WELCOME CAKE

WELCOME CAKE image

Provided by Tere Gill

Categories Cakes

Time 55m

Number Of Ingredients 19

BATTER:
2 c all purpose flour
2 c granulated sugar
2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 c chopped pecans
1/2 c shredded coconut (optional)
1 - 20 oz. can(s) crushed pineapple, undrained
2 large eggs, room temperature
2 tsp pure vanilla extract
FROSTING:
1 -8 oz. pkg cream cheese, room temperature
1 stick butter, room temperature (1/2 cup or 8 tablespoons)
2 c powdered sugar
1 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
1/4 tsp salt
SPRINKLE:
1/4 c chopped pecans
1/4 c lightly toasted shredded coconut (optional)

Steps:

1. Place oven rack in center position and preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Lightly grease and flour (or spray with Bakers Joy) a 9"x13" pan or two 8"x8"nonreactive pans; set aside.
3. In a large bowl, mix together all of the dry batter ingredients.
4. Pour half of the undrained pineapple into dry ingredients.
5. Into pineapple remaining in can, add eggs and vanilla; mix well.
6. Pour into the bowl and mix until just combined (do not over-mix or it will make the cake tough.)
7. Pour into prepared pan(s) and bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.
8. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely before frosting. May let it sit on counter for 1 hour then very loosely cover with foil and refrigerate until cool.
9. To make frosting, place cream cheese and butter in mixing bowl; using electric mixer, beat until light and fluffy.
10. Add powdered sugar, salt and vanilla.
11. Starting on low speed, mix until combined; increase speed and beat until smooth.
12. Spread evenly over cool cake; sprinkle with nuts and/or coconut, as desired. Cover and refrigerate leftovers.