Description
Sink into pure comfort with Do Nothing Cake, a simple Southern dessert that practically makes itself. Warm pineapple and coconut create a magical topping that turns basic ingredients into a creamy, satisfying treat your family will adore.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 can 20 ounces crushed pineapple, undrained
- ½ cup unsalted butter
Supporting Ingredients:
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping Ingredients:
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup evaporated milk
- 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Grab a large mixing bowl and blend 2 cups flour, 2 cups granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons baking soda, and ½ teaspoon salt until thoroughly combined.
- Crack 2 large eggs into the dry ingredients, then pour in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and the entire 20 oz can of crushed pineapple with its juice. Whisk until your batter looks smooth and consistent.
- Preheat your oven to exactly 350°F and coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- Transfer the batter into the prepared baking dish, ensuring an even surface.
- Slide the baking dish into the preheated 350°F oven and bake for precisely 33 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick inserted in the center.
- While the cake bakes, prepare the topping by combining ½ cup unsalted butter, ¾ cup granulated sugar, and ¾ cup evaporated milk in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir the topping mixture continuously until the butter completely melts and the edges start bubbling gently.
- Remove the topping from heat and fold in 1 cup shredded coconut and 1 cup chopped pecans.
- Once the cake emerges from the oven, immediately drizzle the warm topping across the surface, using a spatula to help it seep into the cake’s craters and edges.
- Allow the cake to cool completely at room temperature before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Swap pineapple for mandarin oranges or applesauce to modify the cake’s fruity base and accommodate different preferences.
- Check cake doneness by gently pressing the center, which should spring back lightly when fully baked.
- Toast pecans before adding to the topping to enhance their nutty flavor and provide extra depth.
- Use room temperature ingredients for smoother batter mixing and more consistent cake texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Cakes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 444 kcal
- Sugar: 43 g
- Sodium: 198 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 36 mg