Recipe for Funeral Cake: Traditional Comfort Dessert Guide

Funeral cake, a traditional Southern dessert, holds a special place in many family gatherings, especially during times of remembrance and comfort. This rich, dense cake is not only delicious but also steeped in history, often served at wakes and memorials to bring people together through shared memories and sweet moments.

The combination of pecans, coconut, and a luscious cream cheese frosting creates a unique flavor that’s both comforting and indulgent. Whether you’re looking to honor a loved one or simply want to try a classic recipe with deep cultural roots, this funeral cake recipe will warm your heart and delight your taste buds.

In this blog post, I’ll guide you through every step of making this beloved cake. From gathering the right ingredients to mastering the perfect frosting, you’ll find everything you need to create a memorable dessert.

Plus, I’ll share some tips and variations to customize it to your liking. Grab your apron, and let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This funeral cake recipe is a perfect blend of nostalgia and flavor. The moist, buttery cake is packed with crushed pineapple, shredded coconut, and chopped pecans, giving it a wonderful texture and a sweet, tropical twist.

The cream cheese frosting is smooth and tangy, balancing the richness of the cake beautifully.

It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to bring comfort and joy to any gathering.

Whether it’s your first time making funeral cake or you’re a seasoned baker, this recipe delivers consistent, delightful results every time.

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 (8-ounce) can crushed pineapple, undrained
• 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• For the frosting:
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Equipment

• Two 9×13 inch baking pans
• Large mixing bowl
• Electric mixer or stand mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula
• Cooling racks
• Mixing spoon
• Knife for chopping pecans (if not pre-chopped)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9×13 inch baking pans to prevent sticking.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs well. Add the vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and crushed pineapple (with juice). Mix thoroughly.
4. Combine the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
5. Fold in the shredded coconut and chopped pecans. Ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
6. Divide the batter evenly into the prepared pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Remove from the oven and allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 15 minutes. Then, transfer them to cooling racks to cool completely before frosting.
9. While the cakes cool, prepare the cream cheese frosting: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
10. Add the powdered sugar gradually, beating until the frosting is fluffy and smooth.
11. Mix in the vanilla extract.
12. Once the cakes are completely cool, spread a thick layer of frosting on one cake layer. Place the second cake on top and frost the top and sides evenly.
13. Optionally, sprinkle additional chopped pecans or shredded coconut on top for garnish.
14. Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour before serving for best flavor and texture.

Tips & Variations

“For an extra moist cake, be sure not to overbake and keep the pineapple juice in the batter.”

• Toasted Pecans: Toast the pecans lightly in a dry skillet before adding them to the batter for a deeper nutty flavor.
• Coconut Variations: Try using unsweetened coconut for a less sweet version, or substitute with flaked coconut for a different texture.
• Frosting Alternatives: For a lighter option, replace cream cheese frosting with whipped cream or a simple powdered sugar glaze.
• Add a touch of spice: Incorporate 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg into the dry ingredients for a warm, aromatic twist.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, but ensure it contains xanthan gum for structure.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This funeral cake pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making it perfect for afternoon gatherings or comforting moments. For a special occasion, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream to enhance its creamy richness.

Because of its rich texture and flavors, smaller slices are often appreciated, allowing guests to savor each bite without feeling overwhelmed. It’s also wonderful served alongside fresh fruit like sliced strawberries or oranges, which add a refreshing contrast to the sweetness.

Conclusion

Funeral cake is more than just a dessert — it’s a symbol of tradition, comfort, and community. This recipe honors those sentiments with its moist, flavorful cake and luscious cream cheese frosting.

Whether you’re baking it for a meaningful occasion or simply to enjoy a slice of Southern heritage, this cake promises warmth and joy with every bite.

Its straightforward ingredients and method make it accessible for bakers of all levels, while the customizable tips allow you to put your own spin on this classic. Don’t hesitate to try it out and bring a little sweetness and comfort to your table today.

If you enjoyed this recipe, check out some of our other favorites like Classic Red Velvet Cake, Southern Pecan Pie, and Homemade Coconut Cupcakes for more delicious baking inspiration!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Funeral Cake”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A traditional moist and spiced cake often served at gatherings to honor loved ones. This recipe yields a rich, flavorful cake perfect for sharing.”, “prepTime”: “PT20M”, “cookTime”: “PT1H”, “totalTime”: “PT1H20M”, “recipeYield”: “12 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“2 cups all-purpose flour”, “1 1/2 cups granulated sugar”, “1 cup unsalted butter, softened”, “3 large eggs”, “1 cup buttermilk”, “1 tsp baking soda”, “1 tsp ground cinnamon”, “1/2 tsp ground nutmeg”, “1/4 tsp ground cloves”, “1/4 tsp salt”, “1 cup chopped pecans”, “1 cup raisins”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Preheat oven to 350\u00b0F (175\u00b0C).”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In a bowl, mix flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugar until light.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Beat in eggs one at a time.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add dry ingredients alternately with buttermilk, beginning and ending with dry ingredients.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Fold in pecans and raisins.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Bake for 60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “350 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “5 g”, “fatContent”: “18 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “45 g”}}