Homemade Granny Cake: A Classic, Moist, and Easy-to-Make Recipe
Introduction
Welcome to our delightful journey of baking a classic Homemade Granny Cake. This timeless dessert brings back the nostalgia of family gatherings and warm, cozy kitchens. With its moist texture and rich flavor, Granny Cake is a must-have recipe in your baking repertoire. In this article, we’ll dive into the history, ingredients, and steps to create this beloved treat, ensuring your baking experience is both enjoyable and successful.
What You’ll Need for Your Homemade Granny Cake
To get started on your Homemade Granny Cake, make sure you have the following tools and equipment:
Mixing bowls: For combining ingredients
Measuring cups and spoons: How to properly measure ingredients
Electric mixer: For blending the batter smoothly
Cake pans: Preferably 9-inch round pans
Cooling rack: Essential for cooling your cake evenly
Spatula and whisk: Basic tools for mixing and scraping
Mixing Bowls and Measuring Tools
Having the right mixing bowls is essential for creating a smooth batter. You’ll need a set of mixing bowls in various sizes to accommodate different stages of the recipe. Measuring cups and spoons ensure you get the exact quantities needed for perfect results. Accurate measurements are crucial in baking to maintain the right balance of ingredients.
Electric Mixer and Cake Pans
An electric mixer is a handy tool for ensuring your batter is well-blended and free of lumps. If you don’t have one, a sturdy whisk and some elbow grease can also do the job. For baking, 9-inch round cake pans are ideal for this recipe. Greasing and flouring the pans will help prevent the cake from sticking and make for easy removal.
Cooling Rack and Basic Tools
A cooling rack allows the cake to cool evenly, preventing it from becoming soggy. Basic tools like a spatula and whisk are indispensable for mixing and scraping down the sides of your bowl, ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated.
Having all these tools at hand will streamline your baking process and help you achieve the best results for your Homemade Granny Cake.
Ingredients
Here’s a list of ingredients you’ll need for this classic Granny Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup crushed pineapple (with juice)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Flour and Sugars
Using all-purpose flour provides the right texture and structure for your cake. Both granulated sugar and brown sugar are used to balance sweetness and add depth of flavor. Brown sugar, with its molasses content, gives the cake a rich, caramel-like taste.
Eggs, Pineapple, and Baking Soda
Eggs are vital for binding the ingredients and giving the cake its structure. Crushed pineapple, including its juice, not only adds moisture but also infuses the cake with a delightful tropical flavor. Baking soda acts as a leavening agent, helping the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
Vanilla, Salt, and Pecans
Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor of the cake. A small amount of salt balances the sweetness and brings out the flavors. Chopped pecans add a satisfying crunch and a nutty taste, complementing the cake’s soft texture.
Butter
Melted unsalted butter adds richness and moisture to the cake. It’s important to use high-quality butter for the best flavor. With these ingredients, you’ll be able to create a delicious and moist Granny Cake that will bring back fond memories of home-baked goodness.
Instructions
Follow these steps to bake your perfect Homemade Granny Cake:
Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. Preheating the oven ensures that your cake bakes evenly and rises properly from the moment it’s placed inside.
Prepare the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1 cup of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Mix well to ensure all dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
Next, add 2 large eggs, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 cup of crushed pineapple (including the juice) to the dry ingredients. Using an electric mixer or whisk, blend until well combined. The batter should be smooth and slightly thick.
Finally, stir in 1 cup of chopped pecans. Ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Bake the Cake
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Baking times may vary slightly depending on your oven, so it’s important to keep an eye on your cake as it bakes.
Cool and Serve
Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely. This step prevents the cakes from becoming soggy and allows them to firm up properly. Once cooled, your Homemade Granny Cake is ready to be served. Enjoy it as is, or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat.
Nutrition Score
Understanding the nutritional value of your Homemade Granny Cake can help you enjoy it mindfully:
- Calories: 350 per slice
- Total Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
- Sodium: 250mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 45g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 25g
- Protein: 4g
Caloric Content and Macronutrients
Each slice of Granny Cake contains approximately 350 calories, making it a moderately indulgent treat. The total fat content, primarily from butter and pecans, adds richness and flavor. Saturated fat should be consumed in moderation, but it’s part of what makes this cake so delicious.
Cholesterol and Sodium
With 55mg of cholesterol per slice, it’s important to consider your overall daily intake if you’re watching your cholesterol levels. The sodium content, mainly from the added salt, is relatively low but still noteworthy for those on a low-sodium diet.
Carbohydrates and Sugars
The cake is relatively high in carbohydrates and sugars, contributing to its sweet taste and satisfying texture. The dietary fiber content, while modest, adds a bit of balance and aids digestion. With 25g of sugars per slice, it’s a treat best enjoyed in moderation.
Protein
At 4g of protein per slice, this cake provides a small amount of this essential macronutrient. While not a significant source of protein, it contributes to the overall nutritional profile of the dessert.
By understanding these nutritional details, you can better appreciate the balance of indulgence and mindfulness when enjoying your Homemade Granny Cake.
Serving & Storage Tips
To enjoy your Granny Cake at its best:
Serving Suggestions
Serve your cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The creamy texture of the ice cream or whipped cream complements the moist and flavorful cake perfectly. For an extra touch, drizzle some caramel or chocolate sauce over the top.
Storage Tips
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. Make sure the cake is well-covered to prevent it from drying out. When ready to serve again, you can warm individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds to restore their soft texture.
Freezing Option
If you want to store the cake for an extended period, you can freeze it. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to three months. To serve, let the cake thaw at room temperature, then warm it slightly if desired.
Proper serving and storage techniques ensure that your Homemade Granny Cake remains fresh and delicious, ready to be enjoyed at any time.
Variations of Easy Granny Cake Recipe
Customize your Granny Cake with these variations:
Fruit Mix-ins
Add diced apples or raisins for extra flavor. These additions can introduce new textures and tastes, making the cake even more delightful. For a seasonal twist, consider adding cranberries during the winter months.
Spice It Up
Incorporate a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spicy note. These spices complement the sweetness of the cake and add a depth of flavor that’s perfect for autumn and winter baking.
Nut Alternatives
Swap pecans for walnuts or almonds. Each type of nut brings its own unique flavor and texture to the cake. Walnuts add a slightly bitter edge, while almonds offer a milder, sweeter taste.
Gluten-Free Option
For those with gluten sensitivities, use a gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour. Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum or another binding agent to maintain the cake’s structure.
FAQs
How to Make Homemade Cake Taste Store-Bought?
- Use cake flour: Cake flour gives a finer, more tender crumb.
- Add pudding mix: This enhances moisture and flavor.
- Brush with simple syrup: It keeps the cake moist and adds sweetness.
How to Bake a Cake with a Stove?
- Use a large pot: Create a makeshift oven by using a large pot with a lid.
- Utilize a stovetop oven: Ideal for small cakes and controlled heat.
- Monitor the temperature: Keeping a consistent low heat avoids burning.
How to Make a Cake Without an Oven?
- Microwave: Quick and efficient for small cakes.
- Pressure cooker: Retains moisture and cooks evenly.
- Slow cooker: Perfect for a moist, dense cake.
Homemade Granny Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 slices 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A classic Homemade Granny Cake, evoking nostalgia and warmth, perfect for family gatherings. This moist and flavorful cake combines simple ingredients with straightforward preparation, making it a favorite for both novice and experienced bakers.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup crushed pineapple (with juice)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat Your Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- Prepare the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt. Mix well. Add eggs, vanilla extract, and crushed pineapple (including the juice). Mix until well blended. Stir in chopped pecans.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely. Serve as is, or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh and high-quality ingredients.
- Adjust baking time as needed, depending on your oven.
- Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25g
- Fat: 18g
- Protein: 4g
Keywords: Homemade Granny Cake Recipe