of coffee at home.