Who doesn’t love a moist, flavorful cake that melts in your mouth with every bite? If you’ve ever tasted the magic of Southern baking, you know there’s something extra special about the flavors from the heart of Dixie. One such classic is the Southern Creamy Pineapple Pecan Cake—a beautiful blend of tangy pineapple, smooth cream cheese, and crunchy toasted pecans.
Imagine biting into a fluffy, fruity cake with creamy frosting and a hint of toasted nuttiness. It’s like a warm hug from your Southern grandma—comforting, sweet, and unforgettable. Whether you’re hosting a potluck, celebrating a birthday, or just craving something sweet, this cake will surely become a crowd favorite.
Before we dive into the step-by-step goodness, let’s break down everything you’ll learn in this guide:
1. Ingredients at a Glance
You don’t need to be a professional baker to create this masterpiece. Here’s exactly what you’ll need:
1 package white cake mix
1 can (8 oz) crushed pineapple, undrained
1 cup sugar
1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup chopped pecans, toasted
Simple, right? You probably have most of these at home already!
2. Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Cake
What makes this dessert irresistible? It’s sweet, tangy, creamy, and nutty—all in one bite. The pineapple keeps the cake moist, while the cream cheese frosting adds a luxurious texture. And the pecans? They bring that signature Southern flair.
This cake is also easy to make. You don’t need to bake from scratch or whip egg whites into stiff peaks. It’s a relaxed, no-fuss recipe that delivers big on flavor.
3. Tools You’ll Need
Before we begin, grab these kitchen essentials:
9×13-inch baking dish
Mixing bowls
Electric mixer or hand mixer
Saucepan
Spatula
Whisk
Fork (for poking holes in the cake)
4. Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease your 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter. This ensures the cake comes out clean and doesn’t stick to the edges.
5. Step 2: Bake the Cake
Prepare the white cake mix according to the instructions on the box. This usually involves combining the mix with water, eggs, and oil. Mix until smooth and pour it into the prepared dish.
Bake as directed—usually about 25-30 minutes. The cake is ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Step 3: Make the Pineapple Topping
While the cake bakes, make the star of the show—the pineapple topping.
In a medium saucepan, combine:
1 can (8 oz) crushed pineapple (with juice)
1 cup sugar
Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
It’ll smell like a tropical vacation!
7. Step 4: Soak the Cake in Pineapple Goodness
Once the cake is out of the oven and slightly cooled, use a fork to poke holes all over the top. This helps the pineapple mixture seep in and flavor every bite.
Pour the warm pineapple mixture over the cake, spreading it evenly to the edges. Let it cool completely. Patience is key here—the cake needs to soak up all that fruity magic.
8. Step 5: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Frosting
In a large mixing bowl, beat together:
1 package (8 oz) cream cheese
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
Mix until smooth and creamy.
Then, gradually add:
4 cups powdered sugar (one cup at a time)
Beat well after each addition to avoid clumps. Add:
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
And give it one last good mix. The result? A velvety, sweet, and tangy frosting that’s simply irresistible.
9. Step 6: Frost and Add Toasted Pecans
Spread your frosting over the completely cooled cake. Be generous and go all the way to the edges.
Top it off with:
1/2 cup toasted chopped pecans
The crunch of the pecans adds a lovely texture to every creamy bite.
10. Step 7: Chill and Serve
Place the cake in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This helps the frosting set and the flavors blend beautifully.
Serve chilled—you’ll get a neat slice every time.
11. Storage Tips and Shelf Life
This cake keeps well in the fridge for up to 5 days, covered tightly. The flavors actually deepen over time—making it even better the next day!
You can also freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic and foil for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
12. Variations and Twists to Try
Want to switch things up? Try these fun variations:
Add coconut flakes to the frosting for a tropical flair.
Swap pecans for walnuts if you prefer.
Use a yellow cake mix instead of white for a richer base.
Top with maraschino cherries for a festive look.
The base is so flexible, it’s like a blank canvas for your flavor imagination!
13. Serving Suggestions
This cake pairs beautifully with:
A cup of hot coffee or sweet tea
A scoop of vanilla ice cream
A dollop of whipped cream
Fresh berries on the side
Perfect for picnics, church suppers, holidays, or even just a sweet end to your Tuesday dinner.
14. What Makes It “Southern” Anyway?
Southern desserts are known for being:
Rich
Comforting
Full of layered flavors
This cake checks all those boxes. The combination of pineapple, cream cheese, and pecans is a classic flavor profile in the South. Plus, the use of boxed cake mix keeps it humble—just like most beloved Southern recipes.
15. Final Thoughts
The Southern Creamy Pineapple Pecan Cake isn’t just a dessert—it’s a tradition. It brings people together and leaves lasting impressions on every table it graces. With its perfect balance of sweet, tangy, creamy, and nutty, it’s no wonder this cake has become a favorite across generations.
Next time you’re in need of a feel-good treat, whip this up. And remember, food is love—especially when it’s Southern.
16. FAQs
1. Can I make this cake a day in advance?
Yes! In fact, it tastes even better the next day once the flavors have had time to meld.
2. Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
You can, but make sure to include the juice as it adds moisture and flavor. Canned is more convenient and consistent for this recipe.
3. Do I have to toast the pecans?
Toasting enhances their flavor, but it’s not mandatory. If you’re short on time, raw pecans will still work.
4. Can I make this cake without nuts?
Absolutely. If you’re allergic or simply not a fan, just leave them out. The cake is still delicious without them.
5. How do I toast pecans properly?
Spread chopped pecans on a baking sheet and toast at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, stirring once or twice until fragrant.
Now that you have the ultimate guide to making Southern Creamy Pineapple Pecan Cake, it’s time to preheat that oven and get baking. You won’t regret it—your taste buds will thank you!
