Easy Do Nothing Tornado Cake with Coconut Topping
Bake the incredibly easy Do Nothing Tornado Cake! This simple recipe features a moist pineapple-pecan cake topped with a gooey, delicious cooked coconut frosting.
Ingredients
Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple with juice
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 2/3 cup evaporated milk
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup shredded coconut
Instructions
1. Prepare Oven and Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan well.
2. Mix the Cake Batter:
- In a single large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, eggs, baking soda, salt, the entire can of crushed pineapple with its juice, chopped pecans, and vanilla extract.
- Stir with a spoon or spatula until all ingredients are well blended and no dry streaks remain. Do not overmix.
3. Bake the Cake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared 9×13 inch pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
4. Make the Topping (While Cake is Baking or Warm):
- While the cake bakes or shortly after it comes out, make the topping. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the butter, evaporated milk, and 1 cup granulated sugar.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly.
- Once boiling, continue to cook and stir constantly for 5 minutes.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the shredded coconut.
5. Top the Cake:
- As soon as the topping is ready, and while the cake is still warm (freshly out of the oven or within a few minutes), pour the hot coconut mixture evenly over the cake while it is still in the pan.
6. Cool Completely:
- Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. The topping will set as it cools, soaking slightly into the cake.
7. Serve:
- Slice and serve the cake directly from the pan. The recipe notes suggest serving it chilled or at room temperature.