Texas Tornado Cake (Printable version)
Moist Southern layer cake with crushed pineapple, coconut, and pecans in a sweet buttery sauce
# Ingredient List:
→ Cake Components
01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 2 cups granulated sugar
03 - 2 large eggs
04 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
05 - 1 teaspoon baking soda
06 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
07 - 1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple with juice
08 - 1 cup chopped pecans
09 - 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
→ Buttery Topping
10 - 1 cup granulated sugar
11 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter
12 - 1 cup evaporated milk
13 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
# How to Make It:
01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan thoroughly.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt until well blended.
03 - Add eggs, vanilla extract, and the entire can of crushed pineapple including juice. Stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
04 - Gently fold in chopped pecans and shredded coconut until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
05 - Pour batter into prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 35-40 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
06 - While cake bakes, combine sugar, butter, and evaporated milk in a saucepan. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Cook 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
07 - Immediately after removing cake from oven, poke holes all over the surface with a fork or skewer. Pour hot topping evenly over hot cake. Allow to cool completely before slicing and serving.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- The hot topping seeps into every crumb creating pockets of sweet buttery pudding that you simply cannot achieve any other way
- This cake actually improves overnight as the flavors meld together making it the ultimate make ahead dessert for gatherings
02 -
- Timing matters you must pour the topping over the cake while both are still hot for proper absorption
- Do not skip poking the holes those little tunnels are what makes this cake so incredibly moist throughout
03 -
- Do not overmix the batter once the pineapple is added or your cake might turn out dense instead of tender
- Bring all your ingredients to room temperature before starting for the most even texture