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Homemade Granny Cake

Homemade Granny Cake

This Homemade Granny Cake is an old-fashioned pineapple sheet cake baked with brown sugar and pecans, then finished with a warm buttery glaze poured over the hot cake. It turns soft, sticky, sweet, and perfectly moist, making it a cozy dessert for potlucks, holidays, Sunday dinners, or anytime you want an easy cake that tastes like a family recipe.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Resting Time 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings 12 Slices

Ingredients
  

  • For the Cake
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 can crushed pineapple undrained, 20 ounces
  • For the Topping
  • 1 cup brown sugar packed
  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • For the Glaze
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup evaporated milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick cooking spray.
  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, and salt.
  • Add the eggs and the crushed pineapple with its juice. Stir until the batter is fully combined. Do not overmix.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
  • Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the top of the batter, then sprinkle the chopped pecans over the brown sugar.
  • Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean.
  • While the cake is baking, make the glaze. Add the butter, granulated sugar, and evaporated milk to a saucepan over medium heat.
  • Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring often. Let it cook for 2 to 3 minutes, then remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
  • As soon as the cake comes out of the oven, slowly pour the warm glaze evenly over the hot cake.
  • Let the cake rest for at least 20 minutes before slicing so the glaze can soak in and the cake can set.

Notes

Do not drain the pineapple. The juice helps keep the cake moist and gives it the classic soft texture.
Pour the glaze over the cake while it is still hot. This helps the glaze soak into the cake instead of sitting only on top.
For a richer flavor, toast the pecans lightly before adding them to the cake.
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Warm individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.