preacher cake

preacher cake 3 cups all-purpose flour 2 tsp baking soda 1 tsp salt 1/2 tsp cinnamon 2 cups granulated sugar 3 eggs 1 cup vegetable oil 2 tsp vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract 1 20- oz can crushed pineapple with juice (do NOT drain) 1 1/2 cups finely chopped walnuts divided 1 cup flaked sweetened coconut CREAM CHEESE FROSTING: 8 oz package cream cheese softened 1/2 cup butter softened (1 stick) 1 tsp vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract 2-4 Tbsp heavy cream (amount depends on personal preference heat, and humidity in the air – start with 2 and go from there) 2 cups powdered sugar sifted or whisked to remove lumps Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 13×9″ baking pan with non-stick spray (I use Baker’s Joy), and set aside. In a mixing bowl, whisk together dry ingredients (flour, baking soda, salt and cinnamon). In a larger mixing bowl, combine granulated sugar, eggs, vegetable oil and vanilla. Use a whisk or wooden spoon to combine well. Mixture will be creamy. Sprinkle in dry ingredients and stir together until just incorporated (when no more streaks of flour remain). Mixture will be very dry and sticky. Add in crushed pineapple, walnuts and coconut and mix until combined. The liquid from the pineapple will transform the mixture into a normal batter consistency. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 45-50 minutes. When done, cake should be set in the center, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Set cake pan on a cooling rack and cool the cake, in the pan, until completely cool. MAKE THE FROSTING: In a large mixing bowl, add cream cheese, butter and vanilla and whisk or beat with electric mixer (if desired), until light and fluffy. Alternate drizzling heavy cream and adding powdered sugar, whisking/beating after each addition, until all sugar is incorporated into the frosting. If frosting is a little thick, add a bit more cream. If frosting is too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar. Use an offset spatula to spread frosting over the top of the cake. Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup walnuts and a bit of flaked coconut if desired.