When you're craving a dessert that feels like a warm hug from grandma, nothing hits the spot like a classic Granny Cake. Moist, rich, and studded with juicy pineapple and crunchy pecans, this vintage-inspired treat is a timeless favorite. It’s the kind of recipe that’s been passed down through generations, filling kitchens with the sweet scent of cinnamon and caramel, and it’s as easy as it is satisfying.
Whether you’re baking for Sunday dinner, a potluck, or just to treat yourself on a cozy afternoon, this Granny Cake will deliver pure, nostalgic comfort with every bite.
What Is a Granny Cake?
A Granny Cake is a simple sheet cake, packed with old-fashioned goodness. It combines the natural sweetness of crushed pineapple, the warmth of brown sugar, and the crunch of chopped nuts—all baked into a moist, tender cake that gets drenched in a decadent buttery brown sugar glaze.
It’s a no-fuss, no-fail dessert that requires no frosting, no fancy tools, and minimal prep. And trust us—it tastes even better the next day.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Granny Cake Recipe
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No mixer needed — stir by hand!
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No frosting — the warm glaze takes care of that
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Perfectly moist thanks to pineapple and brown sugar
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Crowd-pleasing for all ages
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Freezer-friendly and great for make-ahead baking
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Cake:
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1½ cups granulated sugar
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1 tsp baking soda
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¼ tsp salt
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2 large eggs
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1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple in juice, undrained
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1 cup chopped pecans (or walnuts)
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1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Glaze:
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1 cup brown sugar, packed
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¾ cup granulated sugar
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½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
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¾ cup evaporated milk
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1 tsp vanilla extract
How to Make Granny Cake – Step-by-Step
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.
Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt.
Add in the eggs, undrained crushed pineapple, and vanilla. Stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until just combined. Fold in the chopped nuts.
The batter will be thick and lumpy—that’s perfectly normal. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
Step 3: Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 4: Make the Glaze
While the cake is baking, combine brown sugar, white sugar, butter, and evaporated milk in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly and bring to a gentle boil.
Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes, then remove from heat and stir in the vanilla.
Step 5: Pour the Glaze
When the cake comes out of the oven, poke holes all over the top using a fork or wooden skewer. Immediately pour the warm glaze over the hot cake, making sure it soaks in evenly.
Let the cake cool for at least 20–30 minutes before serving so the glaze sets into a gooey, caramel-like topping.
Serving Suggestions
Granny Cake is amazing served warm, room temp, or chilled—there’s no wrong way to enjoy it.
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Serve as-is for a rustic, cozy dessert.
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Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
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Pair with a cup of hot coffee or tea for the perfect afternoon treat.
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Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Tips for the Best Granny Cake Ever
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Don’t drain the pineapple! The juice is key for moisture and sweetness.
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Want more texture? Toast your pecans or walnuts before adding them.
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For added spice, stir ½ tsp cinnamon or nutmeg into the batter.
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Use evaporated milk (not regular milk) for the glaze—it’s thicker and richer.
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Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Make-Ahead and Freezing Instructions
Granny Cake freezes beautifully. Wrap slices in plastic wrap, then in foil or a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or microwave briefly to warm.
You can also bake the cake a day ahead—just store it covered at room temp. In fact, the flavors get even better the next day!
Variations to Try
Granny Cake is versatile, so don’t be afraid to get creative:
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Apple Granny Cake: Swap crushed pineapple for chunky applesauce or grated apple.
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Coconut Twist: Add ½ cup shredded sweetened coconut to the batter or glaze.
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Spice Cake Version: Add 1 tsp cinnamon, ½ tsp nutmeg, and a pinch of cloves.
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Berry Version: Add ½ cup dried cranberries or chopped dried cherries.
Why Granny Cake Is the Ultimate Comfort Food
This cake is the definition of homemade warmth. It’s easy enough for beginner bakers, yet satisfying enough for seasoned cooks who know that sometimes the simplest recipes are the best. The rich glaze seeps into every bite, the pineapple keeps the crumb tender and moist, and the nuts give a satisfying crunch that makes this cake feel like it came straight from grandma’s kitchen.
Final Thoughts: Bake It, Share It, Love It
Whether you're new to baking or simply looking for a no-fail, nostalgic dessert, this Easy Granny Cake recipe is guaranteed to become a go-to in your kitchen. It’s a slice of comfort, a bite of tradition, and a dessert that brings people together.
So go ahead—preheat the oven, gather your ingredients, and fall in love with this timeless classic.
