Texas Tornado Cake Recipe

A moist, flavorful Southern dessert with pineapple, nuts, and a rich coconut-pecan topping, perfect for any occasion.

The Texas Tornado Cake is a beloved Southern dessert known for its simplicity and rich flavors. Believed to have originated in the mid-20th century, it features pantry staples like canned pineapple and a straightforward method, making it accessible to home bakers. The cake’s moist texture and unique combination of sweet, nutty, and tangy flavors from the pineapple and coconut-pecan topping are key to its appeal.

Traditionally shared at community gatherings and family events, this cake embodies Southern hospitality and home baking traditions. Its versatility allows for various adaptations, making it a customizable treat.

The name “Texas Tornado” evokes a sense of regional identity, highlighting its cultural significance in Southern cuisine. This cake represents comfort, community, and the rich tapestry of Southern flavors.

Nutritional Benefits

Ingredient	Nutritional Benefits
Pineapple	Vitamin C, Manganese, Fiber
Nuts	Healthy Fats, Protein, Vitamin E, Magnesium
Coconut	Fiber, Medium-Chain Triglycerides (MCTs)
Eggs	High-Quality Protein, Vitamins B2, B12, D, Selenium, Choline
Evaporated Milk	Calcium, Protein

While the cake has these benefits, it’s also important to note that it contains significant amounts of sugar and butter, which should be consumed in moderation. The overall healthiness of the cake depends on portion size and frequency of consumption.

The Cooking Process of Texas Tornado Cake Recipe

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple with juice
• 1 cup chopped pecans (or walnuts)

For the Topping:

• 1 cup evaporated milk
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut

Required Equipment

Utensil/Equipment	Purpose
Mixing Bowls	For combining ingredients. Use separate bowls for wet and dry ingredients.
Whisk/Electric Mixer	To mix the cake batter until smooth and well combined.
Measuring Cups and Spoons	For accurately measuring all ingredients.
9×13-inch Baking Dish	To bake the cake in the oven.
Spatula	For spreading the batter evenly in the baking dish and smoothing the topping.
Saucepan	To prepare the coconut-pecan topping on the stovetop.
Oven	For baking the cake.
Cooling Rack	To cool the cake after baking.
Toothpick	To check if the cake is done baking.

Instructions

Preheat the oven:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Prepare the Cake:

• In a large bowl, combine the granulated sugar and eggs. Beat until well combined.
• In another bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the sugar and egg mixture, mixing until just combined.
• Stir in the crushed pineapple (with juice) and chopped pecans.
• Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.

Bake:

• Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Prepare the Topping:

• While the cake is baking, combine the evaporated milk, butter, and granulated sugar in a saucepan over medium heat.
• Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Let it boil for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
• Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and shredded coconut.

Finish the Cake:

• When the cake is done baking, remove it from the oven and immediately pour the hot topping over the cake.
• Spread the topping evenly with a spatula.

Cool and Serve:

• Let the cake cool to room temperature before serving. The topping will soak into the cake, making it incredibly moist and flavorful.

Also Read👇:

• Moe’s Southwest Vinaigrette Recipe
• Del Frisco’s Butter Cake

The Recipe

Serving

The Texas Tornado Cake typically yields about 12 servings when cut into standard-sized portions. Each serving size would depend on how large or small you cut the pieces. This cake is quite rich and flavorful, so a moderate-sized slice is usually satisfying for most people. Adjusting the serving size can also affect the overall nutritional content per serving.

Additional

Portion Size: Cut into 12 standard servings from a 9×13-inch dish.

Adjusting: Slice larger or smaller for more or fewer servings.

Serving Tips: Enjoy alone or with whipped cream or ice cream.

Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

FAQs