Name: Preacher Cake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 (8 oz) can crushed pineapple (with juice); 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts; 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut; 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 medium bananas)

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If you’re searching for the ultimate feel-good dessert, look no further than this Preacher Cake Recipe. Every forkful is brimming with juicy pineapple, sweet bananas, crunchy pecans, and a whisper of cinnamon, all wrapped up in a super-moist crumb that tastes like a bit of Southern comfort on a plate. It’s famous for how quickly it comes together with pantry staples—legend says it earned its name for being ready in a flash when the preacher made a surprise visit! Whether you add the rich cream cheese frosting or keep it simple, this cake is always a showstopper at any gathering.

Ingredients You’ll Need

All you need are a few humble staples, but don’t let their simplicity fool you—each ingredient in this Preacher Cake Recipe plays a key part in making the finished cake exceptionally tender, tasty, and golden. Here’s what you’ll need and why:

All-purpose flour: The foundation that gives structure to the cake while keeping it soft and light.
Baking soda: Provides lift, ensuring a tender crumb with the perfect rise.
Salt: A pinch enhances all the natural flavors in the recipe—don’t skip it!
Ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and that irresistible, cozy aroma to every slice.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps create its golden color.
Eggs: Bind the batter together and make the texture rich and cohesive.
Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist for days without weighing it down.
Vanilla extract: Lends a lovely, aromatic depth that ties all the flavors together.
Crushed pineapple (with juice): Adds juiciness and a tropical tang you’ll taste in every bite.
Chopped pecans or walnuts: Bring a nutty crunch that contrasts beautifully with the cake’s softness.
Sweetened shredded coconut: Infuses a delightful chew and extra sweetness into the crumb.
Mashed ripe bananas: Make the cake incredibly moist and lend a subtle, natural sweetness.
Cream cheese frosting (optional): Tangy, creamy, and decadent—this lifts the cake from delightful to absolutely extraordinary.

How to Make Preacher Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), which gives the cake a perfect rise and golden color. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish well—this cake is moist and you want it to lift right out after baking.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together your flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. This step helps distribute the leavening and spices evenly, meaning each piece of the Preacher Cake Recipe turns out tender and flavorful.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, beat together the sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth and fully blended. This base is what ensures the cake is never dry and bakes up with a fine, even crumb.

Step 4: Add Fruits and Nuts

Stir in the crushed pineapple (juice and all), the mashed bananas, sweetened coconut, and chopped nuts. These add-ins are what make this Preacher Cake Recipe so famous—each bite brings a mix of sweet, nutty, and tropical flavors.

Step 5: Combine and Pour

Add your wet mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients and stir just until everything’s combined. Don’t overmix; a light hand keeps the cake tender. Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The kitchen will fill with irresistible aromas—just try not to dig in before it cools! Let the cake cool to room temperature before frosting, if using.

Step 7: Frosting (Optional, but Highly Recommended!)

If you opt for the cream cheese frosting, beat together softened cream cheese and unsalted butter until silky and fluffy. Slowly add powdered sugar, then finish with a splash of vanilla. Once the cake is cool, spread the frosting on thick and get ready for happy faces all around!

How to Serve Preacher Cake Recipe

Garnishes

Dress your Preacher Cake Recipe up with a sprinkle of extra chopped nuts, a handful of toasted coconut, or even a scattering of fresh pineapple tidbits on top of the frosting. It not only looks beautiful, but also adds extra texture and fun bursts of flavor.

Side Dishes

This cake plays well with just about anything, but for a true Southern-style presentation, serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. A cup of hot coffee or sweet tea is always a welcome pairing as well.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or potlucks, try cutting the cake into squares and serving each piece in cupcake liners. For a rustic look, simply leave it in the pan and let everyone dig in. Individual trifle cups layered with frosting, cake, and a bit of fruit make for an impressive, no-fuss dessert, too.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Thanks to the fruit and oil, the Preacher Cake Recipe stays moist for days. Just cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days (if it lasts that long!). If it’s frosted, refrigerate to keep the cream cheese fresh.

Freezing

Want to save some for later? Once completely cooled, you can freeze the unfrosted cake (or even individual slices) wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It’ll keep its fantastic texture for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

If you like your cake just slightly warm, pop a slice in the microwave for about 10–20 seconds. This refreshes the flavors and brings back that just-baked aroma. If it’s frosted, keep the heating brief—just enough to take the chill off.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Absolutely! Just be sure to crush it and include any juices—it’s the moisture that helps make this Preacher Cake Recipe so unbelievably tender.

Is it possible to make this cake nut-free?

Definitely. Simply leave out the pecans or walnuts; the cake will still be delicious and flavorful, with plenty of texture from the coconut and fruit.

Can I prepare the Preacher Cake Recipe in advance?

Yes, you can bake the cake a day or two ahead and keep it tightly wrapped. If you’re using the frosting, it’s best added just before serving for the freshest look and taste.

What can I substitute for the bananas?

If you’re not a banana fan, try swapping in applesauce for a slightly different but still moist and tasty result—the flavor will change, but the cake will retain its wonderful crumb.

Does this cake need to be refrigerated?

The unfrosted cake can be kept at room temperature, but if you add the cream cheese frosting, pop it in the fridge to keep it safe and delicious.

Final Thoughts

This Preacher Cake Recipe is the kind of dessert that creates memories—easy enough for a weeknight, special enough for guests, and so delicious you’ll find yourself looking for reasons to make it. Give it a try; I’m sure it’ll earn a spot in your favorite recipes too!

Preacher Cake Recipe

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4.7 from 28 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Preacher Cake recipe is a delightful Southern dessert featuring the tropical flavors of pineapple, banana, and coconut. Moist and flavorful, this easy-to-make cake is perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Wet Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 (8 oz) can crushed pineapple (with juice)
1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 medium bananas)

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Instructions

Preheat oven and prepare baking dish: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
Combine wet ingredients: In another bowl, beat sugar, eggs, oil, and vanilla until well combined. Stir in crushed pineapple, mashed bananas, coconut, and nuts.
Combine wet and dry ingredients: Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
Bake: Pour batter into prepared dish and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and frost (optional): Let the cake cool before frosting with cream cheese frosting, if desired.