Are you ready to indulge in a slice (or two) of pure bliss? Look no further! We’ve gathered the most mouth-watering, scrumptious, and divine Preacher Cake recipes for you to try. This classic Southern dessert has been a staple at church gatherings and family reunions for generations, and we’re excited to share 18 heavenly variations with you.
From moist and creamy to crunchy and nutty, our collection of Preacher Cakes is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. With flavors ranging from classic vanilla to decadent chocolate, and toppings from simple whipped cream to rich caramel drizzle, there’s something for everyone in this roundup. So grab a cup of coffee, get cozy, and let’s dive into the world of Preacher Cakes!
Classic Southern Preacher Cake with Pineapple
This moist and flavorful cake is a staple of Southern cuisine, often served at church gatherings and family reunions. With the added sweetness of pineapple, this recipe is perfect for warm-weather gatherings or as a comforting dessert any time of the year.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup crushed pineapple
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and baking powder.
3. Add softened butter and mix until just combined.
4. Beat in eggs and crushed pineapple until smooth.
5. Pour batter into prepared baking dish and sprinkle with chopped pecans (if using).
6. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Moist Preacher Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
This classic Southern dessert is a staple at many gatherings and celebrations. The moist, flavorful cake paired with the tangy cream cheese frosting makes for a match made in heaven.
Ingredients:
For the cake:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup whole milk
– 2 large eggs
For the frosting:
– 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 cups powdered sugar
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine butter, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, whisking until just combined.
5. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Allow cakes to cool completely before frosting with cream cheese frosting (see below).
Frosting:
1. Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
2. Add vanilla extract and powdered sugar, beating until combined.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes for the cake; 10-15 minutes to prepare the frosting.
Easy Preacher Cake with Walnuts and Raisins
This classic Southern-style cake is a staple at many family gatherings and church potlucks. With the addition of walnuts and raisins, it’s a deliciously moist and flavorful dessert that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup milk
– 1 cup chopped walnuts
– 1/2 cup raisins
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine sugar, butter, eggs, and milk. Stir until smooth.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Fold in chopped walnuts and raisins.
6. Pour batter into prepared baking dish and bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Old-Fashioned Preacher Cake with Buttermilk
This moist and flavorful cake is a staple of Southern baking, perfect for potlucks, church gatherings, or family celebrations. With the tanginess of buttermilk and the warmth of spices, this Old-Fashioned Preacher Cake is sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream sugar and butter until light and fluffy. Add buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract; mix well.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared dish and smooth top.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Preacher Cake with Brown Sugar Glaze
Moist and flavorful, this Preacher Cake is a classic Southern dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
For the cake:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the brown sugar glaze:
– 1/4 cup light brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1 tablespoon heavy cream
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter until creamy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, alternating with buttermilk (or heavy cream), beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Beat just until combined.
5. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Brown Sugar Glaze:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar, melted butter, and heavy cream until smooth.
2. Drizzle glaze over cooled cake.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Spiced Preacher Cake with Cinnamon and Nutmeg
This moist and aromatic cake is a classic Southern treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With the warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg, it’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 large egg
– 1 cup buttermilk
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine butter, egg, and buttermilk. Whisk until smooth.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
5. Stir in cinnamon and nutmeg.
6. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Preacher Cake with Coconut and Pecans
This moist and flavorful cake is a twist on the classic preacher’s wife cake, adding the richness of coconut and crunch of pecans. Perfect for a special occasion or everyday indulgence.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, coconut, pecans, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, beating until just combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared dish and smooth top.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Chocolate Chip Preacher Cake
This classic Southern-style cake is a staple for any gathering or celebration. With its dense, velvety texture and abundance of chocolate chips, it’s sure to please even the most discerning palates.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add softened butter and mix until just combined.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
5. Stir in chocolate chips.
6. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Preacher Cake with Caramel Drizzle
This classic Southern dessert is a staple for any gathering, and the addition of caramel drizzle takes it to the next level. Moist, flavorful cake and crunchy, gooey caramel come together in perfect harmony.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 large egg
– 1 cup whole milk
– Caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add softened butter and mix until crumbly.
4. Beat in egg and milk until smooth.
5. Pour batter into prepared baking dish and bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
6. While cake is still warm, drizzle with caramel sauce.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Lemon Glazed Preacher Cake
This classic Southern dessert gets a bright and tangy twist with the addition of a lemon glaze, making it perfect for springtime gatherings or everyday indulgence. Moist and fluffy preacher cake is topped with a sweet and citrusy glaze that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream sugar and butter until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, alternating with lemon juice and vanilla extract, beginning and ending with dry ingredients.
5. Pour batter into prepared dish and smooth top.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Allow cake to cool completely before glazing. Whisk together powdered sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Drizzle over cooled cake.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Preacher Cake with Fresh Berries
This classic Southern dessert combines moist vanilla cake with sweet and tangy fresh berries, perfect for warm weather gatherings or everyday indulgence.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 large egg
– 1 cup whole milk
– Fresh berries (such as strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries), hulled and sliced
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine butter, egg, and milk. Whisk until smooth.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients; mix until just combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth top.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Let cool completely before topping with fresh berries.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Preacher Cake with Orange Zest and Honey
This moist and flavorful cake is a delightful combination of sweet honey, tangy orange zest, and the simplicity of a traditional preacher cake. Perfect for serving at brunch or as a snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon orange zest (from about 1 navel orange)
– 1 cup whole milk
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine butter, eggs, honey, and orange zest. Beat until smooth.
4. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Gluten-Free Preacher Cake with Almond Flour
This moist and flavorful cake is a staple in many Southern households, and now you can enjoy it gluten-free using almond flour. This recipe is perfect for those looking for a delicious dessert option that just happens to be gluten-free.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups almond flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 3 large eggs, at room temperature
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together almond flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Whisk in melted butter, vanilla extract.
4. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Vegan Preacher Cake with Flaxseed
Moist and flavorful, this vegan cake is perfect for any occasion. The addition of flaxseed provides a boost of omega-3 fatty acids and fiber.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup sugar
– 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
– 1/4 cup ground flaxseed
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup non-dairy milk (such as almond or soy)
– 1/4 cup canola oil
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, applesauce, flaxseed, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add non-dairy milk, oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
4. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Let cakes cool before frosting and serving.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Preacher Cake with Bourbon Soaked Fruits
This classic Southern dessert combines the comforting warmth of a moist cake with the indulgent flavors of bourbon-soaked fruits. Perfect for special occasions or everyday treats, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 1 cup bourbon-soaked fruits (see below for recipe)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, combine softened butter, eggs, and vanilla extract.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Fold in the bourbon-soaked fruits.
6. Pour batter into prepared dish and smooth top.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Bourbon Soaked Fruits:
– 1 cup mixed dried fruits (cranberries, raisins, cherries)
– 1/2 cup bourbon
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
Combine dried fruits and bourbon in a bowl. Let sit for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Add brown sugar before using.
Preacher Cake with Maple Syrup and Bacon Bits
This classic preacher cake gets a sweet and savory boost from the addition of maple syrup and crispy bacon bits. The result is a moist and flavorful dessert that’s sure to please even the most discerning palates.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tablespoons maple syrup
– 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add softened butter and whisk until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Beat in eggs and maple syrup until smooth.
5. Fold in crumbled bacon bits.
6. Pour batter into prepared baking dish and smooth top.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
8. Dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Preacher Cake with Creamy Peanut Butter Frosting
A classic Southern dessert, Preacher Cake is a moist and flavorful vanilla cake topped with a rich and creamy peanut butter frosting. This recipe is perfect for special occasions or everyday treats.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
– Creamy Peanut Butter Frosting (recipe below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add softened butter, eggs, and vanilla extract; mix until just combined.
4. Pour batter into prepared baking dish and smooth top.
5. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Creamy Peanut Butter Frosting:
– 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 3/4 cups powdered sugar
– 2 tablespoons heavy cream
Mix all ingredients together until smooth and creamy. Spread or drizzle over cooled Preacher Cake.
Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
Preacher Cake with Dark Chocolate Ganache
This classic Southern dessert combines a tender, moist cake with a velvety dark chocolate ganache for an unforgettable treat. Perfect for special occasions or everyday indulgence.
Ingredients:
For the cake:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup whole milk
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the ganache:
– 1 cup dark chocolate chips (at least 60% cocoa)
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add softened butter and whisk until combined.
3. Mix in milk, eggs, and vanilla extract.
4. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
5. Allow cakes to cool completely.
6. Melt dark chocolate chips in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval, until smooth.
7. Stir in heavy cream until combined.
8. Place one cake layer on a serving plate and top with ganache. Repeat with second cake layer.
Cooking Time: 50-60 minutes (including cooling time)
Summary
Indulge in the heavenly flavors of preacher cakes with these 18 divine recipes! From classic Southern preacher cake with pineapple to vegan and gluten-free options, there’s something for everyone. Try adding walnuts and raisins for added texture, or go old-fashioned with buttermilk and brown sugar glaze. Spice up your day with cinnamon and nutmeg, or get tropical with coconut and pecans. And don’t forget the decadent chocolate chip and caramel drizzle options! With these recipes, you’ll be preaching the gospel of deliciousness to all who taste them.
