There’s something deeply comforting about old-fashioned recipes that have been passed down from generation to generation. Homemade Granny Cake is one of those timeless desserts that taste like pure love in every bite. It’s the kind of cake that fills your home with warmth and your heart with nostalgia.
This cake is all about simple ingredients and rich flavor—soft, moist cake bursting with crushed pineapple, brown sugar, and crunchy pecans, topped with a buttery vanilla icing that seeps into every crumb. 🍍✨
Unlike fancy layered cakes, this one is humble yet irresistible. It’s easy to make, doesn’t require a mixer, and turns out perfect every time. Whether you’re baking it for Sunday supper, a family reunion, or just because you crave something sweet and old-fashioned, this Granny Cake will make everyone feel like they’re sitting at Grandma’s kitchen table again. 💛
Let’s dive into how to make this heartwarming, melt-in-your-mouth dessert from scratch!
Why Everyone Loves Granny Cake
The Comfort of a Hand-Me-Down Recipe
This recipe has all the charm of a handwritten card tucked inside an old recipe box. It’s been loved by generations for good reason—simple ingredients, minimal effort, and maximum flavor. Granny Cake feels like a warm hug from your childhood.
Every bite brings that old-fashioned sweetness that modern desserts often miss. The combination of pineapple and brown sugar creates a deep, caramel-like flavor, while the pecans add that satisfying crunch Granny always insisted on.
Perfectly Moist, Sweet, and Nutty
One of the most beautiful things about Granny Cake is its texture—soft, tender, and perfectly moist without being heavy. The crushed pineapple gives the cake natural sweetness and keeps it from drying out. The icing seeps into the cake, making it melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
It’s that old Southern-style magic: a cake that doesn’t need frosting piled high to be irresistible—it’s naturally rich and indulgent all on its own.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Granny Cake
For the Cake Base
- 1 ½ cups sugar – The right balance of sweetness that blends perfectly with pineapple’s tang.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – The foundation for the cake’s tender structure.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda – Helps the cake rise beautifully.
- ½ teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances all flavors.
- 2 large eggs – For binding and richness.
- 1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapples, with juice – The star ingredient! Keeps the cake moist and flavorful.
- 1 cup brown sugar – Adds a caramel-like depth.
- 1 cup chopped pecans – Adds crunch and that unmistakable southern charm.
For the Sweet, Buttery Icing
- 1 cup evaporated milk – Makes the icing creamy and rich.
- ½ cup sugar – Sweetens the glaze without overpowering.
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter – For smooth, buttery flavor.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds warmth and aroma to finish the icing.
These simple ingredients come together to create something unforgettable—proof that sometimes, the simplest recipes are the best.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making the Perfect Granny Cake
Step 1 – Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan. This ensures your cake releases cleanly once baked and gives it that classic, homey texture around the edges.
Step 2 – Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, flour, baking soda, and salt until well combined. Mixing dry ingredients first guarantees even distribution of the baking soda—your secret to a beautifully risen cake.
Step 3 – Add the Wet Ingredients and Pineapple
Crack in the eggs and mix until the batter is smooth. Then stir in the entire can of crushed pineapple, including the juice. Don’t drain it—the juice is what makes the cake incredibly moist.
Step 4 – Fold in Brown Sugar and Pecans
Now comes the fun part! Add the brown sugar and chopped pecans, folding gently until everything is well incorporated. The batter will look thick and speckled with pecan pieces—that’s exactly what you want.
Step 5 – Bake Until Perfectly Golden
Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. As it bakes, your kitchen will fill with the comforting aroma of toasted nuts and caramelized sugar. 🍰
The top should be golden brown, slightly crisp, and bubbling around the edges—a sure sign your Granny Cake is ready for its finishing touch.
Step 6 – Prepare the Buttery Icing
While the cake is baking, it’s time to make the luscious icing that gives this dessert its signature moistness. In a saucepan, combine evaporated milk, sugar, and butter.
Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a gentle boil. Let it boil for about 3 minutes, stirring continuously so the sugar dissolves completely. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
This icing is smooth, buttery, and fragrant—the perfect complement to the nutty cake.
Step 7 – Pour the Icing Over the Hot Cake
As soon as you pull the cake out of the oven, pour the hot icing over it. Don’t wait—this step is key! The warmth of the cake helps the icing soak in, creating a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Use a spatula to spread the icing evenly, making sure every inch is covered. You’ll see it begin to sink into the cake’s golden surface, infusing every bite with flavor.
Let the cake cool completely before slicing—it allows the icing to set just enough to give that glossy, slightly sticky finish everyone loves.
Tips for Baking the Perfect Granny Cake
Don’t Drain the Pineapple Juice
The juice is what makes the cake so incredibly moist. Draining it will result in a drier texture, so be sure to pour the entire can—juice and all—right into your batter.
Toast Your Pecans for Extra Flavor
Before adding pecans to the batter, toast them lightly in a dry skillet or oven for a few minutes. This enhances their natural oils and adds a rich, nutty aroma.
Timing is Everything for the Icing
Pour the icing while both the cake and icing are still hot. The heat helps the flavors meld together and allows the icing to soak deep into the cake.