Southern Creamy Pineapple Pecan Cake Recipe You Must Try

Southern Creamy Pineapple Pecan Cake Details

Crafting a Southern Creamy Pineapple Pecan Cake is a rewarding experience, yielding a dessert that’s both comforting and elegant. This recipe is designed to be approachable for home bakers, ensuring a delightful outcome even if you’ve never baked a traditional Southern cake before. The preparation involves a few key stages, each contributing to the cake’s signature moist texture and rich flavor profile. Understanding the timeline and yield helps in planning your baking day, whether for a special gathering or a casual family treat. The balance of pineapple’s natural sweetness with the nutty depth of pecans makes this cake a standout, truly embodying the spirit of a classic Southern dessert. It’s more than just a cake; it’s a slice of tradition, a celebration of flavor, and a testament to homemade goodness.

Prep and cook times

Typically, the active preparation time for this Southern Creamy Pineapple Pecan Cake ranges from 25 to 35 minutes. This includes gathering your ingredients, measuring them out precisely, and the mixing stages. The cooking time in the oven usually spans 45 to 60 minutes, depending on your oven’s calibration and the size of your cake pans. Always account for an additional 20-30 minutes for cooling the cake before frosting or serving, which is crucial for maintaining its structure and moisture. The entire process, from start to finish, including cooling, can be managed within 2 hours, making it an excellent project for a weekend afternoon or a special occasion when you want to impress.

Servings per cake

A standard 9×13 inch rectangular cake or two 8 or 9-inch round cakes typically yield 12 to 16 generous servings. For smaller slices or larger gatherings, you might be able to stretch it to 18-20 servings. The rich and decadent nature of this creamy cake means that even a modest slice is incredibly satisfying. It’s perfect for sharing with family and friends, making it a true centerpiece at any potluck, holiday meal, or Sunday dinner. This delicious dessert ensures everyone gets a taste of its moist crumb and flavorful combination of pineapple and pecans.

Gather Cake Ingredients You Will Need

The success of any truly delicious Southern Creamy Pineapple Pecan Cake hinges on the quality and freshness of its ingredients. While the technique is important, starting with the right components ensures that every bite is bursting with flavor and boasts that coveted moist, tender crumb. This recipe calls for a thoughtful blend of wet, dry, and special additions that work in harmony to create a truly memorable dessert. Don’t underestimate the impact of fresh eggs, real butter, and good quality nuts. For other sweet treats, consider trying our Quick Italian Cream Cake for another Southern-inspired classic.

Wet ingredients list

For the luscious, moist foundation of your cake, you’ll need: Unsalted butter, softened to room temperature, which provides richness and helps create an airy batter; Granulated sugar, for sweetness and moisture; Large eggs, also at room temperature, acting as a binder and contributing to the cake’s structure; Pure vanilla extract, which enhances all the other flavors; and critically, a can of crushed pineapple in juice (not syrup), undrained, as the juice contributes significantly to the cake’s moisture and distinctive tangy-sweet taste. Using quality ingredients here is key to a flavorful, comforting outcome.

Dry ingredients list

The dry ingredients are essential for the cake’s structure and rise. You will need: All-purpose flour, which forms the body of the cake; Baking powder and baking soda, crucial leavening agents that give the cake its fluffy texture; and a pinch of salt, which balances the sweetness and brings out the depth of the other flavors. Always measure dry ingredients accurately, preferably by weight if possible, to ensure the perfect consistency for your cake batter. These components work together to ensure your homemade dessert rises beautifully and holds its shape.

Important additions

Beyond the basic wet and dry components, a few important additions elevate this cake to its Southern creamy status. Foremost are the pecans. Opt for freshly chopped pecans, as their rich, buttery flavor and delightful crunch are integral to the cake’s character. You might also want to include a tiny amount of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to complement the pineapple and pecan flavors, adding an extra layer of warmth. Some recipes even call for a touch of coconut flakes for added moisture and a tropical hint, although this is optional. These small touches contribute significantly to making this dessert truly memorable and a delightful family favorite.

Mixing Wet Ingredients for Cake Batter

The initial stages of mixing are pivotal for achieving the signature light and airy texture of your Southern Creamy Pineapple Pecan Cake. Properly combining the wet ingredients ensures that air is incorporated into the batter, which translates to a tender crumb in the finished cake. This process isn’t just about blending; it’s about building a foundation that will support the entire structure and flavor profile of your decadent dessert. Pay attention to the order and technique, as these small details make a big difference in the final result. A well-mixed batter is the first step towards a truly moist and flavorful bake. Another delightful treat is our Vanilla Bean Creme Brulee Cheesecake Cupcakes, which also relies on careful mixing for its creamy texture.

Creaming butter and sugars

Begin by creaming the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together in a large mixing bowl. Using an electric mixer on medium-high speed, beat them until the mixture becomes visibly light in color and fluffy in texture, usually taking about 3-5 minutes. This process, known as creaming, is crucial because it incorporates tiny air pockets into the butter and sugar, which expand during baking to give the cake its tender, open crumb. Scrape down the sides of the bowl frequently to ensure even mixing and prevent sugar crystals from clinging to the edges. This foundational step is paramount for a truly moist and flavorful cake.

Adding eggs and vanilla

Once your butter and sugar are perfectly creamed, it’s time to introduce the eggs. Add them one at a time, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated. This staggered approach helps to maintain the emulsification of the batter, preventing it from separating. The mixture might look slightly curdled after the first egg, but continue beating until it smooths out before adding the next. Finally, stir in the pure vanilla extract. The vanilla not only enhances the overall flavor but also complements the sweetness of the pineapple and the richness of the pecans, contributing to the comforting, classic taste of this Southern dessert.

Stirring in pineapple

The crushed pineapple, with all its juice, is the last wet ingredient to be incorporated. Gently fold the undrained crushed pineapple into the batter. It’s important to use the pineapple with its juice as this contributes significant moisture and a distinctive tangy-sweet flavor to the cake, making it incredibly moist and flavorful. Be careful not to overmix at this stage; just mix until the pineapple is evenly distributed throughout the batter. This step adds a burst of tropical goodness that defines the essence of this creamy cake, ensuring a delightful and sweet homemade dessert.

Combining Dry Ingredients Smoothly

The proper integration of dry ingredients into your Southern Creamy Pineapple Pecan Cake batter is just as important as the wet mixing stage. Overmixing at this point can lead to a tough, dry cake, which is the opposite of the desired moist and tender crumb. The goal is to combine everything smoothly and just enough to create a cohesive batter, ensuring that the leavening agents are evenly distributed without developing too much gluten. This careful approach helps to preserve the delicate air pockets created earlier, contributing to a light and fluffy finished product. Achieving a smooth batter is a key indicator of a successful, easy recipe.

Sifting flour, powder, soda

Before introducing the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, it’s highly recommended to sift them together. In a separate bowl, sift the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Sifting serves multiple purposes: it aerates the flour, making it lighter and easier to incorporate, prevents lumps in the batter, and ensures that the leavening agents and salt are evenly distributed throughout, leading to a consistent rise and flavor in your creamy cake. This simple step can significantly improve the texture of your homemade dessert, making it remarkably smooth and uniform.

Mixing dry with wet

Once your dry ingredients are sifted, gradually add them to the wet pineapple mixture. Do this in three separate additions, alternating with a small amount of milk or buttermilk if your recipe calls for it (though many pineapple cakes are moist enough without). Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix on low speed, or by hand with a spatula, until just combined. The key here is to avoid overmixing. Overworking the flour will develop its gluten, resulting in a tough, chewy cake rather than the desired tender and moist Southern creamy texture. A few streaks of flour are acceptable; the final gentle folds will take care of them. This step creates the final batter for your delicious, easy recipe.

Folding in Chopped Pecans

Adding the chopped pecans is one of the final steps in preparing your Southern Creamy Pineapple Pecan Cake batter, and it requires a gentle touch. Pecans provide not only a wonderful textural contrast to the moist cake but also a rich, earthy flavor that perfectly complements the sweet pineapple. The goal is to distribute them evenly throughout the batter without crushing them or overworking the mixture. This ensures that every slice of your homemade dessert offers that satisfying crunch and nutty aroma, making it a truly flavorful and comforting experience. A well-integrated pecan adds to the charm of this family favorite.

Gently incorporating nuts

Once your wet and dry ingredients are just combined, it’s time to fold in the chopped pecans. Sprinkle them over the batter and, using a rubber spatula, gently fold them in. Use an under-and-over motion, rotating the bowl as you go, until the pecans are evenly distributed. Be careful not to mash or crush the nuts, as this can release too much oil and alter the texture. The gentle folding motion also helps to avoid further developing the gluten in the flour, which keeps your creamy cake tender and moist. If desired, you can reserve a small handful of pecans to sprinkle on top of the batter before baking for an attractive, crunchy crust. This careful incorporation ensures your dessert recipe will be as beautiful as it is delicious.

Baking Southern Creamy Pineapple Pecan Cake

Baking is where all your careful preparation comes to fruition, transforming simple ingredients into a glorious Southern Creamy Pineapple Pecan Cake. Achieving the perfect bake involves more than just setting a timer; it requires understanding your oven, properly preparing your pans, and knowing how to test for doneness. These details ensure your cake develops a beautiful golden crust, a moist and tender interior, and rises evenly. A perfectly baked cake is the ultimate reward, promising a delicious, comforting, and flavorful experience with every slice. This stage is crucial for that ideal homemade dessert.

Oven temperature setting

Before you even think about pouring batter, preheat your oven to the correct temperature, typically around 325°F (160°C) to 350°F (175°C), depending on your specific recipe and oven. A properly preheated oven is critical for even baking and a good rise. If your oven isn’t hot enough when the cake goes in, the leavening agents won’t activate properly, leading to a dense or unevenly baked cake. Use an oven thermometer to verify your oven’s temperature, as many can be inaccurate. This precise setting is vital for achieving a moist and fluffy texture in your easy recipe.

Greasing your cake pan

To ensure your beautiful cake releases easily from the pan without sticking, proper pan preparation is a must. Grease your chosen cake pan (9×13 inch, or two 8 or 9-inch rounds) thoroughly with butter or a non-stick baking spray. For an extra layer of protection, especially with sticky cakes like this one, dust the greased pan lightly with flour, tapping out any excess. For round pans, you might also consider lining the bottom with a circle of parchment paper after greasing, then greasing and flouring the parchment as well. This attention to detail guarantees a smooth transfer and preserves the cake’s integrity, contributing to a perfect family favorite dessert.

Bake time and doneness

Pour your prepared batter evenly into the greased pan(s). Place the pan(s) in the preheated oven and bake for 45-60 minutes for a 9×13 inch cake, or 30-40 minutes for round cakes. The exact time will vary, so don’t rely solely on the clock. To test for doneness, insert a wooden skewer or toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs attached, the cake is ready. The cake should also be golden brown on top and spring back lightly when gently pressed. Avoid opening the oven door too frequently during the first 30 minutes to prevent the cake from sinking. This careful approach yields a truly moist, flavorful, and sweet bake.

Cooling Your Delicious Pineapple Pecan Cake

After the delightful aroma of your Southern Creamy Pineapple Pecan Cake fills your kitchen, the temptation to immediately cut into it is strong. However, patient cooling is a critical, often overlooked, step that ensures your homemade dessert maintains its perfect structure and desired moistness. Rushing this stage can lead to a crumbly cake, or one that sticks to the pan, ruining your hard work. Proper cooling allows the cake’s delicate structure to set and prevents it from becoming overly dense or dry. This patience is rewarded with a truly decadent and easy recipe that holds its shape beautifully for serving, making it a family favorite.

Letting cake rest

Once your Southern Creamy Pineapple Pecan Cake is baked to golden perfection, remove it from the oven and let it cool in its pan on a wire rack for about 10-15 minutes. This initial rest period allows the cake to firm up slightly and pull away from the sides of the pan naturally. After this time, carefully invert the cake onto the wire rack to cool completely. Cooling on a wire rack ensures air circulation all around the cake, preventing condensation that could make the bottom soggy. It’s important to let the cake cool *entirely* before frosting or slicing, as a warm cake will melt frosting and can fall apart. This step is crucial for achieving that desirable moist texture and ensuring your delicious cake is ready to be enjoyed.

Serving Southern Creamy Pineapple Pecan Cake

Serving your Southern Creamy Pineapple Pecan Cake is the moment of triumph, where all your baking efforts culminate in a truly delicious and satisfying experience. This moist, flavorful cake is versatile and can be presented in various ways, each enhancing its comforting appeal. Whether you prefer it plain or dressed up, this homemade dessert is designed to be a showstopper, making it a perfect family favorite for any occasion. Consider how the serving method can highlight the sweet pineapple and crunchy pecans, creating an unforgettable treat. You can find more inspirational dessert ideas on our Instagram.

Best ways to serve

The Southern Creamy Pineapple Pecan Cake is wonderful served at room temperature, allowing its flavors to fully develop. For an extra touch of warmth and comfort, you can gently heat individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. This enhances the aroma and makes the cake even more moist and tender. It’s excellent on its own, showcasing the natural sweetness of the pineapple and the nutty richness of the pecans. For a more elaborate presentation, dust with a sprinkle of powdered sugar, or garnish with a few extra chopped pecans for added visual appeal and crunch. It’s an easy recipe to enjoy, no matter how simple or fancy your serving preference.

Pairing with whipped cream

While often enjoyed plain, pairing your Southern Creamy Pineapple Pecan Cake with a dollop of freshly whipped cream elevates the experience to another level. The light, airy texture and subtle sweetness of the whipped cream provide a beautiful contrast to the cake’s dense, moist crumb and intense flavors. For an added touch, you can lightly sweeten the whipped cream with a hint of vanilla or a dash of cinnamon. A scoop of good quality vanilla bean ice cream also makes an exquisite accompaniment, creating a warm-and-cold dessert sensation that is truly decadent and memorable. This combination transforms a comforting cake into a luxurious, sweet treat.

Tips for Storing Your Cake

Ensuring your Southern Creamy Pineapple Pecan Cake remains as moist and delicious as the day it was baked is key to prolonging its enjoyment. Proper storage techniques prevent the cake from drying out, going stale, or developing off-flavors. Given its rich, creamy nature and the fresh fruit content, knowing how to store this homemade dessert correctly is crucial for maintaining its quality and safety. Following these simple tips will help keep your family favorite fresh and flavorful for days, allowing you to savor every last slice of this comforting bake.

Keeping cake fresh

To keep your Southern Creamy Pineapple Pecan Cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. If your kitchen is particularly warm, or if your cake includes a cream cheese frosting (not explicitly mentioned in the recipe but a common pairing), it’s best to refrigerate it. When refrigerating, ensure it’s tightly covered to prevent it from absorbing refrigerator odors or drying out. Allow refrigerated cake to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving for the best flavor and texture. For longer storage, slices can be individually wrapped in plastic wrap and then foil, and frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature. These methods ensure your easy recipe remains a delectable treat.

Nutrition Facts for Each Slice

Understanding the general nutrition facts for a slice of Southern Creamy Pineapple Pecan Cake can help you enjoy this decadent dessert responsibly. While a specific recipe would be needed for precise values, we can discuss the typical contributions of a cake like this. This moist, flavorful, homemade dessert is certainly a treat, and as such, it typically offers a comforting energy boost. Knowing the components helps appreciate its role in a balanced diet. This easy recipe, while delicious, does contribute significantly to daily caloric intake, embodying a truly sweet indulgence.

Calories and sugar

As a sweet and creamy cake, each slice of Southern Creamy Pineapple Pecan Cake will generally be high in calories, primarily due to the sugar, butter, and pecans. The granulated sugar and the natural sugars from the pineapple contribute significantly to the sugar content, providing quick energy. While exact figures vary, you can expect a single serving to be a notable source of caloric intake, making it a dessert to be enjoyed in moderation. The rich flavor profile often means a smaller slice is perfectly satisfying, allowing you to savor its decadent qualities without overindulging.

Fats and carbs

The fats in this creamy cake come mainly from the butter and the pecans. Butter contributes saturated fats, while pecans offer healthier monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. These fats add to the cake’s richness and moisture, contributing to its comforting mouthfeel. Carbohydrates are abundant, stemming from the flour, sugar, and pineapple. These provide the primary energy source. While the pineapple does offer some natural fiber, the overall carbohydrate profile is dominated by refined sugars and starches, typical of a delicious homemade dessert. This combination makes it a satisfying and sweet treat.

Protein and fiber

While not a primary source of protein or fiber, a slice of Southern Creamy Pineapple Pecan Cake does contain some. The eggs and a small amount of protein from the flour and pecans contribute to the protein content. Pecans, in particular, are a decent source of plant-based protein and healthy fats. Fiber is present from the flour and especially from the crushed pineapple and pecans. While not a high-fiber food, these ingredients add a modest amount of dietary fiber, contributing to the cake’s texture and a touch of nutritional value within this decadent, easy recipe. Enjoy it as a flavorful indulgence, recognizing its primary role as a dessert.

Making Your Pineapple Pecan Cake Unique

While the classic Southern Creamy Pineapple Pecan Cake is a beloved family favorite, there’s always room to personalize this easy recipe and make it truly your own. Experimenting with additional flavors or different nuts can transform this delicious dessert into a fresh and exciting experience without straying too far from its comforting roots. Making it unique allows you to cater to specific tastes or simply add a new twist to a traditional bake. These small adjustments can elevate the overall flavor profile, ensuring your homemade dessert stands out.

Adding extra flavors

To deepen the flavor profile of your creamy cake, consider adding a touch of spice. A pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg can beautifully complement the pineapple and pecan, adding warmth and complexity. For a more intense tropical note, you could introduce a tiny amount of coconut extract or a sprinkle of shredded coconut into the batter. A splash of rum extract or a tablespoon of dark rum (if appropriate for your audience) can also add a sophisticated depth. These subtle additions can turn a great cake into an extraordinary one, offering a unique twist on this sweet and flavorful bake.

Trying different nuts

While pecans are traditional and beloved in this Southern Creamy Pineapple Pecan Cake, swapping them for other nuts can introduce exciting new textures and flavors. Walnuts are a common substitute, offering a slightly more bitter, earthy counterpoint that pairs well with the sweet pineapple. Macadamia nuts would lend a buttery, creamy texture and a luxurious feel. Even toasted almonds or hazelnuts could provide a delightful crunch and distinct nutty aroma. Ensure whatever nuts you choose are fresh and roughly chopped to integrate well into the batter and provide that satisfying textural contrast in every slice of your homemade dessert. This simple change can make the easy recipe feel completely new.

Southern Creamy Pineapple Pecan Cake: Summary

The Southern Creamy Pineapple Pecan Cake stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of comforting, homemade desserts. This easy recipe, combining the bright sweetness of pineapple with the earthy crunch of pecans, creates a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that defines Southern hospitality. From the careful creaming of butter and sugar to the gentle folding in of nuts, each step ensures a moist, flavorful, and truly delicious outcome. It’s a versatile cake, perfect for any occasion, offering a taste of tradition that resonates with both nostalgic warmth and contemporary indulgence. Whether served simply or adorned with whipped cream, this family favorite promises to be a memorable addition to your baking repertoire. Embrace the process, savor the aromas, and delight in sharing this sweet and decadent creation with loved ones.