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Gooey Pineapple Pecan Cake

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CAJUN KISS OF DEATH, the seventh book in the Cajun Country Mysteries by Ellen Byron, ends the series with a bang. A longtime favorite series of mine, Ms. Bryon pulls out all the stops with a topnotch mystery, characters who will linger in my memory, and the drool-worthy bayou setting of Louisiana in addition to a jaunt in New Orleans. With a strong descriptive voice, the author takes the reader on a ride where you can see, taste (oh, especially taste!), feel, smell, and hear all the things the setting has to offer. Starting the book already knowing that this will be the last one, left me with a bittersweet feeling. That said, I appreciate that Ms. Byron allows the reader to experience joy alongside protagonist, Maggie Crozat, as she settles into life with her new husband and charming stepson. She also does an admirable job of wrapping up and bringing closure to all the core characters from the series so the reader isn’t left dangling with a “whatever happened to so-and-so”.

The mystery itself is expertly woven into the fabric of the characters and the setting. When a celebrity chef ventures into the small town of Pelican to open a new restaurant, tempers fly both at his arrogance and his theft of cherished recipes from local eateries. His tragic death proves to be a murder and Maggie’s own mother becomes a suspect. Maggie’s perseverance for finding the truth gives the book a fast pace while several subplots kept the action going. With plenty of suspects around who hated the celebrity chef, by locals and out-of-towners alike, I was surprised at the Agatha Christie-style reveal – I didn’t guess the culprit in the least. And just as I thought the story was wrapping up, another heart-stopping conclusion came along. Ms. Byron has proven, once again, to be an expert storyteller!

With so many mouthwatering dishes mentioned throughout the story, I was practically drooling on the page and couldn’t wait to get to the end of the book to check out the delicious recipes the author includes. I couldn’t pass up her recipe for Gooey Pineapple Pecan Cake, which not only is easy-peasy to make, but lives up to its delectable name. Ellen recommends baking the cake in a 13 x 9-inch casserole dish but since I was sending it to my granddaughter’s Fourth of July boat party, I didn’t want to worry about her remembering to bring my glass dish home. Instead, I made it in a springform pan then transferred it to a cheapie decorative plate that I didn’t mind not getting back. Topped with fresh berries and/or whipped cream, my family and guests devoured the cake with requests for me to make it again. Soon!

 

Gooey Pineapple Pecan Cake is super sweet - and super tasty! if you prefer a less sweet version, simply skip the topping and just make the cake which only requires three ingredients. Recipe shared with permission granted by Ellen Byron, author of CAJUN KISS OF DEATH.

 

Amazon Synopsis

In Pelican, Louisiana, Valentine’s Day has a way of warming the heart, despite the February chill. But the air at Crozat Plantation B&B turns decidedly frigid when celebrity chef Phillippe Chanson checks in. And when the arrogant Phillippe–in town to open his newest Cajun-themed restaurant–perishes in a fiery boat crash, Maggie Crozat’s dear friend JJ lands in very cold water.

Did JJ, proprietor of Junie’s Oyster Bar and Dance Hall, murder Phillippe because he feared the competition? Might Maggie’s mother, Ninette, have bumped off the chef for stealing one of her cherished recipes? Or was the culprit a local seafood vendor, miffed because Phillippe was somehow able to sell oysters for a remarkably reasonable price, despite an oyster shortage?

Maggie had planned to devote her February to art lessons in New Orleans, a present from her sweetheart, Bo. But now she has to focus on helping her friend and her mother cross a murder charge off the menu. Meanwhile, Maggie receives a series of anonymous gifts that begin as charming but grow increasingly disturbing. Does Maggie have an admirer–or a stalker? And are these mysterious gifts somehow related to Phillippe’s murder?

Blood may be thicker than water, but this case is thicker than gumbo. And solving it will determine whether Maggie gets hearts and roses–or hearse and lilies–this Valentine’s Day.

 

 

 

 

A special thanks to Ellen Byron for providing one lucky winner with a print copy of CAJUN KISS OF DEATH! Giveaway is limited to U.S. residents. Contest ends Sunday, August 22 , 2021 at 11:59 pm PST. Please use the Rafflecopter box located below to enter. The winner will be announced on this page and on Cinnamon & Sugar’s Facebook page, as well as notified by email (so check your spam folder!)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gooey Pineapple Pecan Cake is super sweet - and super tasty! if you prefer a less sweet version, simply skip the topping and just make the cake which only requires three ingredients. Recipe shared with permission granted by Ellen Byron, author of CAJUN KISS OF DEATH.

 

Print
Gooey Pineapple Pecan Cake

This cake is super sweet - and super tasty! if you prefer a less sweet version, simply skip the topping and just make the cake. Since it requires only three ingredients, it's very easy. You can always add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Serves 16 - 24, depending on serving size.

Ingredients
Cake
  • 1 box yellow cake mix
  • 1 (20-ounce) can crushed pineapple (don't drain; use with the juice)
  • 1 cup chopped pecans
Topping
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 (8-ounce) package regular or low-fat cream cheese, softened
  • 1 tablespoon rum or rum flavor
  • 1 pound (16 ounces) powdered sugar
Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees (F).

  2. Combine the cake mix and pineapple in a large bowl, stirring until well blended. Add the cup of pecans and mix well to incorporate.

  3. Transfer the batter into a 13 x 9-inch baking pan, spreading so it covers the whole pan.

  4. Beat the eggs with the cream cheese until well blended. Add the rum flavoring, then the powdered sugar one cup at a time, making sure to mix the ingredients together at medium speed before adding the next cup.

  5. Pour the mixture over the cake layer, making sure the cake layer is entirely covered.

  6. Bake at 325 degrees for 40 minutes or until set. Cool and cut into squares.

Note:

  1. If you're skipping the topping and making only the cake, bake at 350 degrees (F) for approximately 25 - 35 minutes until firm to the touch.

  2. If you'd rather use a springform pan, bake the cake with the topping for 50 - 60 minutes.

 

Gooey Pineapple Pecan Cake is super sweet - and super tasty! if you prefer a less sweet version, simply skip the topping and just make the cake which only requires three ingredients. Recipe shared with permission granted by Ellen Byron, author of CAJUN KISS OF DEATH.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Gooey Pineapple Pecan Cake is super sweet - and super tasty! if you prefer a less sweet version, simply skip the topping and just make the cake which only requires three ingredients. Recipe shared with permission granted by Ellen Byron, author of CAJUN KISS OF DEATH.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

 

 

Gooey Pineapple Pecan Cake is super sweet - and super tasty! if you prefer a less sweet version, simply skip the topping and just make the cake which only requires three ingredients. Recipe shared with permission granted by Ellen Byron, author of CAJUN KISS OF DEATH.

 

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84 thoughts on “Gooey Pineapple Pecan Cake”

  2. I am sure it is a tough decision to decide to close out a series. I look forward to reading this new book and seeing how it all wraps up.

  6. I have yet to read any books in this series. It sounds like one I would truly enjoy, though! LOVE the hound on the book covers! Sorry to hear it has come to an end. The recipe looks delicious!

  7. I’ve loved this series and the Crozat family. Thank you for all the enjoyment and entertainment these books have brought to your readers ~

  8. Love the Cajun Country Mysteries series and can’t wait to get my hands on a copy of “CAJUN KISS OF DEATH”!

    Like all the books in this series, I just know it will be a fabulous read. Although sad to see the series end, I’m also anxious to see what Ellen Byron comes up with next.

    Thank you for the yummy sounding recipe for Gooey Pineapple Pecan Cake, which I will be trying for sure. I best wait until we have some company to help eat it or I’d be nibbling my way through the whole cake.

    • Thanks so much, Kay! Look for my Vintage Cookbook Mysteries in June – set in the Garden District of New Orleans!

    • My response ended up in a weird place. Thank you, Jill. I’m hoping down the road you’ll meet up with a spinoff series featuring Gran!

  10. It’s been such a fun ride, thanks for sharing your gift with us. I can’t wait to see what new project you come up with next.

    • Thanks so much, Alicia! I write the Catering Hall Mysteries as Maria DiRico AND I launch a new series in June, the Vintage Cookbook Mysteries – set in New Orleans’ Garden District!

  11. I’m sorry to hear this is the last book of the series but I hear your other series is really good, too.

    • Thank you, Carol! That’s the Catering Hall Mysteries, which I write as Maria DiRico. AND in June I’ll debut the Vintage Cookbook Mysteries – set in the Garden District of New Orleans!

  12. i also loved this series and i’m sorry to see it end. Though i am looking forward to what ever comes next.

  14. As one series comes to a close then another begins that is the way I think. I have often loved one series and when the author indicated there were only 1 or 2 more books in the series left. I think well that one is coming to a close then the author will begin a new baby and it will turn into a great series.

    • Peggy, I love this! And you’re right. I have my Catering Hall Mysteries, which I write as Maria DiRico. And as I’ve shared in other comments, I’m launching a new series in June, The Vintage Cookbook Mysteries, inspired by my collection of vintage cookbooks. It’s set in New Orleans, my favorite city. I’m excited!

  22. I love the cover with the cute dog. The cake sounds yummy. I’m weird, though. I like pineapple upside down cake, but I don’t like pineapples. But I do love the flavor the pineapple juice gives the cake.

  32. I didn’t realize this series was ending! Congrats on an impressive seven books! I look forward to reading Cajun Kiss of Death. Can you share what you’re working on next?

    • Yes! I have another series out now, the Catering Hall Mysteries, which I write under the pen name “Maria DiRico.” In June I’ll launch The Vintage Cookbook Mysteries as Ellen Byron. It’s inspired by my habit of collecting vintage cookbooks and set in the New Orleans Garden District. And I’m noodling with a spinoff of the Cajun Country Mysteries featuring Grand-mere as the protagonist. Plus, my agent is shopping my first stand-alone.

  35. I’m really going to miss this series, but I’m sure you’ll come up with another great series. Thanks for the great visit to Cajun country.

  40. Wow, it sure sounds like your future writing is really busy. I can’t wait to see what you have lined up next.

  45. It wasn’t your choice? I’ll miss new adventures with all the characters! But will look forward to your new series! I’m sure it will be interesting and fun to read!

  49. Ellen this series has been awesome because you are such an amazing writer! I have no doubt that any future writing endeavors of yours will more than make up for the sad closing of this series! Catherine Bell posted recently of The Good Witch TV show ending and her caption began with the Dr. Seuss quote, “Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened!” Long may you write Ellen!!

  52. I really enjoy this series but most of all the covers are what catches my eyes. Thanks for providing us with
    a fun series to enjoy. My mouth is watering just reading the recipe for the cake. Definitely on my list to make
    once we have a cool weather day.

  53. Am I unusual in that I only like pineapple baked into things? That came looks amazing! Thanks for writing a great mystery series!

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