Southern Creamy Pineapple Pecan Cake
Embark on a culinary journey with this delightful Southern Creamy Pineapple Pecan Cake. This recipe envelopes you in a symphony of aromas as it bakes, marrying the sweetness of crushed pineapple with the nutty crunch of pecans. The tender layers of the cake are infused with rich creaminess from the sour cream, promising a texture that brings comfort with every bite. In this step-by-step guide, you will discover how to create a cake that’s not only a feast for the taste buds but also a perfect centerpiece for your gatherings.
History / Fun Fact
The origins of the Pineapple Pecan Cake can be traced back to the Southern United States, where a blend of tropical fruits and native nuts came together to create something truly special. Pecans, a native nut cherished in Southern cooking, meld beautifully with the tropical flavors of pineapple, reminding us of the lush landscapes of the region. Fun fact: The popularity of pineapple in desserts surged in the mid-20th century, following its rise as a canned fruit, making it accessible for many home bakers eager to explore new flavors.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to recreate this luscious dessert:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – the base for a tender and airy cake.
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar – sweet and crystalline, adding the perfect touch of sweetness.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened – lending rich creaminess to the batter.
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained – fruity, juicy goodness that infuses moisture and natural sweetness.
- 4 large eggs – essential for structure and richness.
- 1 cup chopped pecans – toasty, nutty bites that add a delightful crunch.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – aromatic and sweet, enhancing the overall flavor.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder – providing the necessary lift for a fluffy cake.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – balancing the sweetness with a hint of savoriness.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda – ensuring an extra rise for a light texture.
- 1 cup sour cream – creamy and tangy, contributing to an incredibly moist cake.
Every ingredient is carefully selected to create a dessert that is not only delicious but also adheres to halal dietary guidelines.
Cooking Time & Tips For Southern Creamy Pineapple Pecan Cake
The cooking time for this delightful cake is approximately 25-30 minutes, depending on your oven. If you prefer a lighter cake, consider a quicker preparation using a stand mixer that saves time and ensures a smooth batter. Conversely, slow preparation allows flavors to develop deeper, enhancing the overall taste.
Practical Tips for Success:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for a better emulsion.
- Drain the Pineapple: Make sure to drain the crushed pineapple well to avoid extra moisture in your batter.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the dry and wet ingredients, mix just until combined to avoid a dense cake.
Step-by-Step Directions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare two 9-inch round cake pans by greasing and flouring them, ensuring easy release after baking.
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. The texture should appear airy, and the color should lighten as you combine.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to incorporate fully. This process helps to create a stable structure. Then, stir in the luscious vanilla extract and the crushed pineapple, making sure everything is evenly combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step allows for even distribution of the leavening agents throughout the flour.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the sour cream. Start with half of the dry mixture, then half the sour cream, mixing gently until just combined. Repeat the process, being mindful not to overwork the batter.
Fold in the chopped pecans with a spatula, distributing them evenly throughout the batter. This way, every slice will have that delightful nutty crunch.
Evenly divide the batter between the prepared cake pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula to ensure consistent layers when baked.
Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The aroma will fill your kitchen, enticing everyone to gather around.
Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then carefully turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely. This step is crucial to maintain the texture of the cake.
Once cool, generously frost with your favorite cream cheese frosting. For added texture and flavor, sprinkle some additional pecans on top as garnish, creating a visually appealing finishing touch.
Serving Suggestions & Occasions
This Southern Creamy Pineapple Pecan Cake is perfect for various occasions, including family gatherings, birthday celebrations, or even a casual afternoon tea. Serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an additional treat. Complement it with a refreshing iced tea or coffee, making it an all-time favorite among guests.
Common Mistakes For Southern Creamy Pineapple Pecan Cake
One common mistake is not measuring the ingredients accurately. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups properly to ensure the right ratios for the best results. Another frequent error is over-mixing the batter, leading to a dense cake rather than a light and airy one. Always monitor your baking time closely; taking a cake out too early can lead to a gooey center, while leaving it in too long may dry it out.
Healthier Alternatives & Variations
For a lighter option, consider substituting Greek yogurt for sour cream. You can also replace regular sugar with coconut sugar for a lower glycemic index. If you wish to enhance its nutrition, add a handful of shredded coconut or swap pecans for walnuts.
For those who enjoy a different flavor, try adding coconut milk instead of half the sour cream or mix in tropical fruits like mango or banana to adapt the recipe to your taste preferences.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes! Fresh pineapple can be used; just ensure it’s finely chopped and well-drained.
2. Is there a gluten-free alternative?
Absolutely! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour.
3. Can I bake this cake in a single pan?
Yes, you can bake it in a single pan, but you’ll need to adjust the baking time; it may take longer.
4. How can I store leftovers?
Store the leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days, or freeze it for longer storage.
5. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cake a few days in advance and frost it on the day of service for best flavor.
6. What if I don’t have pecans?
You can substitute with other nuts, such as walnuts or almonds, or omit them entirely for a nut-free version.
Conclusion
Indulge in the exquisite flavors of Southern Creamy Pineapple Pecan Cake today. The delightful combination of textures, the harmonious blend of sweet and nutty, and the aromatic appeal of this cake will undoubtedly make it a favorite at your next gathering. Don’t wait—gather your ingredients, and let’s create something delicious together!
Southern Creamy Pineapple Pecan Cake
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour The base for a tender and airy cake.
- 1.5 cups granulated sugar Sweet and crystalline, adding the perfect touch of sweetness.
- 0.5 cups unsalted butter, softened Lending rich creaminess to the batter.
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained Fruity, juicy goodness that infuses moisture and natural sweetness.
- 4 large eggs Essential for structure and richness.
- 1 cup chopped pecans Toasty, nutty bites that add a delightful crunch.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Aromatic and sweet, enhancing the overall flavor.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder Providing the necessary lift for a fluffy cake.
- 0.5 teaspoon salt Balancing the sweetness with a hint of savoriness.
- 0.5 teaspoon baking soda Ensuring an extra rise for a light texture.
- 1 cup sour cream Creamy and tangy, contributing to an incredibly moist cake.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare two 9-inch round cake pans by greasing and flouring them.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and crushed pineapple.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the sour cream. Mix gently until just combined.
- Fold in the chopped pecans with a spatula.
- Evenly divide the batter between the prepared cake pans.
Baking
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely.
Frosting
- Once cool, generously frost with your favorite cream cheese frosting.
- Sprinkle some additional pecans on top for garnish.