Dive into a slice of nostalgia with our Granny Cake recipe! This classic dessert is reminiscent of the sweet treats lovingly crafted by grandmothers everywhere. Made with simple ingredients and bursting with fruity flavors, this cake is sure to evoke memories of family gatherings and cozy kitchen moments. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving a taste of home, our Granny Cake is sure to delight your taste buds and warm your heart. So, let’s gather our ingredients and embark on a baking adventure filled with love and sweetness!
Ingredients:
For the cake:
- Nonstick cooking spray
- 1½ cups sugar
- 1 can pineapple, in juice, drained
- 1 can peaches, in juice, drained
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
For the frosting:
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1 cup sweetened coconut flakes
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup evaporated milk
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Prepare Fruit: Chop the drained pineapple and peaches into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
- Mix Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, beat the sugar, eggs, and fruit juices (from the drained pineapple and peaches) until well combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour and baking soda to the wet ingredients, mixing until a smooth batter forms.
- Fold in Fruit: Gently fold the chopped pineapple and peaches into the batter until evenly distributed.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Prepare Frosting: While the cake is baking, prepare the frosting. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the sweetened coconut flakes, brown sugar, and evaporated milk. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Frost Cake: Once the cake is baked and still warm, pour the warm frosting over the top, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing and serving. Enjoy the sweet, fruity goodness of Granny Cake with your loved ones!
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Add Nuts: For extra texture and flavor, you can sprinkle chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts over the frosting before it sets.
- Experiment with Fruit: Feel free to customize this cake with your favorite canned fruits. Try using mandarin oranges, cherries, or mixed fruit cocktail for a different flavor profile.
- Make it Vegan: To make this recipe vegan-friendly, substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water per egg), and use dairy-free butter and evaporated milk alternatives.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make this cake gluten-free.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):
Q: Can I use fresh fruit instead of canned? A: Yes, you can use fresh pineapple and peaches if they are in season. Simply chop them into bite-sized pieces and proceed with the recipe as directed.
Q: How should I store leftovers? A: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze individual slices for longer storage.
Q: Can I omit the coconut from the frosting? A: Yes, if you’re not a fan of coconut, you can omit it from the frosting or substitute it with chopped nuts or additional brown sugar for sweetness.
Keto Version:
For a keto-friendly version of this recipe, you can make a few simple substitutions. Use a keto-friendly sweetener such as erythritol or stevia in place of the sugar in both the cake and frosting. For the fruit, opt for fresh berries such as strawberries or blueberries, which are lower in carbs compared to pineapple and peaches. You can also use almond flour or a combination of almond flour and coconut flour for the cake to reduce the carb content.
Low-Carb Version:
To make a low-carb version of this cake, follow the keto substitutions mentioned above. Additionally, you can reduce the amount of sweetener used in both the cake and frosting or use a sugar-free syrup in place of the evaporated milk in the frosting. Choose low-carb fruits such as berries or omit the fruit entirely to further reduce the carb count.
In conclusion, our Granny Cake recipe is a timeless classic that’s perfect for any occasion. With its moist and fruity cake base and decadent coconut frosting, this dessert is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re baking for a special celebration or simply craving a taste of nostalgia, Granny Cake is guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth and warm your soul. So, gather your ingredients and whip up a batch of this delightful cake to share with your loved ones. Happy baking!
