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God Bless America Cake

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Some cakes bring back memories of childhood, while others create new traditions with every bite. The God Bless America Cake is one of those rare desserts that does both. It’s the kind of cake that shows up at summer cookouts, family reunions, and patriotic celebrations, instantly reminding everyone of the sweet, simple joys of American baking. With its rich caramel pecan coconut icing and tender pineapple-infused base, this cake is the perfect blend of nostalgia and indulgence.

Slice of moist God Bless America Cake with caramel pecan coconut icing on a white plate

The first time I made this God Bless America Cake, it was purely by accident. I had a craving for something sweet but wanted a twist on my usual pineapple upside-down cake. As I pulled it from the oven, the warm caramelized aroma filled the kitchen, and before I even took my first bite, I knew I had stumbled upon something special. A single forkful had me closing my eyes, savoring the gooey frosting and perfectly moist cake. In that moment, I understood why desserts like this become legendary in families—passed down, baked again and again, and cherished in every celebration.

Why You’ll Love This God Bless America Cake

  • Simple and Easy – No mixer required, just mix, bake, and enjoy.
  • Perfect for Patriotic Holidays – A festive treat for July 4th, Memorial Day, and Labor Day.
  • Moist and Flavorful – The combination of pineapple and brown sugar creates a tender, delicious cake.
  • Decadent Frosting – The caramel pecan coconut topping is rich and gooey.
  • Great for Gatherings – Travels well, making it ideal for potlucks and family events.

First Guide to Baking the Best God Bless America Cake

First: Ingredients for Your God Bless America Cake

For the Cake:

For the Icing:

  • 1 (12-ounce) can evaporated milk
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) butter
  • 1 1/2 cups sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 (7-ounce) bag sweetened flaked coconut
  • 1 1/4 cups chopped pecans

God Bless America Cake in a baking pan with a slice removed

Second: How to Prepare the Perfect God Bless America Cake

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and spray a 13×9 baking pan with cooking spray.
  2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In another large bowl, mix eggs, vegetable oil, crushed pineapple (including juKeyphrase in subheading: Use more keyphrases or synonyms in your H2 and H3 subheadings! sugar, and brown sugar until well combined.
  4. Gradually add the flour mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring until well incorporated.
  5. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.

Third: Creating the Best Caramel Pecan Coconut Icing for Your God Bless America Cake

  1. In a saucepan over medium-high heat, combine evaporated milk, butter, sugar, and salt. Stir until the mixture comes to a boil.
  2. Reduce heat to medium-low and continue to boil for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture turns caramel-colored and thickens.
  3. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla, flaked coconut, and chopped pecans.
  4. Let the icing cool for 5 minutes before spreading over the warm cake.
  5. Allow the cake to rest uncovered for at least 2 hours before serving.

Expert Tips for a Flawless God Bless America Cake

  • Use crushed pineapple in juice or syrup, as it enhances the cake’s moisture.
  • If the icing doesn’t thicken, continue heating and stirring—it will eventually reach the perfect consistency.
  • This cake does not require refrigeration and can be stored at room temperature.
  • To ensure even baking, spread the batter evenly in the pan before placing it in the oven.

Avoid These Mistakes When Baking Your God Bless America Cake

  • Overbaking: Check for doneness at 25 minutes to avoid a dry cake.
  • Skipping the Resting Period: Letting the cake sit allows the icing to set properly.
  • Not Stirring the Icing Continuously: Keep stirring while cooking to prevent the sugar from burning.

FAQs About God Bless America Cake

Q: How can I make this cake healthier?

A: You can use whole wheat flour, replace sugar with a natural sweetener, or opt for a dairy-free butter alternative.

Q: Can I prepare this cake ahead of time?

A: Yes! This cake stays fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature, making it a great make-ahead dessert.

Q: What can I use instead of pecans?

A: Walnuts or almonds make great substitutes, or you can omit nuts entirely if needed.

Q: Can I freeze this cake?

A: Absolutely! Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

More Patriotic Dessert Recipes

If you love festive desserts, here are a few more delicious treats to try:

  • White Chocolate Berry Bundt Cake – A rich white chocolate cake with a berry swirl.
  • Red, White & Blue Cheesecake Salad – A creamy, fruity cheesecake salad perfect for summer.
  • Strawberry Shortcake Dessert – A simple layered dessert that’s ideal for family gatherings.
  • Mama’s Red Velvet Cake – A classic Southern red velvet cake with traditional Ermine Frosting.

Additionally, if you enjoy comfort food, you might love this Easy Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe, which pairs beautifully with a slice of this patriotic cake.

For a delicious meal to serve alongside this dessert, consider trying this Crockpot Beef and Noodles Recipe, a hearty dish that’s great for any occasion.

And if you’re in the mood for something a little different, this Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe is a must-try for pasta lovers.

Patriotic God Bless America Cake topped with pecans and star sprinkles

Conclusion

The God Bless America Cake is the ultimate patriotic dessert that blends simplicity with indulgent flavors. Whether you’re celebrating the Fourth of July, Memorial Day, or simply want a delicious homemade treat, this cake is a must-try.

Give this recipe a go and let us know how it turns out! Share your thoughts in the comments, and don’t forget to spread the love by sharing this recipe with friends and family.

 

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God Bless America Cake Recipe

A rich and moist God Bless America Cake made with crushed pineapple, brown sugar, and topped with a decadent caramel pecan coconut icing. Perfect for patriotic celebrations like July 4th, Memorial Day, and family gatherings.

  • Author: Julia Child
  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Inactive time: 2 hrs
  • Cook Time: 40 mins
  • Total Time: 2 hrs 50 mins
  • Yield: 12-15 servings
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

For the Cake:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 (20-ounce) can crushed pineapple, with juice
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar

For the Icing:

  • 1 (12-ounce) can evaporated milk
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) butter
  • 1 1/2 cups sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 (7-ounce) bag sweetened flaked coconut
  • 1 1/4 cups chopped pecans

Instructions

First: Prepare the Cake

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and spray a 13×9 baking pan with cooking spray.
  2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In another large bowl, mix eggs, vegetable oil, crushed pineapple (including juice), sugar, and brown sugar until well combined.
  4. Gradually add the flour mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring until well incorporated.
  5. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.

Second: Make the Caramel Pecan Coconut Icing

  1. In a saucepan over medium-high heat, combine evaporated milk, butter, sugar, and salt. Stir until the mixture comes to a boil.
  2. Reduce heat to medium-low and continue to boil for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture turns caramel-colored and thickens.
  3. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla, flaked coconut, and chopped pecans.
  4. Let the icing cool for 5 minutes before spreading over the warm cake.
  5. Allow the cake to rest uncovered for at least 2 hours before serving.

Notes

  • Storage: This cake does not need refrigeration and stays fresh at room temperature for up to 3 days.
  • Make-Ahead: Can be prepared a day in advance; cover and store in an airtight container.
  • Substitutions: Swap pecans for walnuts or omit nuts entirely.
  • Pairing: Serve alongside this Easy Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe for the perfect American comfort meal.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12-15
  • Calories: ~350 kcal
  • Sugar: ~35g
  • Sodium: ~180mg
  • Fat: ~18g
  • Saturated Fat: ~10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: ~6g
  • Trans Fat: ~0g
  • Carbohydrates: ~45g
  • Fiber: ~2g
  • Protein: ~4g
  • Cholesterol: ~40mg

Keywords: God Bless America Cake, patriotic cake, Fourth of July dessert, American flag cake, caramel pecan coconut cake, moist pineapple cake, easy holiday desserts

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