Can I use a different cake mix flavor instead of spice cake?

Absolutely! While spice cake brings warm, cozy notes, a yellow, carrot, or butter cake mix will work. Just know the classic Preacher Cake personality really shines with those spices in the mix.

What if I don’t have pecans?

No problem. Walnuts make an excellent substitute, or simply omit the nuts for a smoother bite. For extra crunch, try toasting some coconut or sunflower seeds instead.

Does this cake need to be refrigerated?

Yes, because of the cream cheese frosting. Store it in the fridge, but don’t worry—it stays super moist and is just as lovely chilled.

Can I make this in advance for a party?

Definitely! Preacher Cake is practically made for make-ahead occasions. Assemble and frost the cake up to one day early. Refrigerate, and let it warm up on the counter a bit before serving for best flavor.

Preacher Cake Recipe

Name: Preacher Cake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup salted butter, melted; 1 box (15.25 ounces) spice cake mix; 8 ounces crushed pineapple in juice, undrained; 1 cup shredded coconut; 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup chopped pecans; 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature; 1/2 cup salted butter, room temperature; 2 cups powdered sugar; Additional chopped pecans, for sprinkling (optional)

This incredible Preacher Cake is the answer to every last-minute dessert dilemma. Moist, packed with flavor, and crowned with a luscious cream cheese frosting, this is a cake that truly delivers. The genius of this recipe is how quickly it comes together—just mix, bake, frost, and you have a seriously satisfying treat for busy weeknights, church potlucks, or when friends pop by on short notice. With its tender crumb, sweet pineapple, toasty pecans, and decadent cream cheese frosting, every bite is a little celebration.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Supremely Simple: All the ingredients go straight into one bowl—no need for fancy techniques or specialty equipment.
Speedy from Start to Finish: You’ll have a gorgeous, crowd-pleasing cake on the table in under an hour. No one has to know you started it after dinner!
Incredibly Moist: Thanks to the crushed pineapple and coconut, the crumb is impossibly soft and never dry.
Nostalgic Flavors: Warm spices, creamy frosting, and crunchy nuts deliver all the cozy, old-fashioned charm you could want.
Flexible and Forgiving: Forgot to soften the cream cheese? Need to leave out the nuts? There are easy fixes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

No need to measure now—here’s what each ingredient adds to the cake.

Spice Cake Mix: The backbone of the cake, it brings instant warmth and cozy spice without extra work.
Salted Butter (melted): Adds richness and depth while keeping the cake tender. Use salted for maximum flavor; unsalted is fine if it’s all you have.
Crushed Pineapple (undrained): The surprising star! The pineapple (juice and all) keeps the crumb moist, light, and adds gentle sweetness.
Shredded Coconut: Delivers subtle chew and tropical flair. Even coconut-wary folks will love it here.
Eggs: Essential for binding and adding structure.
Chopped Pecans: Bring a toasty crunch and nutty richness to every bite. Swap for walnuts or omit as needed.
Cream Cheese (room temperature): The foundation for that unmistakable, tangy frosting.
Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting without grittiness.
Extra Butter (room temperature, for frosting): Makes the frosting silky and spreadable.

Tip: Room temperature cream cheese and butter make for the smoothest frosting. If you forgot to take them out, zap the butter (not the cream cheese!) in the microwave for a few seconds on the lowest power.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Nut-Free: Skip the pecans or replace with pumpkin seeds or toasted coconut flakes for extra crunch.
Tropical Twist: Add a handful of chopped dried mango, or swap the pecans for macadamia nuts.
Gluten-Free: Use a quality gluten-free spice cake mix.
Fruity Add-Ins: Fold in a small handful of golden raisins or chopped dried apricots.
Frosting Options: Swap the classic cream cheese for a simple vanilla buttercream if cream cheese isn’t your favorite.
Vegan-Friendly: Use a vegan cake mix, egg substitute (like flax eggs), plant-based butter, and dairy-free cream cheese for the frosting.

How to Make Preacher Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously spray a 9×13-inch pan with baking spray (or line with parchment for easy lifting).

Step 2: Mix the Batter

In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the melted butter, spice cake mix, crushed pineapple (juice included), shredded coconut, and eggs. Beat everything together until smooth—make sure to scrape down the sides so no dry spots are left behind.

Step 3: Stir in the Pecans

Once your batter is mixed, gently fold in the chopped pecans for crunchy, nutty goodness.

Step 4: Bake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick stuck in the center comes out clean and the top springs back lightly when touched.

Step 5: Cool and Frost

Let the cake cool completely in the pan—this ensures the frosting won’t melt. While it’s cooling, beat together the cream cheese, room temperature butter, and powdered sugar until fluffy and perfectly smooth.

Step 6: Decorate

Spread the frosting generously over the cooled cake. Sprinkle with more chopped pecans for extra texture and good looks.

Note: This cake tastes fantastic straight away, but if you can wait, it’s even better the next day after the flavors have mingled.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Drain the Pineapple: The juice makes the cake supremely moist—don’t skip it!
Sift the Powdered Sugar: If you’re chasing super-smooth frosting (and who isn’t?), sift your powdered sugar before beating.
Chill the Cake: If you want super clean slices, pop the frosted cake in the fridge for 30 minutes before cutting.
Go Heavy on the Frosting: Don’t hold back—this cake can handle a thick layer of cream cheese bliss.
Check Early: Ovens vary. Check with a toothpick at the 25-minute mark to avoid overbaking.

How to Serve

The beauty of Preacher Cake is in its honesty—serve it straight from the baking pan for a rustic, homey feel. It cuts beautifully into squares, so it’s perfect for potlucks, lunchboxes, or as a cozy finish to weeknight dinners. For a special touch, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. Pair it with fresh coffee or spiced tea, and let the simple pleasures shine.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftovers in an airtight container, refrigerated, for up to 4–5 days. The cake stays moist and the flavors only get better.

Freezing

Preacher Cake freezes like a dream. Once cooled, you can freeze the cake (frosted or unfrosted) wrapped well in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bring to room temperature before serving.

Reheating

For that “just-baked” warmth, microwave individual slices for a few seconds. If you’ve stored the cake unfrosted, pop the whole thing back in a moderate oven just to take the chill off—frost afterwards.

FAQs

Can I use a different cake mix flavor instead of spice cake?

Absolutely! While spice cake brings warm, cozy notes, a yellow, carrot, or butter cake mix will work. Just know the classic Preacher Cake personality really shines with those spices in the mix.
What if I don’t have pecans?

No problem. Walnuts make an excellent substitute, or simply omit the nuts for a smoother bite. For extra crunch, try toasting some coconut or sunflower seeds instead.
Does this cake need to be refrigerated?

Yes, because of the cream cheese frosting. Store it in the fridge, but don’t worry—it stays super moist and is just as lovely chilled.
Can I make this in advance for a party?

Definitely! Preacher Cake is practically made for make-ahead occasions. Assemble and frost the cake up to one day early. Refrigerate, and let it warm up on the counter a bit before serving for best flavor.

Final Thoughts

There’s something utterly comforting about a slice of Preacher Cake. It’s all about big flavor, simple technique, and that unmistakable homemade charm. Don’t be surprised if it disappears faster than you imagined—or if you find yourself dreaming up new ways to customize it next time. Whether you’re serving a crowd or just treating yourself, this recipe will quickly become a staple. Give it a try—you’ll see how wonderfully easy and satisfying homemade cake can be!