Description
This Cajun Cake is a moist, flavorful Southern dessert featuring a blend of crushed pineapple, pecans, and coconut in a tender, sweet cake topped with a rich praline-like topping. Perfect for gatherings or an indulgent treat, it offers the nostalgic taste of old-fashioned cakes with a delightful texture and warm caramelized topping.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple (with juice)
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
- 1/2 cup shredded sweetened coconut (optional)
Topping Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup evaporated milk
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add the egg, vanilla extract, and entire can of crushed pineapple with juice to the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined to avoid overmixing, which could toughen the cake.
- Fold in Nuts and Coconut: Carefully fold in the chopped pecans and shredded sweetened coconut if using, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
- Pour and Bake: Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Prepare Topping: While the cake bakes, combine unsalted butter, brown sugar, and evaporated milk in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly as the mixture comes to a gentle boil to prevent burning.
- Cook and Thicken Topping: Continue to cook the topping for 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens slightly. Remove it from the heat and stir in chopped pecans and shredded coconut to complete the topping.
- Apply Topping: Immediately after removing the cake from the oven, pour the warm topping evenly over the hot cake. Use a spatula or spoon to spread it across the entire surface.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool slightly so the topping can set before slicing and serving. This cake is delicious served warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- This moist cake is often served warm but also tastes great at room temperature.
- You can omit nuts and coconut for a simpler version without sacrificing flavor.
- Store leftovers covered at room temperature for short-term freshness or refrigerate for longer shelf life.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
