Old-Fashioned Caramel Pineapple Pudding Cake – Golden, Gooey, and Irresistibly Southern

Old-Fashioned Caramel Pineapple Pudding Cake – Golden, Gooey, and Irresistibly Southern

There’s something magical about old-fashioned Southern baking — the kind that fills your kitchen with sweet aromas and your heart with warmth. This Caramel Pineapple Pudding Cake is a family-style dessert baked until golden and bubbling, with a buttery top and a gooey, pineapple-rich layer underneath. It’s comfort food at its best: simple, rich, and unforgettable. Whether you’re sharing it at a Sunday dinner or enjoying a slice in quiet company, this dish delivers that nostalgic hug in every bite.

Ingredients

• 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, undrained

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

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• 1 large egg

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Caramel Topping:

• 1/3 cup brown sugar

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 1 tablespoon milk or cream

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking pan with butter or nonstick spray.

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2. Mix the Batter:
   In a medium mixing bowl, combine the crushed pineapple (with its juice), granulated sugar, flour, egg, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until well blended. The batter will be thick and fruity.

3. Add the Butter:
   Gently fold in the melted butter until the mixture is smooth and evenly combined.

4. Pour into the Pan:
   Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking dish.

5. Bake:
   Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. The edges should be bubbly and slightly crisp.

6. Make the Caramel Topping (Optional but recommended):
   In a small saucepan, melt the brown sugar, butter, and milk together over medium heat. Stir constantly until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is smooth and glossy (about 3–5 minutes).

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7. Finish and Serve:
   Once the cake is out of the oven, poke a few small holes in the top using a fork or toothpick. Drizzle the warm caramel sauce over the top and let it soak in. Serve warm by the spoonful or chilled in slices.

Closing Notes
This golden Caramel Pineapple Pudding Cake is pure comfort in a pan. Its sweet, tropical depth and rich, buttery finish make it a timeless dessert you’ll want to pass down for generations. Whether served plain, with whipped cream, or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream, it’s always a winner. From Levi Harvey’s kitchen to yours, here’s to sharing love in every golden spoonful.