Description
This Cajun Cake Recipe is a moist and flavorful Southern American dessert featuring crushed pineapple, shredded sweetened coconut, and chopped pecans. Baked to golden perfection and topped with a warm buttery glaze made from evaporated milk and vanilla, this cake is perfect for gatherings and special occasions. Its tropical ingredients combined with a buttery glaze create a sweet and tangy treat that improves in flavor after resting.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 (8-ounce) can crushed pineapple with juice
- 2 large eggs
Additional Mix-ins
- 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Glaze
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 (12-ounce) can evaporated milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan thoroughly to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, and salt until fully combined and aerated.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Stir in the crushed pineapple along with its juice and the eggs, mixing until the batter is fully combined and smooth.
- Fold in Coconut and Pecans: Gently fold the shredded sweetened coconut and chopped pecans into the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed without overmixing.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is done.
- Prepare the Glaze: While the cake bakes, melt the unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the evaporated milk and vanilla extract, bring the mixture to a gentle boil, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes while stirring constantly to create a smooth glaze.
- Glaze the Hot Cake: As soon as the cake is removed from the oven, pour the warm glaze evenly over the surface. Allow the glaze to soak into the cake to create a moist texture and rich flavor.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool completely before slicing into 12 servings. The cake tastes even better after resting for a few hours.
Notes
- This cake is intentionally very moist and improves even more after resting for a few hours.
- You can add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for extra warmth and depth of flavor.
- Toasting the pecans before folding them into the batter enhances their nutty flavor.
- Ensure the glaze is poured over the cake while still warm to allow proper soaking.
