Description: A delightful Southern-inspired cake that combines the tanginess of pineapple with the richness of cream cheese frosting and the crunch of toasted pecans. This cake is moist, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to special celebrations. Its creamy texture and tropical notes make it an irresistible treat that will leave everyone wanting more.
Ingredients:
- 1 package (15.25 oz) white cake mix (plus ingredients called for on the box, usually eggs and oil)
- 1 can (8 oz) crushed pineapple, undrained
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans, toasted
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish. Alternatively, you can line the dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal of the cake after baking. This prevents the cake from sticking and ensures a clean presentation.
Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter Prepare the white cake mix according to the package instructions. In most cases, this involves combining the cake mix with eggs, oil, and water. Mix the ingredients until well combined, being careful not to overmix, which can result in a tough cake.
Step 3: Bake the Cake Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Bake as directed on the package, typically for 25-30 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a wooden skewer or toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is done.
Step 4: Pineapple Simmer While the cake is baking, prepare the pineapple mixture. In a medium saucepan, combine the crushed pineapple (undrained) and granulated sugar. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture comes to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the pineapple flavors to meld together and the mixture to thicken slightly. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 5: Poke and Soak Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly in the pan for about 5-10 minutes. Using a fork or a wooden skewer, poke holes all over the cake, ensuring the holes are evenly distributed. This step is crucial as it allows the pineapple mixture to seep into the cake, making it incredibly moist and flavorful.
Step 6: Pineapple Infusion Pour the warm pineapple mixture evenly over the warm cake, spreading it out to cover the entire surface. Ensure that the pineapple mixture seeps into all the holes, saturating the cake. Allow the cake to cool completely to room temperature. This will take about 1-2 hours, or you can speed up the process by refrigerating the cake for about 30 minutes.
Step 7: Cream Cheese Frosting While the cake is cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and softened butter together using an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. This may take a few minutes, so be patient and scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure everything is well combined.
Step 8: Sweeten the Frosting Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar to the cream cheese mixture, one cup at a time, beating on low speed until smooth. Sifting the powdered sugar prevents lumps and ensures a silky-smooth frosting.
Step 9: Vanilla Infusion Stir in the vanilla extract and mix until well combined. Taste the frosting and adjust the sweetness if needed by adding more powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time.
Step 10: Frost the Cake Once the cake is completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Use an offset spatula or a knife to create a smooth, even layer of frosting.
Step 11: Pecan Garnish Sprinkle the toasted pecans evenly over the top of the frosted cake. Gently press the pecans into the frosting to help them adhere.
Step 12: Chill and Serve Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows the frosting to set and the flavors to meld together, resulting in a more cohesive and delicious cake. Slice and serve cold.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This Southern Creamy Pineapple Pecan Cake is a true crowd-pleaser for several reasons:
- Moist and Flavorful: The combination of the pineapple soak and the cream cheese frosting ensures that the cake is incredibly moist and bursting with flavor.
- Easy to Make: Using a cake mix as the base makes this recipe quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy bakers.
- Perfect Balance of Flavors: The tanginess of the pineapple, the sweetness of the cake and frosting, and the nutty crunch of the pecans create a harmonious balance of flavors that is simply irresistible.
- Crowd-Pleasing: This cake is always a hit at parties, potlucks, and family gatherings.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This cake can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator, making it a convenient option for entertaining.
COOKING Rating: 5/5 Stars (Easy to make, impressive flavor, crowd-pleaser)
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve chilled as a dessert for any occasion.
- Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
- Garnish with fresh pineapple chunks or maraschino cherries.
- Serve alongside a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat.
- Cut into smaller squares for easy serving at parties and gatherings.
Tips:
- To toast the pecans, spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until fragrant and lightly browned. Alternatively, you can toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring constantly, until lightly browned. Be careful not to burn them.
- For a more intense pineapple flavor, use pineapple extract in the cake batter or the frosting.
- If you don’t have pecans, you can substitute with other nuts, such as walnuts or macadamia nuts.
- To prevent the cake from sticking to the pan, grease the baking dish thoroughly with butter or cooking spray and then dust with flour. Alternatively, line the dish with parchment paper.
- If you prefer a less sweet frosting, you can reduce the amount of powdered sugar.
- For a more festive presentation, decorate the cake with fresh flowers or edible glitter.
- Use a high-quality cream cheese for the best flavor and texture in the frosting.
- Ensure the butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature before mixing to prevent lumps in the frosting.
- Don’t overbake the cake, as this can result in a dry cake.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes (plus cooling and chilling time)
Nutritional Information: (per serving, approximate)
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Protein: 4g
- Sodium: 250mg
Conclusion:
The Southern Creamy Pineapple Pecan Cake is a delicious and easy-to-make dessert that is sure to impress. Its moist texture, tropical flavors, and creamy frosting make it a perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a simple weeknight dessert or a show-stopping cake for a special celebration, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Enjoy the delightful combination of pineapple, pecans, and cream cheese in every bite!
Questions and Answers:
- Can I use a different type of cake mix? Yes, you can substitute the white cake mix with a yellow cake mix or a butter cake mix. Each will provide a slightly different flavor profile, but they all work well with the pineapple and cream cheese frosting. A lemon cake mix would also complement the pineapple beautifully.
- Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned crushed pineapple? While canned crushed pineapple is convenient, you can certainly use fresh pineapple. Peel, core, and finely chop the pineapple. You will need about 1 cup of chopped fresh pineapple. When simmering, you may need to add a tablespoon or two of water if the pineapple is not juicy enough. Be sure to cook it down until it softens slightly and releases its juices.
- Can I make this cake gluten-free? Yes, you can make this cake gluten-free by using a gluten-free white cake mix. Follow the package instructions for the gluten-free cake mix and ensure that all other ingredients, such as the vanilla extract, are also gluten-free.
- How do I store the leftover cake? Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. To prevent the cake from drying out, you can also wrap the cut edges with plastic wrap before placing it in the container.
- Can I freeze this cake? Yes, you can freeze this cake. To freeze, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap, then in a layer of aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw the cake in the refrigerator overnight before serving. The texture of the frosting may change slightly after freezing, but the cake will still be delicious.
