Description
Southern Preacher Cake is one of the South’s most beloved old-fashioned desserts, known for its incredibly moist texture, rich pineapple flavor, and luscious cream cheese frosting. This classic cake earned its unique name because Southern homemakers could quickly prepare it when unexpected guests—especially preachers—arrived for a visit after Sunday church services. Made with simple pantry ingredients and requiring no mixer for the cake batter, it became a staple recipe passed down through generations.
Ingredients
🍍 For the Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 can (20 ounces) crushed pineapple with juice
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
🧀 For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Garnishes
- Toasted coconut
- Chopped pecans
- Pineapple tidbits
- White chocolate curls
- Maraschino cherries
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
Set aside.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together:
- Flour
- Sugar
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Cinnamon
Mix until evenly combined.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
Add:
- Eggs
- Crushed pineapple with juice
- Vanilla extract
Mix until incorporated.
Fold in:
- Coconut
- Chopped pecans
Stir until combined.
Do not overmix.
Step 4: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan.
Spread evenly.
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting.
Step 5: Prepare the Frosting
Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
Gradually add powdered sugar.
Mix in vanilla extract.
Beat until light and fluffy.
Spread evenly over the cooled cake.
Sprinkle with additional coconut and pecans if desired.
Notes
- Use pineapple with its juice for moisture.
- Do not drain the crushed pineapple.
- Toast pecans for deeper flavor.
- Allow cake to cool completely before frosting.
- Use full-fat cream cheese for best results.
- Store refrigerated because of the frosting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 49g
- Sodium: 260mg
- Fat: 29g
- Carbohydrates: 63g
- Protein: 5g