Preacher Cake Recipe: A Nostalgic Delight

This old-fashioned Preacher Cake recipe is a treasure from the past that is as simple to make as it is delightful to eat. Featuring a moist cake infused with crushed pineapple and shredded coconut, and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, this cake is truly a crowd-pleaser. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to whip up a dessert that feels homemade with minimal effort, it’s hard not to fall in love with this deeply flavorful and richly textured classic.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: You don’t need to be a baking expert to make this! The cake starts with a boxed spice mix, saving time without compromising flavor.
• Rich and Moist: The combination of pineapple juice, shredded coconut, and buttery goodness creates the perfect moist cake texture.
• Nostalgic and Homey: This cake feels like a warm hug from a bygone era, perfect for lovers of classic desserts.
• Customizable: There are endless ways to tweak this recipe to fit your taste—you’ll never get bored with it!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a quick overview of the ingredients that come together for this sweet treat. Most of them are pantry staples or easy to grab on your next grocery trip.

For the Cake

• Spice Cake Mix: A simple shortcut that brings the cozy, warm flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice.
• Crushed Pineapple (with juice): Keeps the cake moist and adds a subtle tangy-sweet flavor throughout.
• Shredded Coconut: For a hint of tropical flavor and chewy texture that complements the pineapple.
• Salted Butter (melted): Adds richness and balances the sweetness.
• Eggs: The ultimate binder for the cake, giving it structure while keeping it tender.
• Chopped Pecans: A crunchy contrast to the soft cake. Use walnuts if that’s what you have!

For the Frosting

• Cream Cheese: Make sure it’s at room temperature for creamy, lump-free frosting.
• Salted Butter: Enhances the tanginess of the cream cheese while adding richness.
• Powdered Sugar: The key to that sweet, silky smooth frosting.

Pro tip: Room temperature ingredients are key for both the cake batter and frosting to ensure a smooth blend.

Variations

This Preacher Cake recipe is versatile, so get creative! Here are a few ideas to make it uniquely yours:

• Nut-Free: Skip the pecans if you’ve got nut allergies or just aren’t a fan.
• Double the Coconut: Love coconut? Add unsweetened coconut flakes to the frosting or sprinkle on top for extra flavor.
• Make It Tropical: Diced mango or banana chunks can be stirred into the batter for a fruitier twist.
• Lighter Frosting: Skip the cream cheese frosting and top the cake with whipped cream or a simple glaze if you prefer.

How to Make Preacher Cake

Here’s how you can put this delicious dish together without breaking a sweat.

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF. Give your 9×13-inch baking pan a generous coat of cooking spray to ensure the cake pops out effortlessly later.

Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter

In a mixing bowl, beat the melted butter, cake mix, pineapple (juice included), coconut, and eggs together until smooth and well combined. Scrape down the bowl occasionally to make sure everything is incorporated.

Step 3: Add the Pecans

Gently stir the chopped pecans into the batter—you’ll love the texture they add!

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan, smoothing it out evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the center springs back when lightly touched, or a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting.

Step 5: Make the Frosting

While the cake cools, whip up the cream cheese frosting by beating together the cream cheese, salted butter, and powdered sugar. Make sure the frosting is smooth and fluffy—it’s a game-changer!

Step 6: Frost and Garnish

Spread the frosting over the cooled cake in an even layer. Sprinkle the top with additional chopped pecans for a decorative and delicious finishing touch.

Pro Tips for Making Preacher Cake

• Don’t Skip the Pineapple Juice: It’s what makes the cake wonderfully moist, so don’t drain it out!
• Room Temperature Ingredients: You’ll get a smoother batter and frosting if your butter, cream cheese, and eggs are at room temperature.
• Use Toasted Pecans: For even more flavor, give those pecans a quick toast in the oven or on the stovetop.
• Let It Cool Completely: Make sure the cake is fully cooled before frosting to avoid melting the frosting into a slippery mess.

How to Serve

This cake deserves its moment in the spotlight! Here’s how to showcase it:

• Simple and Classic: Serve slices on their own, with a cup of coffee or tea.
• Fancy It Up: Add a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of toasted coconut for a more elevated presentation.
• Pairing Suggestions: The warm spicy notes make it perfect alongside vanilla ice cream or even a fruity compote.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep the cake fresh by storing it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay moist and flavorful for up to 3–4 days.

Freezing

Yes, this cake freezes beautifully! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap (either whole or in slices) and store in an airtight freezer-safe bag. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating

Enjoy the cake straight from the fridge for a chilled treat, or let it come to room temperature for a softer texture. If reheating, do so gently in the microwave for only 10–15 seconds.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Absolutely! While spice cake is traditional and ideal for this recipe, yellow or white cake mix both work well. You can even try carrot cake mix for a boost of earthy sweetness.

2. Can I make this cake dairy-free?
Yes, swap the butter with a plant-based alternative and use a dairy-free cream cheese for the frosting. It’ll still taste amazing!

3. What if I don’t have pecans?
No worries—try walnuts, almonds, or just leave the nuts out entirely. The cake will still be deliciously moist and flavorful.

4. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Definitely! Bake the cake a day in advance, store it covered at room temperature, and frost it just before serving for the freshest taste.

Final Thoughts

This Preacher Cake is the ultimate dessert for anyone who loves comfort food with a touch of nostalgia. Its ease of preparation, moist texture, and balanced sweetness make it a versatile recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself, this cake will never disappoint. Go ahead—give it a try, and let it transport you straight to dessert heaven!

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