Preacher Cake – A Southern Classic Full of Comfort and Charm
Preacher Cake is a rich, moist, and nostalgic Southern dessert that’s loaded with warmth and love. Traditionally made with pantry staples, it was famously baked when the preacher made a surprise visit, hence the name. The natural sweetness from the fruit makes the cake flavorful and moist without needing a lot of added sugar. Whether served for Sunday dinner, holidays, or casual gatherings, it’s always a hit. The aroma alone is enough to bring family and neighbors to the kitchen. It’s a cake that speaks of tradition, love, and community. Let’s bake a classic that never goes out of style.
Ingredients
Banana and pineapple create perfect moisture. Warm spices make every bite cozy. Eggs and oil bind the batter richly. Frosting adds creamy, tangy contrast. Simple pantry staples build amazing flavor. It’s a crowd-pleaser every single time.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup crushed pineapple with juice
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2)
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Optional: ½ cup chopped pecans for topping
Nutritional Information
Natural fruit sugars add healthy sweetness. Cream cheese gives richness and protein. Spices offer antioxidants and warmth. Flour provides carbs for energy fuel. A special treat with familiar ingredients. Perfect portioned for dessert table variety.
- Calories: ~420 per slice
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Sugar: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
Time Breakdown
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Bake Time: 35 minutes
- Cool + Frosting Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: ~1 hour 35 minutes
How to Make Preacher Cake
Preacher cake is simple, sweet, and nostalgic. Wholesome ingredients make prep time easy. You’ll mix, pour, and bake effortlessly. The batter comes together without fuss. Spices and fruit add cozy flavors. Frost, chill, and slice to serve.
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or butter for easy removal.
Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon until evenly combined.
Step 3: In a separate bowl, combine the eggs, oil, mashed bananas, crushed pineapple with juice, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth and unified.
Step 4: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined—do not overmix to avoid a dense texture.
Step 5: Transfer the batter into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 35–40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan. Meanwhile, prepare the frosting by beating together softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy.
Step 7: Spread the frosting generously over the cooled cake. Optionally, sprinkle chopped pecans over the top for added crunch and flavor.
Healthier Ingredient Alternatives
Make Preacher Cake a bit lighter. Choose swaps without losing the flavor. Better for wellness, still deeply satisfying. You can adjust based on preference. Simple changes reduce fat and sugar. Healthy twists even kids will enjoy.
- Use whole wheat flour for added fiber
- Swap sugar with coconut sugar or monk fruit
- Replace oil with unsweetened applesauce
- Use low-fat cream cheese for frosting
- Add walnuts for brain-healthy fats
- Reduce frosting sugar by 25%
Storing Tips to Keep It Fresh
Proper storage keeps texture and flavor best. This cake holds up really well. Frosted or not—it stores beautifully chilled. Airtight containers work best for freshness. Freezes great in pre-sliced portions too. Label and date if freezing for later.
- Store in fridge up to 5 days
- Let it come to room temp before serving
- Freeze individual slices for up to 2 months
- Wrap tightly in plastic, then foil
- Don’t freeze with pecan topping—add later
- Refrigerate leftover frosting in sealed container
Kid-Friendly Tips & Variations
Little hands will love this cake. It’s sweet, soft, and not fussy. Tweak ingredients for kid-approved bites. Great for birthday parties or school snacks. Subtle fruit makes it more nutritious. Decorate together for fun family time.
- Omit nuts for safe allergy option
- Add mini chocolate chips or raisins
- Use cupcake liners for fun mini cakes
- Swap pineapple with applesauce for mellow flavor
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla yogurt
- Let kids help frost and sprinkle
Chef’s Special Tips & Notes
Small tweaks elevate flavor and texture fast. This cake allows many subtle upgrades. Chef-tested tweaks bring out deeper flavor. Banana and pineapple should be very ripe. Spice balance improves with overnight resting. Toast nuts for deeper flavor dimension.
- Use room temp ingredients for even mixing
- Don’t overmix batter—stays fluffier
- Sift dry ingredients for lighter crumb
- Add a pinch of nutmeg for warmth
- Drizzle with maple syrup before serving
- Let flavors deepen by chilling overnight
Conclusion
Preacher Cake isn’t just a Southern dessert—it’s a tradition baked with love. Moist banana and pineapple make it naturally sweet, while cream cheese frosting adds a rich, tangy finish. Its simplicity makes it ideal for bakers of all skill levels. From holidays to Sunday suppers, it has that perfect blend of comfort and charm. The best part? You likely already have the ingredients in your pantry. If you’re new to Southern desserts, this is the one to start with. So roll up your sleeves, and bring a little Southern sweetness into your kitchen today.