If you’re looking for a delightfully moist and flavorful treat that brings a burst of fruity sweetness to every bite, you’ll fall in love with this Fruit Cocktail Cake Recipe. It’s a charming classic that combines the juicy goodness of fruit cocktail with a tender, buttery cake base, all topped with a crunchy, nutty sprinkle. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering or just craving a nostalgic dessert, this recipe offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors that feel like a warm hug on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this Fruit Cocktail Cake Recipe is wonderfully straightforward. Each component plays a key role in creating the cake’s tender crumb, vibrant flavor, and irresistible texture, making the baking process both simple and rewarding.
- Fruit cocktail (1 can, 15 oz), undrained: Brings a medley of sweet, juicy fruit chunks that keep the cake moist and flavorful.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): The base that gives structure to the cake, ensuring a tender crumb.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup + 1/2 cup): Provides sweetness and helps achieve a golden-brown crust.
- Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Leavens the cake, making it light and fluffy.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a warm, aromatic note that complements the fruit.
- Unsalted butter, melted (1 cup total, divided): Gives richness and moistness to the cake and topping.
- Large egg (1): Binds everything together and provides structure.
- Chopped nuts (1/2 cup, optional, like walnuts or pecans): Adds a delightful crunch and earthy flavor to the topping.
How to Make Fruit Cocktail Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan or an 8×8-inch square pan thoroughly to ensure the cake comes out easily without sticking. This initial step sets the stage for perfectly baked dessert success.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, 1 cup of granulated sugar, baking soda, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients first ensures even distribution of leavening agents and flavor, so every bite is consistent.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
To the dry mix, add the entire undrained can of fruit cocktail, your melted butter, vanilla extract, and the egg. Stir everything until the mixture comes together, keeping in mind the batter will be thick with lovely chunks of fruit throughout, promising a moist and flavorful cake.
Step 4: Transfer Batter to the Pan
Pour the rich, chunky batter into your prepared pan, using a spatula to spread it evenly. The even layer will help the cake bake uniformly, giving you perfect texture from edge to center.
Step 5: Prepare the Topping
In a separate small bowl, mix together the remaining 1/2 cup granulated sugar, the last 1/2 cup melted butter, and the chopped nuts if you’re using them. This topping mixture is essential for adding that signature sweet crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft cake beneath.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Sprinkle your topping evenly over the batter, then slide the pan into the oven. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top is a gorgeous golden brown. The delicious aroma filling your kitchen will be an irresistible preview of the treat ahead.
How to Serve Fruit Cocktail Cake Recipe
Garnishes
This cake is lovely on its own, but adding a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream really takes it to the next level. A sprinkle of cinnamon or a few toasted nuts on top makes it look even more inviting and adds a little extra flavor hit.
Side Dishes
Serve your Fruit Cocktail Cake Recipe alongside a warm cup of tea or coffee. It also pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit salad or a light citrus sorbet, which can help balance the cake’s sweetness for a refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try layering slices of the cake with whipped cream and fresh berries in a clear glass to create a parfait-style dessert. Alternatively, cut the cake into small squares and serve them as finger treats at a party or potluck — everyone will be asking for the recipe!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This keeps the cake moist and fresh, ready whenever you want a sweet snack.
Freezing
This Fruit Cocktail Cake Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil or place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating
To enjoy the cake warm, gently reheat slices in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or warm it in an oven preheated to 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes. The warmth revives the lovely fruit flavors and buttery richness.
FAQs
Can I use fresh fruit instead of canned fruit cocktail?
While fresh fruit will add freshness, canned fruit cocktail’s syrup keeps the cake moist and provides a consistent sweetness, making it ideal for this recipe. However, you can experiment with chopped fresh fruits, just adjust sugar accordingly.
What nuts work best in the topping?
Walnuts and pecans are classic choices for their rich flavor and crunch, but almonds or hazelnuts also make delicious alternatives. You can also omit nuts entirely if there are allergies or preferences.
Is this cake gluten-free?
Traditional all-purpose flour contains gluten, so this recipe is not gluten-free as written. However, you could try substituting with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, making sure it contains xanthan gum or a similar binder for best results.
Can I make this cake vegan?
To veganize this Fruit Cocktail Cake Recipe, swap the egg for a flax or chia seed egg substitute and use vegan butter or coconut oil instead of butter. Make sure your sugar is vegan-friendly as well.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
The best indicator is inserting a toothpick into the cake’s center. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the cake is perfectly baked. The top should also be golden brown and slightly firm to the touch.
Final Thoughts
This Fruit Cocktail Cake Recipe is one of those comforting, timeless desserts you’ll find yourself returning to over and over. It’s easy to make, full of delightful textures, and offers a nostalgic flavor that warms the heart. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this charming recipe a try—you might just find your new favorite cake to share with loved ones.
Print
Fruit Cocktail Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Fruit Cocktail Cake is a moist, flavorful dessert combining sweet fruit cocktail with a rich buttery batter and a crunchy nut topping. Perfect for casual gatherings or an easy homemade treat, it’s simple to prepare and baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz) fruit cocktail, undrained
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
Topping Ingredients
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional, like walnuts or pecans)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch or 8×8-inch square baking pan to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the dry mix: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, 1 cup sugar, baking soda, and salt. Stir well to evenly distribute all the dry ingredients.
- Add wet ingredients: Pour in the undrained fruit cocktail, melted butter, vanilla extract, and the egg into the dry mixture. Stir until fully combined. The batter will be thick and chunky due to the fruit pieces.
- Transfer to pan: Pour the prepared batter into the greased baking pan and spread it out evenly with a spatula to ensure uniform baking.
- Make the topping: In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup sugar, melted butter, and chopped nuts if using. Mix thoroughly, then sprinkle this mixture evenly over the batter in the pan.
- Bake the cake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top turns golden brown.
- Cool and serve: Allow the cake to cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Notes
- Chopped nuts are optional but add a delightful crunch and texture to the topping.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Ensure the fruit cocktail is undrained as the juice helps keep the cake moist.
- You can add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for extra warmth and flavor.
- Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
