Granny’s Million Dollar Cake Recipe

Introduction to Granny’s Million Dollar Cake

Vallery Lomas, renowned for her baking skills as the winner of The Great American Baking Show, shares a cherished family recipe in her cookbook Life is What You Bake It. This cake, known as Granny’s Million Dollar Cake, is a testament to simplicity and taste, perfect for any potluck or family gathering.

The Secret to the ‘Million Dollar’ Cake

The magic behind this cake lies in its straightforward ingredients and method. Vallery often refers to it as a ‘1-2-3-4 cake,’ consisting of 1 cup of butter, 2 cups of sugar, 3 cups of flour, and 4 eggs. Alongside these core ingredients, she adds her signature ‘ABCs’: Aromatics (vanilla and almond extract), Baking powder, and ‘cow’s juice’ (whole milk). This simplicity makes it accessible even to beginner bakers.

Customizing the Recipe

One of the delightful aspects of this recipe is its flexibility. If canned pineapple is not available, Vallery suggests using apple jelly as an alternative filling, which not only works well but also transforms the cake into a lovely fall dessert.

Ingredients for Granny’s Million Dollar Cake

For the Pineapple Filling
– 1 (20-21 ounce) can of crushed pineapple in heavy syrup
– ¼ cup granulated sugar (adjust to ⅓ cup if using pineapple in its own juice)
For the Cake
– Nonstick baking spray with flour
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tablespoon baking powder
– 1 teaspoon kosher salt
– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
– 2 cups granulated sugar
– 4 large eggs, room temperature
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 teaspoon almond extract
– 1 cup whole milk
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
– 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, room temperature
– ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
– 4 cups powdered sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Pineapple Filling

1. Blend the Pineapple: Use a blender or food processor to blend the crushed pineapple until it reaches a smooth consistency similar to applesauce.
2. Heat with Sugar: Transfer the blended pineapple to a saucepan, add granulated sugar, and heat over low until the sugar dissolves.

Step 2: Making the Cake

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place a rack in the middle of the oven.
2. Prepare Cake Pans: Spray three 8-inch cake pans with nonstick baking spray.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. Mix Butter and Sugar: In a stand mixer, beat the butter until creamy, then gradually add sugar and continue beating until light and fluffy.
5. Add Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time.
6. Add Aromatics and Liquid: Add vanilla and almond extracts, and alternate adding flour mixture and milk, ensuring each addition is well combined.
7. Bake the Cakes: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans and bake for about 25 minutes or until golden brown.

Step 3: Assembling the Cake

1. Prepare Frosting: Beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
2. Assemble the Layers: Spread pineapple filling on top of two cake layers, stack them, and place the third layer on top.
3. Frost the Cake: Frost the top and sides of the cake with the cream cheese frosting.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use other types of filling for the cake?

A: Yes, you can use other fillings like apple jelly instead of pineapple, especially for a fall dessert.

Q: How long does it take to prepare and bake the cake?

A: Preparation time is about 45 minutes, and baking takes approximately 25 minutes for each layer.

Q: Is this cake suitable for beginners?

A: Yes, the simplicity of the ‘1-2-3-4’ method makes it accessible to beginner bakers.

Conclusion

Granny’s Million Dollar Cake is not just a dessert; it’s a legacy passed down through generations. With its versatile recipe and ease of preparation, it’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering or a special event. Vallery Lomas has beautifully captured the essence of this cake in her recipe, making it a must-try for anyone who loves baking.