Making a cake is always a delightful way to bring the family together, and there’s just something so special about a Texas Cake. With its soft texture and sweet flavor, it’s perfect for a weekend treat or to celebrate a special occasion. Plus, the kids love to help in the kitchen, and this recipe is simple enough for them to join in.
Table of Contents
Why Make This Recipe
If you’re looking for a cake that’s both easy to make and super tasty, Texas Cake is it! This recipe brings together basic ingredients you likely have on hand, making it a fantastic go-to dessert. It’s sweet, moist, and, bonus—it’s a hit with both kids and adults. I love whipping it up after school; the aroma baking in the kitchen never fails to bring the kids running!
How to Make Texas Cake
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to gather before you get started:
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Once you have everything, it’s time to dive into making this delicious cake!
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar and vegetable oil. Mix until well blended—it should look nice and creamy.
- Add the eggs one at a time. Make sure to mix well after each addition; this helps make the cake light and fluffy.
- Stir in the buttermilk and vanilla extract, making sure everything is well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir just until combined; it’s okay if there are a few lumps.
- If you’re using pecans, gently fold them into the batter now; they add a lovely crunch!
- Pour the batter into a greased and floured 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the center. It should come out clean!
- Let the cake cool before cutting it into squares to serve.
Texas Cake – Old Southern Delight
Equipment
- 9×13-inch Baking Dish
- Saucepan
- Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
Cake Batter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 20 oz crushed pineapple with juice do not drain
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup shredded coconut
Glaze
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup evaporated milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, mix sugar, flour, eggs, baking soda, salt, and crushed pineapple with its juice until just combined.
- Gently fold in pecans and shredded coconut. Pour batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- While the cake bakes, prepare the glaze: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine butter, sugar, and evaporated milk. Bring to a gentle boil, stirring constantly, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla, pecans, and coconut.
- Pour the warm glaze over the hot cake, spreading it evenly so every bite is coated.
- Allow the cake to cool slightly before slicing and serving. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
How to Serve Texas Cake
Texas Cake is delightful on its own, but you can get creative too! Serve it with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a treat that feels a little fancy. If you’re having friends over, why not top it with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or drizzle some chocolate syrup on top? Your guests will think you’ve gone all out!
How to Store Texas Cake
If you have any leftovers (which is rare in our house), you can store Texas Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it, but make sure it’s well covered so it doesn’t dry out.
Tips to Make Texas Cake
- For an extra burst of flavor, try adding a teaspoon of cinnamon to the dry ingredients.
- If you love chocolate, swap out some of the flour for cocoa powder, and you’ll have a delicious chocolate version.
- Use room temperature eggs and buttermilk for the best results; it helps the batter come together more smoothly.
Variation
As mentioned, you can play around with Texas Cake! Want a fruitier twist? Add some chopped apples or blueberries into the batter. The possibilities are endless, and that’s what makes baking so much fun!
You may read as well :
5 Reasons You’ll Fall in Love with Butter Pecan Praline Poke Cake
7 Simple Steps to Make Dixie’s Pecan Pie Cobbler at Home
5 Reasons You’ll Love This Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze
Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread
Pecan Pie Muffins
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Absolutely! If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make your own by adding a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to a cup of regular milk and letting it sit for about 10 minutes. It’ll work just fine.
Can I freeze Texas Cake?
Yes! Just make sure it’s completely cooled before wrapping it well in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It can last in the freezer for up to three months.
Why did my cake sink in the middle?
This may happen if the oven temperature was too low or if the cake was taken out of the oven too soon. Always check if it’s done with a toothpick before removing it.
Baking Texas Cake is like wrapping your family in a warm hug. I hope you enjoy making this recipe as much as we do. Happy baking!