Preacher Cake

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Rich, creamy, and absolutely irresistible — Preacher Cake is a delightful dessert that combines a moist, spiced cake base with a luscious cream cheese frosting and crunchy pecans. This classic Southern treat is packed with warm flavors, featuring hints of cinnamon, pineapple, and nuts, making it a favorite for potlucks, holidays, or special gatherings. Its comforting texture and perfect balance of sweetness and spice are what make this dessert unforgettable.

Legend has it that this cake got its name because it was quick to whip up when the preacher made an unexpected visit. With pantry staples and easy steps, you can create a show-stopping dessert that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re serving it fresh out of the oven or chilled from the fridge, Preacher Cake never fails to deliver rich flavor in every bite.

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Why You’ll Love This Preacher Cake

• Easy to Make: No complicated steps or fancy techniques required.
• Rich and Flavorful: The combination of pineapple, spices, and creamy frosting creates a heavenly taste.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or family celebrations.
• Moist and Tender: Thanks to the pineapple and oil, this cake stays soft and delicious for days.
• Customizable: Add raisins, coconut, or extra nuts to make it your own.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To ensure your Preacher Cake turns out perfectly, having the right tools on hand is key. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Mixing Bowls: Essential for combining your dry and wet ingredients separately before mixing everything together.
• Hand or Stand Mixer: Helps achieve a smooth, lump-free cake batter and creates a silky frosting.
• Spatula: Great for folding ingredients and scraping the sides of the bowl to minimize waste.
• 9×13 Baking Dish: This size provides the ideal depth for a moist, evenly baked cake.
• Wire Cooling Rack: Helps the cake cool completely before frosting, ensuring the frosting doesn’t melt.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precision is crucial for balancing the flavors and textures in this dessert.

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Preparation Tips

• Room Temperature Ingredients: For the creamiest frosting and best cake texture, bring eggs, cream cheese, and butter to room temperature before starting.
• Drain Pineapple Properly: While some moisture is good, excess liquid can make the cake too dense. Drain thoroughly for the right consistency.
• Don’t Overmix: Stir the batter until just combined to keep the cake tender. Overmixing can lead to a tough texture.
• Toast the Pecans: Toasting the pecans enhances their flavor and adds a delightful crunch to the topping.
• Cool Completely: Allow your cake to cool entirely before adding frosting to prevent melting and ensure a smooth, even layer.

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Ingredients for This Preacher Cake

For the Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, drained
• 1 cup chopped pecans (optional but recommended)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans (for topping)

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Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking. Alternatively, line the dish with parchment paper for easy removal.

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Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt until well combined. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents and spices.

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Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth. Stir in the drained crushed pineapple to incorporate the moisture and flavor.

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Step 4: Create the Batter

Gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Fold in the chopped pecans if using. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake light and tender.

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Step 5: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

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Step 6: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until creamy and smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar one cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

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Step 7: Frost and Garnish

Once the cake is fully cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Sprinkle with the remaining chopped pecans for a delightful crunch.

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Step 8: Chill and Serve

For the best flavor and texture, refrigerate the cake for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the frosting to set and the flavors to meld beautifully.

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Notes

• Pineapple Tip: Draining the crushed pineapple well is crucial to avoid a soggy cake. A fine-mesh sieve works best for this.
• Nut-Free Option: If you prefer a nut-free version, simply omit the pecans without compromising the cake’s flavor.
• Frosting Consistency: For a lighter frosting, whip in 1-2 tablespoons of milk to achieve a smoother spread.
• Serving Tip: This cake tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Skipping the Drain Step: Failing to properly drain the pineapple can lead to an overly dense cake.
• Overmixing the Batter: Stir until just combined; overmixing can make the cake tough.
• Not Cooling the Cake: Frosting a warm cake will cause the cream cheese frosting to melt and lose its creamy texture.
• Undertoasting the Pecans: Toasting the pecans for 3-5 minutes in a dry pan enhances their flavor—don’t skip this step!
• Using Cold Ingredients: Cold butter, eggs, or cream cheese can create lumps in the batter and frosting.

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What to Serve With Preacher Cake

This rich and creamy dessert pairs wonderfully with a variety of complementary flavors and textures. Here are some excellent serving ideas:

1. Vanilla Ice Cream

A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream adds a cool, smooth contrast to the cake’s spiced sweetness.

2. Fresh Berries

Strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries offer a refreshing burst of tartness to balance the rich frosting.

3. Whipped Cream

Light and airy whipped cream enhances the cake’s creamy topping without overwhelming the flavor.

4. Caramel Drizzle

A drizzle of caramel sauce brings extra sweetness and a touch of indulgence.

5. Coffee or Espresso

The bold bitterness of coffee perfectly offsets the cake’s rich sweetness.

6. Cinnamon Tea

This warm, spiced beverage complements the cake’s cinnamon undertones beautifully.

7. Toasted Coconut Flakes

Sprinkling toasted coconut on top or alongside adds a delightful crunch and tropical flavor.

8. Salted Nuts

A bowl of salted almonds or cashews offers a savory contrast that balances the cake’s sweetness.

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Storage Instructions

• Refrigeration: Due to the cream cheese frosting, store your Preacher Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the cake (unfrosted) for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the fridge and frost once fully defrosted.
• Frosted Cake Freezing: If you’ve already frosted the cake, place it in the freezer uncovered for about 1 hour to firm up the frosting. Once firm, wrap it in plastic wrap and foil to freeze safely.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per Serving (based on 12 servings):

• Calories: ~450 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 58g
• Protein: 5g
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Cholesterol: 60mg
• Sodium: 250mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 45g

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on portion sizes and ingredient brands.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh pineapple. Just finely chop it and ensure you drain any excess liquid to avoid making the batter too wet.

2. Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! Preacher Cake actually tastes better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. Store it in the fridge until ready to serve.

3. Can I use a different frosting?

While cream cheese frosting is traditional, buttercream or a light whipped frosting can be used as a tasty alternative.

4. What if I don’t have pecans?

Walnuts are a great substitute, or you can skip the nuts altogether for a smoother texture.

5. How do I know when the cake is done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center — if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it’s ready.

6. Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.

7. Is this cake suitable for freezing?

Yes, both frosted and unfrosted versions freeze well. For best results, wrap tightly and thaw overnight in the fridge.

8. Can I add shredded coconut to the batter?

Definitely! Adding 1/2 cup of shredded coconut enhances the cake’s texture and adds a tropical twist.

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Conclusion

Preacher Cake is a delightful blend of comforting flavors and rich textures that’s sure to impress at any gathering. Whether you’re baking it for a family event or simply craving a sweet treat, this cake’s moist crumb, tangy frosting, and crunchy pecans make it unforgettable. Enjoy each decadent bite, and don’t be surprised when guests ask for seconds — or the recipe itself!

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