Southern Creamy Pineapple Pecan Cake

Save it for later!

If you’re in the mood for something truly indulgent, this Southern Creamy Pineapple Pecan Cake is about to become your new favorite dessert. With layers of sweet, tangy pineapple, rich cream, and crunchy pecans, this cake is a perfect blend of flavors and textures. It’s an excellent choice for a special occasion or just a sweet treat to enjoy with a cup of coffee. Easy to prepare and impossible to resist, this recipe is sure to impress your friends and family.

A Delightful Southern Treat

Southern Creamy Pineapple Pecan Cake is a true Southern classic, combining the luscious sweetness of pineapple with the rich, buttery flavor of pecans. This cake is not only delicious but also beautiful, with its golden layers topped with creamy frosting and a generous sprinkle of pecans. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or just want to satisfy your sweet tooth, this cake is always a crowd-pleaser.

The key to making this cake truly stand out is using fresh ingredients and following a few simple steps. Each bite of this moist, flavorful cake will transport you to a cozy Southern kitchen, filled with the comforting aromas of homemade baking.

One of the best things about this cake is how versatile it is. You can serve it as a decadent dessert, or even enjoy it as a sweet breakfast treat. The combination of pineapple and pecans is a match made in heaven, and when you add in the creamy frosting, it becomes absolutely irresistible.

And the best part? This Southern Creamy Pineapple Pecan Cake is surprisingly easy to make, so you can whip it up whenever you’re in the mood for something special.

Ingredients for Southern Creamy Pineapple Pecan Cake

When it comes to baking a cake that’s both rich and flavorful, the ingredients you choose are key. This Southern Creamy Pineapple Pecan Cake is no exception. Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious treat:

• Crushed Pineapple – Canned crushed pineapple works beautifully in this recipe, adding a sweet and tangy flavor that perfectly complements the pecans and cream. Make sure to drain the pineapple well to avoid excess moisture in the cake.
• Pecans – Fresh, toasted pecans add a wonderful crunch and nutty flavor. Use whole or halved pecans for the topping, and chopped pecans for the cake layers to distribute the flavor evenly.
• Cream Cheese – Softened cream cheese is the base of the creamy frosting. It adds a rich, tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the pineapple and the nuttiness of the pecans.
• Whipped Cream – Light and airy, whipped cream is folded into the cream cheese frosting to give it a fluffy texture. You can use store-bought whipped topping, but homemade whipped cream adds an extra touch of indulgence.
• Powdered Sugar – This helps sweeten the cream cheese frosting without making it too heavy. It also adds a smooth, silky texture to the frosting.
• Vanilla Extract – A splash of vanilla brings out the sweetness of the pineapple and adds depth to the frosting.
• All-Purpose Flour – The base of the cake layers, provides structure while keeping the cake tender and moist.
• Butter – Adds richness to the cake batter, giving it a moist, tender crumb. Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easy mixing.
• Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the cake layers and helps create a light, fluffy texture.
• Eggs – Provide structure and moisture, helping the cake layers rise and hold together.
• Baking Powder – Ensures the cake layers rise evenly, creating a light and tender texture.
• Salt – A pinch of salt enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness of the cake.

How to Make Southern Creamy Pineapple Pecan Cake

Creating this delightful Southern dessert is a straightforward process, but it’s important to follow each step carefully to ensure the perfect outcome. Here’s how to make this cake from start to finish:

1. Prepare the Cake Batter – Start by creaming the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for a tender cake, as it incorporates air into the batter. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Next, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt, then gradually add these dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the drained crushed pineapple.
2. Fold in the Pecans – Gently fold in the chopped pecans to evenly distribute them throughout the batter. This ensures every bite is filled with that delicious, nutty flavor.
3. Bake the Cake Layers – Divide the batter evenly between two prepared cake pans. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
4. Make the Creamy Frosting – In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until fully incorporated. Fold in the whipped cream, gently stirring until the frosting is light and fluffy.
5. Assemble the Cake – Place one cake layer on a serving plate, spread a generous amount of frosting on top, and then add a layer of the remaining crushed pineapple. Place the second cake layer on top, and frost the entire cake with the remaining cream cheese frosting.
6. Top with Pecans – For the finishing touch, arrange whole or halved pecans on top of the cake, pressing them gently into the frosting.

How to Store Southern Creamy Pineapple Pecan Cake

After you’ve created this stunning cake, you’ll want to store it properly to maintain its freshness. Here’s how:

• In the Refrigerator – Store the cake in the refrigerator to keep the cream cheese frosting and whipped cream fresh. Cover the cake loosely with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
• In the Freezer – If you want to make this cake ahead of time, you can freeze it. Wrap the entire cake, or individual slices, tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to serve, thaw the cake overnight in the refrigerator.

Tips for Perfect Pineapple Pecan Cake

To make sure your cake turns out perfect every time, keep these tips in mind:

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients – For the best results, make sure your butter, cream cheese, and eggs are at room temperature before you begin. This helps the ingredients combine more easily, resulting in a smoother batter and frosting.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter – Overmixing can result in a dense, tough cake. Mix just until the ingredients are combined for a light, tender crumb.
• Let the Cake Cool Completely – Before frosting the cake, make sure the layers are completely cool. Frosting a warm cake can cause the frosting to melt and slide off.
• Toast the Pecans – For an extra boost of flavor, try toasting the pecans before adding them to the cake. Simply spread them out on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes or until fragrant.

Save this recipe on Pinterest for later!

Print