Texas Tornado Cake (Printable)

Moist Southern-style cake with pineapple, coconut, pecans and buttery topping

# What You Need:

→ Cake

01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 2 cups granulated sugar
03 - 2 large eggs
04 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
05 - 1 teaspoon baking soda
06 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
07 - 1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple with juice
08 - 1 cup chopped pecans
09 - 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut

→ Topping

10 - 1 cup granulated sugar
11 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter
12 - 1 cup evaporated milk
13 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan thoroughly.
02 - In a large bowl, mix together flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt until well blended.
03 - Add eggs, vanilla extract, and the entire can of crushed pineapple with juice. Stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
04 - Gently fold in the chopped pecans and shredded coconut until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
05 - Pour batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
06 - While cake bakes, combine sugar, butter, and evaporated milk in a saucepan. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
07 - Immediately after removing cake from the oven, poke holes all over the surface with a fork or skewer. Pour the hot topping evenly over the hot cake.
08 - Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing. Serve at room temperature or warmed slightly.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The batter comes together in one bowl without a mixer, making it perfect for those busy weeknight dessert cravings
  • That magic moment when hot sauce meets hot cake and creates the most incredible custard like layers
  • It actually tastes better on day two, if you can manage to save any that long
02 -
  • Resist the urge to overmix the batter, a few small lumps are perfectly fine and will disappear during baking
  • The timing of pouring the topping over a hot cake is crucial for that signature soaked texture
  • Let the cake cool completely before slicing, or you will end up with a delicious but messy puddle
03 -
  • Use a wooden skewer or chopstick to make deeper holes that really let the topping soak through
  • Pour the sauce slowly and evenly, giving it time to absorb into each section

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