One of my favorite things about social media is learning about new recipes. A couple of months ago, a recipe for something called a Tornado Cake, came across my feed. As I researched it further, I discovered that there are so many different versions and edits to this recipe. As I read over the recipes, I realized that they were all essentially the same. Certainly, the cake sounded SO delicious that I was practically drooling. I had to make it!
Because coconut and pineapple are the two star ingredients, I was hooked. Now that I’ve made it a few times, I too have tweaked the tornado cake recipe to my family’s liking. Most importantly, I have eliminated a cup of sugar from the recipe with a few substitutions. This cake is definitely a family favorite and I think it might become one of yours too!
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Then grease a 12″ x 12″ baking pan with butter.
For the tornado cake
- 2 cups of flour
- 1 can crushed pineapple undrained (20 oz)
- 2 cups of sugar
- 1 tsp of vanilla
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp of baking soda
Then, combine all the above ingredients and mix well. Next, pour the batter into the greased pan and bake for approximately 40 minutes. A knife inserted into the golden brown cake should come out batter free and let you know it is done. If the cake begins to brown too quickly, loosely cover with aluminum foil.
Tornado Cake Topping:
During the last 10 minutes of baking, on the stovetop over medium low heat combine:
- 1 stick of salted butter (1/2 cup)
- 1 can of sweetened condensed milk
Next melt until the sweetened condensed milk and the butter until all is combined. Remove from heat and mix in:
- 1 cup of unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup of chopped pecans
Finally, poke holes in top of the cake with the back of a wooden spoon and then pour the topping mixture on top spreading it into the holes. Serve this cake warm or chilled. Both ways are delicious. Lastly, remember to store this cake in the refrigerator. I think it tastes better the second day.
So, tell me, what do you think? Are you going to try this too? I’d love to hear from you!
2 thoughts on “Bake It: Tilly’s Tornado Cake”
I saved the basic tornado cake recipe when it came out, but never made it, because I am not a fan of boxed cake mixes.
My birthday is coming up, so I was looking through my saved recipes, and when I clicked on the Boxed Yellow Cake Mix Tornado Cake, this recipe was under “suggestions,” and I’m SO glad it was!
I too, am not a fan of too much sugar. The tweaks you’ve made seem like an excellent way to tone things down just a wee bit.
I’ve found my B’day cake to make! Thank you!
Oh hooray and Happy Birthday! I hope you enjoyed the cake and had the most wonderful day.