Despite living in the South for over half of my life, I still chuckle at the whimsical names of Southern desserts. One such dessert that never fails to bring a smile to my face is Yum Yum Cake. It’s a name that perfectly captures the essence of this delightful treat, and honestly, I can’t think of a more fitting name for it.
Yum Yum Cake is my ultimate comfort cake. The moistness of the cake, even without the addition of oil or butter, is a true marvel. But it’s the sweet, gooey, crunchy topping that takes this cake to divine heights. The combination of textures and flavors is sheer perfection, making it an ideal accompaniment to a cup of coffee or a glass of milk.
This cake has become my saving grace whenever I need a quick and fabulous dessert. It’s incredibly easy to make, and I often find myself turning to it when time is limited, but I still want to indulge in something special.
One of the best things about Yum Yum Cake is its simplicity in preparation. Even my husband, who proudly proclaims that he cannot bake, managed to make this cake one afternoon and achieved a perfect result. Now, his claim about being a non-baker is rendered moot, and I’m secretly thrilled to have him on board for our next baking adventure.
I invite you to try this delightful recipe and keep it close to your heart because you’ll find yourself making it often. Yum Yum Cake is a true gem that will bring joy and satisfaction to every occasion. So, indulge in the sweet magic of this cake, savor every delectable bite, and make memories that will make you smile for years to come.
INGREDIENTS
Cake
2 cups flour
2 eggs
2 cups crushed pineapple (With Juice included)
2 cups sugar
2 tsp. baking soda
Topping
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter (1 stick)
1 (5 oz.) can evaporated milk
1 cup coconut
1 tsp. vanilla
1 cup chopped pecans
DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 350°F and butter a 9×13 baking dish. Set the dish to the side.
In a mixing bowl, combine the cake ingredients and mix well.
Pour the cake batter into the buttered baking dish.
Bake for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs.
Remove from oven.
THE TOPPING
Make the topping while the cake is baking.
In a saucepan, add the sugar, butter, and evaporated milk.
Bring to a boil and over medium heat let boil for 2-3 minutes, stir constantly – the mixture should be a little thickened.
Remove from heat, add the coconut, vanilla, and pecans.
Immediately pour over hot cake.
NOTES
Sugar: If you need to cut back on the sugar, reduce the cake amount to 1 cup and the topping amount to 3/4 cup. It will still be sweet but if you prefer desserts less sweetened, this is a great option.
Pecans: While pecans are the standard, you can substitute walnuts if you prefer.
Cake: Be sure not to overbake the cake. You want it to still be moist!
Evaporated Milk: When I am out of evaporated milk, I have used half and half instead and it turns out perfectly.
Butter: The old-school, original recipe calls for margarine (or oleo) so if you are a purist at heart, margarine is the way to go. I never buy margarine which is why I use butter. Use whichever one you wish because it will be fantastic either way!
Conclusion:
Yum Yum Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a delightful experience that brings joy and comfort with every delicious bite. From its whimsical name to its perfect blend of textures and flavors, this cake is a true gem in the realm of Southern desserts.
The moistness of the cake, achieved without the need for oil or butter, is a testament to the magic of this recipe. But what truly sets Yum Yum Cake apart is its sweet, gooey, and crunchy topping, which elevates this treat to divine levels of indulgence. Paired with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk, this cake becomes the ultimate comfort food that warms both the heart and soul.
The ease of preparation makes Yum Yum Cake a true savior for those times when a fabulous dessert is needed quickly. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner in the kitchen, this cake welcomes everyone with open arms and guarantees excellent results.
The joy of Yum Yum Cake extends beyond its delightful taste. It has the power to bring a smile to anyone’s face, even those who claim they can’t bake. This cake proves that baking can be an enjoyable experience for all, leaving lasting memories and encouraging more baking adventures.
So, keep this recipe close to your heart and cherish it as a go-to dessert that never fails to impress. Whether shared with family and friends or enjoyed as a solo treat, Yum Yum Cake is a reminder of the simple pleasures in life. Indulge in its sweet magic, and let it become a cherished favorite that brings delight to your days and creates moments to cherish for years to come.