Description
Looking for a nostalgic dessert that’s ridiculously easy yet impossible to resist? This Easy Texas Tornado Cake is your go-to solution. It's a moist, old-fashioned sheet cake loaded with crushed pineapple and topped with a buttery, brown sugar glaze that melts into every bite. Whether you're seeking quick breakfast ideas, easy dinner desserts, or crowd-pleasing food ideas, this easy recipe checks all the boxes. Perfect for potlucks, holiday brunches, or cozy weekend treats, it’s the kind of cake that disappears before it cools.
Ingredients
2 cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, undrained
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup shredded sweetened coconut (optional)
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
1 cup evaporated milk
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, whisk sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
3. Stir in crushed pineapple with juice.
4. Add flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix until just combined.
5. Fold in coconut and nuts if using.
6. Pour batter into the baking dish and bake for 35–40 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
7. While the cake bakes, combine evaporated milk, butter, and brown sugar in a saucepan over medium heat.
8. Bring to a boil, stir continuously, and simmer for 2–3 minutes.
9. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
10. Poke holes all over the hot cake with a fork.
11. Pour the hot glaze evenly over the cake.
12. Let sit for 15–20 minutes to absorb glaze, then serve warm or cooled.
Notes
Don’t overmix the batter—stop as soon as the flour is incorporated to avoid toughness.
Always pour the glaze while both cake and glaze are hot to help it seep in deeply.
You can store it refrigerated for 5 days or freeze it for up to 2 months for make-ahead desserts.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: easy dessert, Southern cake, potluck cake, tornado cake, quick breakfast