Yaya’s Cowboy Cake
Yaya’s Cowboy Cake is the perfect treat to delight your little ones and their friends! At first glance, this cake might seem daunting, but rest assured, it’s much simpler than it appears. The base is a large square with four smaller squares on top, all made from a classic yogurt cake recipe. Double the usual quantities, and voilà, you’ve got a masterpiece! Let’s walk you through the steps with our special recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This cake is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. The combination of moist cake with a sweet, nutty frosting is irresistible. Plus, it’s a fun and creative way to surprise your kids and their guests!
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- 9 x 13 inch baking dish
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk or electric mixer
- 2-quart saucepan
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- Dash of salt
- 2 eggs (beaten)
- 1 can crushed pineapple (including juice)
Frosting
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1/4 cup (1 stick) butter
- 1 can evaporated milk (not sweetened condensed milk)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded coconut
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt.
- Add the beaten eggs and crushed pineapple, including the juice, to the dry ingredients. Mix well until smooth.
- Pour the batter into a greased 9 x 13 inch baking dish.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- While the cake is baking, start preparing the frosting. In a 2-quart saucepan, combine sugar, butter, evaporated milk, shredded coconut, and chopped pecans. Bring to a boil.
- Cook the frosting mixture for 6 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and immediately pour the hot frosting over the top.
- Let the cake cool before serving. Enjoy!
Tips for Success
- Ensure all your ingredients are at room temperature for a smoother batter.
- Don’t overmix the batter once the wet ingredients are added. Mix just until combined.
- Pour the frosting over the cake while it’s still hot for the best absorption.
Additional Tips and Variations
- For a tropical twist, add a handful of chopped dried pineapple to the frosting.
- Swap pecans with walnuts or almonds if preferred.
Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)
Each serving provides a delicious balance of flavors and textures, with approximately:
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Protein: 4g
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pineapple. Just ensure you crush it well and use any juice it produces.
How should I store the cake?
Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cake a day in advance and add the frosting just before serving.
Conclusion
Ready to impress your family and friends with Yaya’s Cowboy Cake? This delightful dessert is sure to win hearts and satisfy sweet cravings. Try it out and let us know how it turned out! Feel free to share your experiences and any creative twists you added in the comments below. Happy Baking!