PREACHER CAKE

Prepare to be transported to dessert heaven with our delightful Preacher Cake recipe! This beloved classic is a testament to simplicity and flavor, making it a perfect treat for any occasion. With its moist texture, tropical pineapple flavor, and creamy cream cheese frosting, Preacher Cake is sure to become a staple in your dessert repertoire. Whether you’re serving it up at a potluck, family gathering, or simply indulging in a sweet craving, this cake is guaranteed to delight your taste buds and leave you craving for more. So, let’s dive into the recipe and discover the magic of Preacher Cake!

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 2 cups sugar (may cut the sugar to 1 cup – 1 1/2 cups as it is very sweet)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup nuts (walnuts or any that you prefer)
• 1 can (20 ounces) crushed pineapple, undrained (I use pineapple in its own juice)

For the Frosting:

• 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
• 1 3/4 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup butter or margarine
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup nuts (walnuts or any that you prefer)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Instructions

For the Cake:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar, flour, baking soda, and salt.
3. Add Wet Ingredients: Add the eggs, vanilla extract, nuts, and crushed pineapple with its juice to the dry ingredients. Mix until well combined.
4. Pour Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly.
5. Bake: Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Cool: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before frosting.

For the Frosting:

1. Prepare Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, butter, salt, nuts, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
2. Frost Cake: Once the cake has cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top.
3. Serve: Slice the cake into squares and serve. Enjoy!

Cook Notes and Variations

• Sweetness Level: Adjust the amount of sugar according to your preference. If you prefer a less sweet cake, you can reduce the sugar to 1 cup or 1 1/2 cups.
• Nut Options: Feel free to use your favorite nuts in the cake and frosting. Walnuts work well, but pecans or almonds can also be delicious options.
• Pineapple: Using crushed pineapple in its own juice adds natural sweetness and moisture to the cake. Ensure you include the juice for optimal flavor and texture.

Keto and Low Carb Versions

For those following a keto or low-carb lifestyle, here’s how you can make a keto-friendly version of Preacher Cake:

• Sweetener: Replace the sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener such as erythritol or stevia. Adjust the amount to taste.
• Flour: Substitute the all-purpose flour with almond flour or coconut flour for a low-carb option.
• Frosting: Use a keto-friendly frosting made with cream cheese, powdered erythritol, and vanilla extract. Omit the nuts or use low-carb nuts such as macadamia nuts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned? A: Yes, you can use fresh pineapple, but you may need to adjust the sweetness of the cake as canned pineapple tends to be sweeter. Be sure to chop the pineapple into small pieces.

Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time? A: Yes, you can bake the cake ahead of time and store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Frost the cake just before serving for the best results.

Q: Can I freeze leftovers? A: Yes, you can freeze leftover Preacher Cake for up to three months. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Q: Can I omit the nuts from the recipe? A: Yes, you can omit the nuts from both the cake and frosting if you have nut allergies or prefer a nut-free version. The cake will still be delicious without them.

Q: Can I use a different type of frosting? A: Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite frosting such as cream cheese frosting, vanilla buttercream, or whipped cream.

In conclusion, Preacher Cake is a timeless dessert that’s beloved for its simplicity, flavor, and moist texture. Whether you’re baking it for a special occasion or simply craving a sweet treat, this cake is sure to satisfy your cravings and impress your taste buds. With its tropical pineapple flavor, crunchy nuts, and creamy frosting, it’s a dessert that’s guaranteed to become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and prepare to indulge in a slice of dessert bliss with this delightful Preacher Cake recipe!