Patsy's Funeral Cake

12 servings Prep: 15 m Cook: 30 m Total: 45 m Beginner
5.0/5 (2)
Patsy's Funeral Cake
Patsy’s Funeral Cake is a classic Southern tradition—a moist pineapple sheet cake with a warm pecan praline icing poured right over the hot cake. Perfect for gatherings, potlucks, and yes, comfort during difficult times when you need a cake that travels well and feeds a crowd.

Ingredients

12 servings
  • 2 eggs
  • 3 cups sugar
  • 2 cups flour
  • 2 tsp baking soda
  • 1 can crushed pineapple (not drained)
  • 1 (5 oz) can evaporated milk
  • 1 cup pecans, chopped
  • 1 stick margarine

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Mix baking soda in with flour. Then add eggs, 2 cups of sugar, and pineapple with its juice. Mix well by hand.
  2. Pour into a well-greased 13x9 Pyrex dish. Bake for 30 minutes at 375 degrees or until knife inserted in center comes out clean.
  3. While the cake is baking, mix all remaining ingredients together (the remaining cup of sugar, margarine, pecans and evaporated milk) for the icing. Bring to a boil in a medium pot and let cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Spread the icing onto the cake immediately after it is removed from the oven while both cake and icing are still hot.

Common Problems and Solutions

Q: Why does my icing seem too thin?

A: Make sure you let it boil for the full 10 minutes—it needs that time to thicken properly. It will still be pourable, but should coat the back of a spoon.

Q: Can I ice the cake when it's cool?

A: You really want both the cake and icing hot for this one. The warm icing soaks into the hot cake creating that signature moist texture. If you let the cake cool, the icing will just sit on top.

Tips and Techniques

Don’t drain that pineapple! The juice adds moisture and flavor to the cake. Also, work quickly when the cake comes out of the oven—have your icing ready and pour it on while everything is hot for the best texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • margarine: butter
  • crushed pineapple: pineapple tidbits (chopped)
  • pecans: walnuts

Equipment Needed

  • 13x9 inch baking dish (Pyrex or metal)
  • Medium saucepan for icing
  • Mixing bowl
  • Wooden spoon

Historical Context

Funeral cakes, also called comfort cakes or wake cakes, have been a Southern tradition for generations. They’re designed to be easy to transport, feed many people, and keep well at room temperature—all practical considerations when supporting a grieving family.