In the heart of the South, there’s a kind of magic that settles over Sunday afternoons. It’s the soft hum of cicadas, the golden light streaming through lace curtains, and the smell of something sweet baking in the oven. For many families, Preacher Cake has been at the center of that magic. This cake isn’t just a dessert—it’s a gentle welcome, a spontaneous act of kindness, and a staple of Southern hospitality.
The origins of Preacher Cake lie in its name. Legend has it that when the preacher would unexpectedly drop by for a visit, this was the cake you could throw together in a hurry with pantry staples. It didn’t need frosting to impress, though a slather of cream cheese frosting never hurt. It was dependable, always moist, richly spiced, and studded with bits of pineapple, coconut, and nuts—reminiscent of a humble cousin to the famed Hummingbird Cake. Whether served at potlucks, funerals, or impromptu front porch chats, this cake has brought people together in the most meaningful way.
My own introduction to Preacher Cake came during one of those visits with my grandmother. We’d always bake it in a deep 9×13 pan, cool it on the windowsill, and frost it while chatting about the preacher’s last sermon or who needed a meal in the neighborhood. It’s a cake that tastes like community and feels like a warm hug from home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Preparation – One bowl, no mixer needed for the cake.
- Incredibly Moist – Thanks to crushed pineapple and oil, it stays tender for days.
- Tropical Flair – Coconut and pineapple bring a sunny burst of flavor.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Church gatherings, family reunions, or just a cozy weekend bake.
- Crowd-Pleaser – Everyone who tries it asks for the recipe.
Preacher Cake – A Beloved Southern Classic with a Tropical Twist
Description
In the heart of the South, there’s a kind of magic that settles over Sunday afternoons. It’s the soft hum of cicadas, the golden light streaming through lace curtains, and the smell of something sweet baking in the oven. For many families, Preacher Cake has been at the center of that magic. This cake isn’t just a dessert—it’s a gentle welcome, a spontaneous act of kindness, and a staple of Southern hospitality.
The origins of Preacher Cake lie in its name. Legend has it that when the preacher would unexpectedly drop by for a visit, this was the cake you could throw together in a hurry with pantry staples. It didn’t need frosting to impress, though a slather of cream cheese frosting never hurt. It was dependable, always moist, richly spiced, and studded with bits of pineapple, coconut, and nuts—reminiscent of a humble cousin to the famed Hummingbird Cake. Whether served at potlucks, funerals, or impromptu front porch chats, this cake has brought people together in the most meaningful way.
My own introduction to Preacher Cake came during one of those visits with my grandmother. We’d always bake it in a deep 9×13 pan, cool it on the windowsill, and frost it while chatting about the preacher’s last sermon or who needed a meal in the neighborhood. It’s a cake that tastes like community and feels like a warm hug from home.
Ingredients
- Cake:
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2 cups granulated sugar
-
2 cups all-purpose flour
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2 teaspoons baking soda
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½ teaspoon salt
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2 large eggs
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1 cup vegetable oil
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1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple, undrained
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1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
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1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- Cream Cheese Frosting:
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8 oz cream cheese, softened
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½ cup unsalted butter, softened
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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2 cups powdered sugar
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2 tablespoons heavy cream
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½ cup chopped pecans (for topping)
Instructions
1. Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish generously. You want that golden crust on the edges without any sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar, flour, baking soda, and salt. This cake is easy on the clean-up—just one bowl!
3. Add the Wet Ingredients
Crack in the eggs, pour in the oil, and dump the entire can of crushed pineapple in—juice and all. Stir until the batter is moist and fully incorporated. The batter will be thick and fragrant.
4. Fold in the Goodies
Add the shredded coconut and chopped pecans. Mix gently to distribute everything evenly without over-mixing.
5. Pour and Bake
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth it out. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden and slightly crisped.
6. Cool Completely
Allow the cake to cool in the pan on a wire rack. This is key before frosting—patience pays off!
7. Prepare the Frosting
Using a hand or stand mixer, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Add vanilla extract, then gradually add powdered sugar. Once combined, beat in the heavy cream to lighten the texture.
8. Frost and Finish
Spread the frosting generously over the cooled cake and sprinkle the remaining chopped pecans on top. Slice into generous pieces and serve.
Notes
Preacher Cake isn’t flashy, but that’s part of its charm. It’s the kind of dessert that stands the test of time—made from pantry basics, filled with comforting textures, and kissed with just enough sweetness to feel indulgent. You don’t need a special occasion to bake it—only a craving for something soulful.
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED
Cake:
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple, undrained
- 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
- 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- ½ cup chopped pecans (for topping)
HOW TO MAKE PREACHER CAKE
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish generously. You want that golden crust on the edges without any sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar, flour, baking soda, and salt. This cake is easy on the clean-up—just one bowl!
3. Add the Wet Ingredients
Crack in the eggs, pour in the oil, and dump the entire can of crushed pineapple in—juice and all. Stir until the batter is moist and fully incorporated. The batter will be thick and fragrant.
4. Fold in the Goodies
Add the shredded coconut and chopped pecans. Mix gently to distribute everything evenly without over-mixing.
5. Pour and Bake
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth it out. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden and slightly crisped.
6. Cool Completely
Allow the cake to cool in the pan on a wire rack. This is key before frosting—patience pays off!
7. Prepare the Frosting
Using a hand or stand mixer, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Add vanilla extract, then gradually add powdered sugar. Once combined, beat in the heavy cream to lighten the texture.
8. Frost and Finish
Spread the frosting generously over the cooled cake and sprinkle the remaining chopped pecans on top. Slice into generous pieces and serve.
HELPFUL TIPS
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs, cream cheese, and butter are at room temperature for best results.
- Customize the Nuts: Swap pecans for walnuts, or omit them for a nut-free version.
- Make It Ahead: This cake actually tastes better the next day as the flavors settle.
- Add Warm Spices: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg adds cozy depth to the flavor.
DETAILS
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 18–20 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
- Diet: Vegetarian
NOTES
Preacher Cake isn’t flashy, but that’s part of its charm. It’s the kind of dessert that stands the test of time—made from pantry basics, filled with comforting textures, and kissed with just enough sweetness to feel indulgent. You don’t need a special occasion to bake it—only a craving for something soulful.
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION (Approx. per slice)
- Calories: 500
- Fat: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Sugar: 38g
- Protein: 5g
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. What was Elvis’s favorite cake?
Elvis Presley’s favorite cake was reportedly a moist and fluffy pineapple and banana treat known as Elvis Presley Cake. This Southern-style dessert is often made with yellow cake, crushed pineapple, and a cream cheese frosting, offering a rich, tropical flavor he adored.
2. What does cake mean in slang?
In slang, “cake” can refer to a person’s buttocks, often used playfully to compliment someone’s physique. It can also mean money or a desirable outcome in certain contexts, depending on how it’s used in conversation.
3. What was Queen Elizabeth’s favourite cake?
Queen Elizabeth II was known to enjoy chocolate biscuit cake, a no-bake dessert made with crushed tea biscuits and rich chocolate. It was so beloved that she reportedly had it served regularly, even requesting it when traveling.
4. What is the most expensive cake?
The most expensive cake ever created was valued at $75 million, designed by British designer Debbie Wingham. It featured edible diamonds, intricate detailing, and luxurious ingredients, crafted for a wealthy client in the Middle East.
STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS
- Room Temperature: Store covered for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for 5–7 days.
- Freezer: Wrap unfrosted cake tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge and frost fresh.
Related Recipes
If you loved this, you’ll definitely enjoy these other cozy, Southern-inspired bakes:
- A Warm Slice of Home: The Story Behind These Banana Bread Brownies
- Pistachio Kunafa Brownies: A Fusion Dessert of Dreams
- A Cozy Slice of Tradition: Pistachio Coffee Cake
- Grandma-Style Condensed Milk Cookies
Conclusion
Preacher Cake isn’t just a recipe—it’s a memory, a feeling, and a legacy. It reminds us that the simplest ingredients can create the most lasting impressions. Whether you bake it for a friend in need, a Sunday supper, or a quiet night in, this cake delivers warmth, sweetness, and connection. Try it once, and it just might become a staple in your own story too.
