Old-Fashioned Cajun Pineapple Pecan Cake
A moist and tender Cajun cake featuring sweet pineapple and toasted pecans, perfect for a nostalgic dessert. This cajun-inspired desserts ready in about 60 minutes layers all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking soda into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 8, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 can (8 oz) crushed pineapple with juice
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup toasted pecans, chopped
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp milk
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9-inch round cake pan with butter. In a large bowl, combine 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar, and 1 tsp baking soda. Stir until well mixed.
- Step 2: Add 1 can (8 oz) crushed pineapple with its juice and 3 large eggs to the dry ingredients. Pour in 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter and 1 tsp vanilla extract. Mix gently until just combined, ensuring no dry flour remains.
- Step 3: Fold in 1 cup chopped toasted pecans, then pour the batter into the prepared cake pan. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Step 4: While the cake cools, prepare the frosting by beating 4 oz softened cream cheese with 1 cup powdered sugar and 2 tbsp milk until smooth and spreadable.
- Step 5: Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Garnish with a few extra toasted pecans if desired before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Old-Fashioned Cajun Pineapple Pecan Cake take to make?
Total time is about 60 minutes (15 min prep + 45 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Old-Fashioned Cajun Pineapple Pecan Cake?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Old-Fashioned Cajun Pineapple Pecan Cake?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Old-Fashioned Cajun Pineapple Pecan Cake for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Old-Fashioned Cajun Pineapple Pecan Cake?
Cajun desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
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