Healthy Preacher Cake

Healthy Preacher Cake is a moist, tropical sheet cake bursting with pineapple, coconut, and crunchy walnuts, topped with a silky cream cheese frosting. It’s the perfect dessert to whip up in a hurry—no mixer required—making it a classic Southern staple for any occasion, especially when company calls unexpectedly.

Why You’ll Love Healthy Preacher Cake

• No mixer needed — it comes together with a simple whisk or spoon
• Packed with tropical flavor from pineapple and coconut
• Perfectly moist and rich thanks to crushed pineapple with juice
• A Southern favorite that’s foolproof, flavorful, and fridge-friendly

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 3 eggs
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 2 tsp vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract
• 1 (20-oz) can crushed pineapple with juice (do NOT drain)
• 1 1/2 cups finely chopped walnuts, divided
• 1 cup flaked sweetened coconut

Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz package cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup butter, softened (1 stick)
• 1 tsp vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract
• 2–4 Tbsp heavy cream (start with 2 and add more as needed)
• 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted or whisked to remove lumps

Directions

Prepare the Oven and Pan

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Lightly spray a 13×9″ baking pan with non-stick spray (such as Baker’s Joy) and set aside.

Mix Dry Ingredients

• In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon until evenly combined.

Combine Wet Ingredients

• In a large mixing bowl, add granulated sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract or paste.
• Use a wooden spoon or whisk to mix until creamy and smooth.

Combine Wet and Dry

• Sprinkle the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Stir together just until incorporated—when no streaks of flour remain.
• The batter will be thick and sticky at this stage.

Add Pineapple, Nuts & Coconut

• Stir in the entire can of crushed pineapple with juice (do not drain).
• Add 1 cup of the finely chopped walnuts and all the flaked coconut.
• Mix thoroughly until the batter loosens into a traditional pourable consistency.

Bake the Cake

• Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
• Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
• Remove from the oven and let the cake cool completely in the pan on a cooling rack.

MAKE THE FROSTING:

Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

• In a large bowl, add softened cream cheese, butter, and vanilla.
• Use a whisk or hand mixer to beat until smooth, light, and fluffy.

Finish the Frosting Texture

• Alternately add powdered sugar and drizzle in heavy cream, mixing well after each addition.
• Adjust consistency: add more cream if too thick, or more powdered sugar if too thin.

Frost the Cake

• Use an offset spatula to spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake.
• Sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts.
• Optional: add extra flaked coconut on top for presentation.

Pro Tips and Variations

• Use toasted coconut for an added layer of flavor and crunch.
• Swap walnuts for pecans if desired.
• This cake is best made ahead to allow flavors to meld overnight.
• For easier slicing, chill cake for 30 minutes after frosting.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve chilled or at room temperature.
• Great with coffee or a glass of milk.
• Ideal for potlucks, holidays, and family dinners.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerate covered for up to 5 days.
• Freeze unfrosted cake for up to 2 months. Thaw in fridge and frost before serving.
• Bring to room temperature before serving if chilled.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead?
Yes! It’s actually better the next day once the flavors have settled.

Do I have to use nuts?
You can omit them, but they add great texture and contrast.

What if my frosting is too runny?
Add more powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, until it firms up.

Conclusion

Healthy Preacher Cake is the go-to dessert when you need something comforting, easy, and crowd-pleasing. With its tropical flair, moist crumb, and creamy frosting, it’ll be your new favorite no-fuss cake for every season.

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