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Preacher Cake Recipe

4.5 from 536 reviews

Preacher Cake is a moist and flavorful dessert combining the sweetness of crushed pineapple with a tender cinnamon-spiced cake base. This Southern classic is enriched with crunchy pecans and finished with a hint of vanilla for a comforting, homestyle treat perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Wet Ingredients

  • 2 eggs
  • 1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple in juice, undrained
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Add-ins

  • 1 cup chopped pecans

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.
  2. Combine dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon to evenly distribute the spices and leavening.
  3. Add wet ingredients: Beat the eggs lightly, then add them to the dry mixture. Next, pour in the undrained crushed pineapple and vanilla extract. Stir everything until well combined but do not overmix.
  4. Fold in pecans: Gently fold the chopped pecans into the batter, ensuring an even distribution throughout the mixture.
  5. Bake the cake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  6. Cool and serve: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan on a wire rack before slicing. Serve plain or with a dusting of powdered sugar or whipped cream if desired.

Notes

  • Using undrained pineapple keeps the cake moist and adds natural sweetness.
  • Chopping pecans adds a lovely texture contrast; you can substitute walnuts if preferred.
  • For a gluten-free variation, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
  • This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Keywords: Preacher Cake, pineapple cake, Southern dessert, cinnamon cake, pecan cake, moist cake, easy baking recipe