Dot Cake Recipe (Old Fashioned Southern Dot Cake)
Dot Cake is a beloved Southern dessert known for its incredibly moist texture and rich tropical flavor. Made with crushed pineapple, ripe bananas, coconut, pecans, and topped with cream cheese frosting, this vintage cake recipe has been passed down through generations.
If you've never tried a Dot Cake before, think of it as a cross between hummingbird cake and banana cake, with a sweet cream cheese frosting that makes every bite unforgettable.
Why You'll Love This Dot Cake Recipe
Ultra moist and tender
Packed with banana and pineapple flavor
Rich cream cheese frosting
Perfect for holidays and family gatherings
Easy to make from scratch
Classic Southern dessert
What Is Dot Cake?
Dot Cake is an old-fashioned Southern cake traditionally made with bananas, crushed pineapple, coconut, and chopped pecans. The cake became popular because it uses simple pantry ingredients while producing a rich, flavorful dessert that's perfect for celebrations.
The combination of fruit and nuts keeps the cake incredibly moist for days.
Ingredients
For the Cake
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon salt
3 large eggs
1 cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 (20-ounce) can crushed pineapple, undrained
2 ripe bananas, mashed
1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
1 cup chopped pecans
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Equipment Needed
Large mixing bowl
Electric mixer
9x13-inch baking pan
Rubber spatula
Cooling rack
How to Make Dot Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Oven
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Grease and lightly flour a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
Add eggs, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, crushed pineapple, and mashed bananas.
Mix until combined.
Step 4: Fold in Coconut and Pecans
Stir in shredded coconut and chopped pecans.
Mix just until incorporated.
Step 5: Bake
Pour batter into the prepared pan.
Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the cake to cool completely.
Step 6: Make the Frosting
Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla.
Beat until light and fluffy.
Step 7: Frost the Cake
Spread frosting evenly over the cooled cake.
Top with additional pecans and coconut if desired.
What Does Dot Cake Taste Like?
Dot Cake is sweet, rich, moist, and slightly tropical.
The bananas and pineapple create a soft texture, while the coconut and pecans add flavor and crunch. The tangy cream cheese frosting balances the sweetness perfectly.
Expert Tips
Use very ripe bananas for maximum flavor.
Do not drain the pineapple.
Toast the pecans for extra flavor.
Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting.
Refrigerate leftovers because of the cream cheese frosting.
Variations
Hummingbird Dot Cake
Add extra cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg.
Layer Cake Version
Bake in two 9-inch round cake pans.
Walnut Dot Cake
Substitute walnuts for pecans.
Pineapple Coconut Dot Cake
Increase coconut to 1½ cups.
Storage
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Bring to room temperature before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it called Dot Cake?
The exact origin is unclear, but the recipe has been a Southern family favorite for decades and is often associated with community cookbooks and family gatherings.
Can I make Dot Cake ahead of time?
Yes. In fact, many people believe it tastes even better the next day.
Can I freeze Dot Cake?
Absolutely. Freeze unfrosted cake layers for up to 3 months.
Is Dot Cake the same as Hummingbird Cake?
They are very similar, but recipes can vary by region and family tradition.
Nutrition Information
Serving Size: 1 Slice
Calories: 510
Carbohydrates: 58g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 29g
Fiber: 2g
Perfect Drink Pairings
Sweet Tea
Coffee
Vanilla Latte
Milk
Pineapple Punch
Southern Lemonade
More Southern Desserts You'll Love
Hummingbird Cake
Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake
Banana Pudding Cake
Italian Cream Cake
Coconut Cake
Pineapple Upside Down Cake
Final Thoughts
This old-fashioned Dot Cake recipe is a timeless Southern dessert that's packed with banana, pineapple, coconut, and pecan flavor. Moist, rich, and topped with cream cheese frosting, it's the perfect cake for holidays, potlucks, birthdays, and family gatherings.