Feast your senses on the delightful blend of tropical sweetness and southern nuttiness found in our Cajun Pecan Pineapple Cake. This simple yet flavorful recipe is a classic favorite in southern households and is sure to impress your guests with its unique blend of textures and tastes.
Photos of Pecan Cajun Cake Recipe
The ingredients for this cake are fairly standard, but there are a couple you may need to seek out. The first is canned pineapple, which is used to add a juicy burst of tropical flavor. Another is evaporated milk, a shelf-stable milk product with a slightly caramelized flavor. Lastly, you'll need pecans, which are widely available but can sometimes be found in the baking aisle rather than with other nuts.
Ingredients for Cajun Pecan Pineapple Cake
All-purpose flour: The foundation of our cake, providing structure.
Pineapple: Brings a tropical sweetness to the cake.
White sugar: Adds sweetness and helps to create a light, tender crumb in the cake.
Eggs: Give the cake structure and helps to bind the ingredients together.
Baking soda: Acts as a leavening agent, helping the cake to rise.
Salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
Evaporated milk: Used in the topping, gives it a rich, creamy consistency.
Margarine: Adds richness to the topping.
Pecans: Gives a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the topping.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of the cake and the topping.
One reader, Cad Mclaughlin says:
This cajun pecan cake recipe is a game-changer! The combination of pineapple and pecans creates a delightful flavor explosion. The cake is moist and the pecan topping adds a perfect crunch. It's a hit every time I make it!
Techniques Required for Making Cajun Pecan Cake
How to bake the cake: Mix the flour, pineapple, sugar, eggs, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl, then pour into the prepared baking dish and bake at 300 degrees F for about 40 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
How to make the topping: Combine sugar, evaporated milk, and margarine in a saucepan, bring to a boil for 1 minute, then remove from heat and stir in the pecans and vanilla extract.
How to assemble the cake: Pierce the top of the cake with a toothpick and spread the pecan topping over the cake.
How To Make Pecan Cajun Cake
Delightful and easy to make, this pecan cajun cake is filled with crushed pineapples, then finished off with a sprinkle of a tasty sweet pecan topping!
Serves:
Ingredients
For Cake:
- 2cupsall-purpose flour
- 15ozpineapple,(1 can) crushed
- 1½cupswhite sugar
- 2eggs,beaten
- 1½tspbaking soda
- 1pinchsalt
For Topping:
- 1cupwhite sugar
- ¾cupevaporated milk
- ½cupmargarine
- 1cuppecans,chopped
- 1tspvanilla extract
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F. Grease an 11×14-inch baking dish.
Cake:
-
Mix the flour, pineapple, 1½ cups of white sugar, eggs, baking soda, and salt together in a large bowl. Pour into the prepared baking dish.
-
Bake in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean.
Topping:
-
Combine the 1 cup of sugar, evaporated milk, and margarine together in a saucepan. Bring to a boil for 1 minute.
-
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir the pecans and vanilla extract into the sugar mixture.
To Assemble:
-
Pierce the top of the cake with a toothpick and spread the pecan topping over the cake.
Nutrition
- Calories: 308.32kcal
- Fat: 11.69g
- Saturated Fat: 2.18g
- Trans Fat: 1.04g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 5.74g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 3.25g
- Carbohydrates: 48.82g
- Fiber: 1.39g
- Sugar: 35.33g
- Protein: 3.82g
- Cholesterol: 23.42mg
- Sodium: 194.05mg
- Calcium: 44.53mg
- Potassium: 116.54mg
- Iron: 1.10mg
- Vitamin A: 17.26µg
- Vitamin C: 13.00mg
Crucial Technique Tip for Perfecting Cajun Pecan Cake
To ensure your Cajun Pecan Cake has a moist and tender crumb, avoid overmixing the batter. Overmixing can lead to a dense and tough cake because it develops the gluten in the flour. Just mix until the dry ingredients are moistened. Also, when making the pecan topping, stir continuously to prevent the sugar from burning and to ensure a smooth and creamy texture.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Cajun Pecan Cake Recipe
Plan ahead: Prepare all your ingredients and equipment before you start. This will help you work more efficiently and avoid any last-minute scrambling.
Use pre-chopped ingredients: Save time by using pre-chopped or pre-sliced ingredients such as canned pineapple or pre-chopped pecans.
Multi-task: Look for steps in the recipe where you can work on multiple components simultaneously to save time.
Organize your workspace: Keep your kitchen organized and clean as you work to avoid any unnecessary delays or confusion.
Follow the recipe: Stick to the recipe to ensure you don't waste time making unnecessary adjustments or corrections.
Substitute Ingredients For Pecan Cajun Cake Recipe
all-purpose flour - Substitute with gluten-free all-purpose flour: This substitute is suitable for those who are gluten intolerant or have celiac disease. It provides a similar texture and structure to the cake.
pineapple - Substitute with mango: Mango can be used as a substitute for pineapple, providing a similar tropical sweetness and flavor to the cake.
white sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar can be used as a natural alternative to white sugar, adding a hint of caramel flavor to the cake.
eggs - Substitute with applesauce: Applesauce can be used as a vegan-friendly substitute for eggs, adding moisture and binding properties to the cake.
baking soda - Substitute with baking powder: Baking powder can be used as a substitute for baking soda, providing the necessary leavening agent for the cake.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a substitute for regular salt, adding a hint of briny flavor to the cake.
evaporated milk - Substitute with coconut milk: Coconut milk can be used as a dairy-free substitute for evaporated milk, adding a rich and creamy texture to the topping.
margarine - Substitute with butter: Butter can be used as a substitute for margarine, providing a rich and creamy flavor to the topping.
pecans - Substitute with walnuts: Walnuts can be used as a substitute for pecans, providing a similar nutty flavor and crunch to the topping.
vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract can be used as a substitute for vanilla extract, adding a hint of nutty flavor to the topping.
Presentation Ideas for Cajun Pecan Cake
- Elevate the cake with a modern twist: Present the cake in individual servings, garnished with a sprinkle of powdered sugar and a delicate pineapple slice on top for a touch of elegance.
- Incorporate artistic plating: Use a circular mold to create a neat cake base, drizzle the pecan topping in a decorative pattern, and adorn with a few edible flowers for a pop of color.
- Highlight the pecans: Crush some pecans and use them to create a crunchy, golden pecan dust around the cake for a visually appealing and textural contrast.
- Play with height and layers: Create a multi-layered presentation by stacking smaller cake rounds on top of each other, alternating with the pecan topping, and finishing with a dusting of edible gold leaf for a luxurious touch.
- Utilize negative space: Embrace minimalism by placing a single slice of cake on a pristine white plate, allowing the vibrant colors of the pineapple and pecans to stand out against the clean backdrop.
Essential Tools for Making Cajun Pecan Cake
- Oven: Used for baking and cooking food by surrounding it with dry heat.
- Baking dish: A dish used for baking cakes, casseroles, and other baked dishes in the oven.
- Large bowl: Used for mixing and combining ingredients for the cake batter.
- Toothpick: Used to check the doneness of the cake by inserting it into the center.
- Saucepan: Used for heating and cooking the pecan topping on the stovetop.
- Whisk: Used for mixing and blending ingredients together, such as the cake batter.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Used for accurately measuring the ingredients for the cake.
- Grease: Used for coating the baking dish to prevent the cake from sticking.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for Cajun Pecan Cake
Allow the cajun pecan cake to cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent condensation from forming and making the cake soggy.
To store the cake at room temperature, place it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap. The cake will keep for up to 3-4 days at room temperature.
If you want to store the cake in the refrigerator, place it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap. The cake will keep for up to a week in the fridge. Keep in mind that the texture of the cake may change slightly due to the cold temperature.
To freeze the cake, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. Label the package with the date and contents. The cake can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
When you're ready to serve the frozen cake, remove it from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, you can bring it to room temperature before serving.
If you want to freeze individual slices of the cake, wrap each slice tightly with plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. This way, you can easily grab a slice whenever you want without having to thaw the entire cake.
To maintain the best texture and flavor of the pecans on top of the cake, you can store them separately in an airtight container at room temperature and add them to the cake just before serving.
How To Reheat Leftover Cajun Pecan Cake
The best way to reheat leftover cajun pecan cake is to warm it up gently in the oven. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and place the cake on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover the cake loosely with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cake is heated through and the pecan topping is warm and fragrant.
Another option is to reheat individual slices of the cake in the microwave. Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and heat it on medium power for 20-30 seconds, or until it reaches your desired temperature. Be careful not to overheat the cake, as it may become rubbery or dry.
If you want to restore some of the moisture to your leftover cake, try adding a small amount of evaporated milk or heavy cream to the top of the cake before reheating it in the oven or microwave. This will help to keep the cake moist and prevent it from drying out.
For a quick and easy way to enjoy leftover cajun pecan cake, try slicing it into bite-sized pieces and serving it as a topping for vanilla ice cream or yogurt. The combination of warm, spicy cake and cool, creamy ice cream is sure to be a hit!
If you have a lot of leftover cake, consider freezing it for later. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. When you're ready to enjoy the cake, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it using one of the methods described above.
Interesting Fact About Cajun Pecan Cake
The Cajun Pecan Cake recipe is a delightful fusion of Cajun and Southern flavors. The addition of pineapple in the cake batter adds a unique tropical twist to the dessert. This cake is a perfect treat for those who enjoy a balance of sweet and nutty flavors. The pecan topping provides a crunchy and rich texture, complementing the moistness of the cake. This dessert is a wonderful representation of the diverse culinary influences found in Cajun cuisine.
Is Making Cajun Pecan Cake at Home Cost-Effective?
The cost-effectiveness of this cajun pecan cake recipe is relatively high, as it utilizes common pantry ingredients and affordable items such as flour, sugar, and eggs. The use of pineapple and pecans may slightly increase the cost, but these ingredients can be found at reasonable prices. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $10-$15, making it a budget-friendly dessert option. Rating: 9/10.
Is Cajun Pecan Cake Healthy or Unhealthy?
This Cajun pecan cake recipe is not particularly healthy due to several factors:
- The cake contains a significant amount of sugar (1½ cups in the cake and 1 cup in the topping), which can contribute to obesity, diabetes, and other health issues when consumed in excess.
- The recipe uses all-purpose flour, which is refined and lacks the nutrients and fiber found in whole grain flours.
- The topping includes margarine, which often contains trans fats that can increase the risk of heart disease.
- The recipe is high in calories due to the sugar, pecans, and evaporated milk, making it easy to overconsume.
While the cake does contain some beneficial ingredients like eggs and pecans, which provide protein and healthy fats, respectively, the overall nutritional profile is not ideal.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:
- Reduce the sugar content in both the cake and the topping by at least one-third to one-half. You can experiment with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup as partial substitutes.
- Replace the all-purpose flour with whole wheat pastry flour or a gluten-free alternative like almond flour to increase the fiber and nutrient content.
- Use butter instead of margarine in the topping to avoid trans fats. Alternatively, you can use coconut oil for a plant-based option.
- Incorporate more nutrient-dense ingredients into the cake batter, such as shredded carrots or zucchini, to increase the fiber and vitamin content without compromising taste.
- Serve smaller portions of the cake and pair it with fresh fruit to balance the sweetness and add more vitamins and minerals to the dessert.
Editor's Thoughts on This Delightful Cajun Pecan Cake
This Cajun Pecan Cake recipe offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The use of pineapple adds a tropical sweetness to the cake, while the pecan topping provides a rich, nutty crunch. However, the baking time and temperature may need adjustment for optimal results. Consider increasing the oven temperature to 350 degrees F for a shorter baking time to ensure a moist and tender cake. Additionally, incorporating Cajun spices or a hint of cinnamon into the batter can elevate the flavor profile, adding a touch of warmth and complexity. Overall, with a few tweaks, this recipe has the potential to be a crowd-pleasing dessert.
Enhance Your Pecan Cajun Cake Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Appetizers and Main Dishes to Serve with Cajun Pecan Cake
Why trust this Pecan Cajun Cake Recipe:
This recipe is a trusted classic, perfected over generations. The combination of pineapple and pecans creates a delightful harmony of flavors and textures. The use of evaporated milk in the topping adds a rich and creamy element, while the vanilla extract enhances the overall aroma. The careful balance of sugar and margarine in the topping ensures a perfect sweetness. With its tried-and-true method and quality ingredients like all-purpose flour and eggs, this recipe promises a delectable cajun pecan cake that will surely impress.
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