This old-fashioned Granny Cake recipe is easy to make with ingredients you have in your pantry and comes out perfectly every time.

Even if your grandmother never baked this pineapple-sweetened Granny Cake, it’s easy to see why this simple dessert has stayed popular for generations.

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Recipes that last are usually the ones that are straightforward and delicious. Granny Cake fits that description perfectly: it uses common pantry ingredients, isn’t overly sweet, and has a comforting, old-fashioned feel.

This is not a strongly pineapple-forward cake. The crushed pineapple and its juice mostly melt into the batter, contributing moisture and a gentle sweetness while leaving just a hint of pineapple flavor. The result is a tender, homey cake with a subtle tropical note.

A buttery glaze poured over the hot cake gives it a glossy, slightly crunchy finish where the sugar sets. Some of the glaze soaks into the cake while some stays on top, creating a delightful contrast of textures.

If you enjoy old-fashioned desserts, this Granny Cake will satisfy that craving and bring a little nostalgia to the table. It’s easy to share, makes a generous pan, and works well for casual family gatherings or potlucks.

More old-fashioned dessert ideas:

• Old-fashioned Canned Carrot Cake
• Buttermilk Texas Sheet Cake
• Vanilla Mayonnaise Cake
• Easy Preacher Cake
• Peanut Butter Cake with Dark Chocolate Frosting
• Oatmeal Cream Pie Cookie Bars
• Pineapple Snack Cake
• Old-Fashioned Butterscotch Cake
• Vanilla Wafer Cake

How to Serve Granny Cake

This cake is wonderfully flexible. Serve it warm from the pan for soft glaze and tender crumbs, or cool it completely so the glaze firms up slightly. Either way, a scoop of whipped cream or a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped topping complements the cake beautifully.

It’s a perfect choice for breakfast with coffee, an afternoon tea, or a potluck dessert. Sharing a pan with family or friends makes it feel even more special—especially when someone remembers a recipe like this from their childhood.

How to Make Homemade Granny Cake

It’s quick to prepare and uses ingredients you likely already have on hand.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 20-oz can crushed pineapple in juice, undrained
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup white granulated sugar
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 3/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• For the glaze:
• 1/2 cup evaporated milk
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup white granulated sugar
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

How to Make It

(Full printable recipe is available below)

1. Prepare the batter. In a large mixing bowl, combine the undrained crushed pineapple and its juice with the eggs, vanilla, flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, and salt. Stir until all ingredients are evenly mixed and you have a smooth batter.

2. Bake. Pour the batter into a lightly greased 9×13-inch pan and spread it evenly. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar with the chopped nuts and sprinkle this mixture over the top of the batter. Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

3. Make the glaze. While the cake finishes baking, combine the evaporated milk, butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir frequently until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves, then remove from the heat.

4. Glaze and rest. As soon as the cake comes out of the oven, pour the warm glaze evenly over the hot cake. Some glaze will soak in; some will sit on top and set. Let the cake rest for at least 30 minutes before cutting—this allows the glaze to begin crystallizing and gives cleaner slices. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

You can add shredded coconut to the glaze or sprinkle it over the top after glazing for a coconut variation. If you like a toasted coconut flavor, briefly place the glazed cake under a broiler for a moment—watch carefully so it doesn’t burn.

Yield: 18-20 Servings

Homemade Granny Cake

This old-fashioned Granny Cake is an easy, comforting dessert made with crushed pineapple and a buttery glaze.

Prep Time
10 minutes

Cook Time
25 minutes

Total Time
35 minutes

Ingredients

• 20-oz can crushed pineapple in juice, undrained
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup white granulated sugar
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 3/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• For the glaze: 1/2 cup evaporated milk, 1/2 cup unsalted butter, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 tsp vanilla

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch pan.
2. In a large bowl, mix the undrained crushed pineapple with eggs, vanilla, flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, and salt until combined.
3. Pour batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
4. Mix brown sugar with the chopped nuts and sprinkle over the top of the batter.
5. Bake 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. While the cake bakes, heat evaporated milk, butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla in a small saucepan over medium heat until the butter melts and sugar dissolves.
7. When the cake is hot from the oven, pour the warm glaze evenly over it. Let the cake rest at least 30 minutes before slicing; serve warm or cooled.