The Sweetest Fruit Cocktail Cake Recipe for Dreamy Dessert Time

Whipping up a delightful fruit cocktail cake brings pure magic to your kitchen adventure.

Sweet memories dance through this nostalgic dessert that combines unexpected flavors.

Grandmothers have whispered about this recipe for generations, passing down its delectable secrets.

Simple ingredients transform into something extraordinary with minimal effort.

Tropical fruits nestled within soft, tender crumbs create a dreamy experience.

Bakers of all skill levels can confidently craft this crowd-pleasing treat.

Dive into this journey and watch magic unfold with every delicious bite.

FAQs

• Is this cake good for potlucks or parties?

Absolutely! Fruit cocktail cake is a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to transport and serves multiple people. Its moist texture and sweet topping make it popular at gatherings.

• Can I use a different type of nuts instead of walnuts?

Yes, you can easily substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds. The nuts add a nice crunch and complementary flavor to the cake’s soft texture.

• Why use fruit cocktail in this cake recipe?

Fruit cocktail provides natural sweetness, moisture, and extra flavor. The fruit juice helps keep the cake soft and prevents it from becoming dry during baking.

• Do I need any special baking skills to make this cake?

Not at all! This recipe is beginner-friendly with simple mixing steps and straightforward ingredients. Even novice bakers can successfully make this delicious cake.

Fruit Cocktail Cake That’s Moist, Sweet, And Easy To Make

• Quick Family Delight: Perfect weeknight dessert that comes together effortlessly with minimal ingredients and simple mixing technique.
• Pantry-Friendly Magic: Uses common kitchen staples like canned fruit cocktail, making it accessible for spontaneous baking without special grocery trips.
• Versatile Comfort Treat: Serves multiple purposes from casual family dessert to potluck contribution, with warm cinnamon-walnut topping adding gourmet touch to basic cake recipe.
• No-Fuss Baking Joy: Ready in under an hour, requiring just one mixing bowl and basic steps, ideal for beginner bakers or busy home cooks wanting delicious homemade dessert without complicated techniques.

Ingredients Found in Fruit Cocktail Cake

• White Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender cake texture.
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and base for the cake batter.
• Baking Soda: Essential for helping the cake rise and become light.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor of the cake.

• Fruit Cocktail, Juice: Adds moisture, natural sweetness, and fruity flavor to the cake. Choose canned fruit cocktail with light syrup for best results.
• Egg: Binds ingredients together and provides richness.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warm flavor to the cake.

• Brown Sugar: Creates a caramel-like sweet layer with deep flavor.
• Cinnamon: Provides warm, aromatic spice to the cake topping.
• Walnuts: Adds crunch and nutty flavor. Select fresh, crisp walnuts for best texture.
• Whipped Cream: Optional finishing touch for serving, adds creamy smoothness.

Fruit Cocktail Cake Baking in Simple Steps

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank up your oven to a cozy 325°F and get ready for some baking magic.

Grab an 8-inch baking pan and give it a quick spray or butter rub to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Mix the Cake Base

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Baking soda
• Salt

Crack in a fresh egg and mix until everything looks smooth and friendly.

Pour in the fruit cocktail with all its juicy goodness and a splash of vanilla extract.

Stir everything together until you have a dreamy, colorful batter that looks absolutely delectable.

Step 3: Create the Crunchy Topping

• Brown sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Chopped walnuts

Sprinkle this magical mixture evenly across the top of your cake batter, creating a delightful crunchy layer that will make your taste buds dance.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and let it bake for 30-40 minutes.

You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick poked into the center comes out clean and the top looks golden and inviting.

Step 5: Cool and Garnish

Let the cake rest and cool down for a few minutes.

Top with a cloud of fresh whipped cream right before serving.

Slice, serve, and watch everyone’s eyes light up with joy!

Fruit Cake Tips for a Moist & Sweet Finish

• Pat the fruit cocktail dry with paper towels to prevent excess liquid from making the cake soggy, ensuring a perfectly moist texture.
• Select fresh, crunchy walnuts and chop them finely for an even distribution of nutty flavor throughout the cake topping.
• Bring eggs and other ingredients to room temperature before mixing to create a smoother, more consistent cake batter.
• Swap walnuts with pecans or almonds for a different nutty twist, or skip nuts entirely for a nut-free version of the cake.
• Use the toothpick test carefully, inserting it into the center and looking for a few moist crumbs rather than completely dry to maintain the cake's moisture.

Store Fruit Cocktail Cake

• Store leftover cake in an airtight container for up to 4 days, keeping it fresh and moist in the refrigerator.
• Allow cake to reach room temperature before serving for optimal flavor and texture.
• Warm individual slices for 15-20 seconds on medium power to restore softness without drying out the cake.
• Wrap cake tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months, preserving its delicious fruit cocktail essence.

Sweet Sips for Fruit Cocktail Cake

• Pair Tangy Citrus Drink: Bright orange or lemon spritzer complements the cake's sweet fruit notes, cutting through the richness with refreshing acidity.
• Harmonize Coffee Companion: Rich medium-roast coffee balances the cake's sweetness, enhancing the warm cinnamon and walnut undertones with its robust flavor.
• Match Creamy Vanilla Beverage: Smooth vanilla milkshake or cold vanilla latte echoes the cake's soft texture and fruity essence, creating a delightful dessert experience.
• Elevate Tea Pairing: Light chamomile or Earl Grey tea offers a gentle, aromatic backdrop that softens the cake's sweetness and highlights its delicate fruit profile.

Fruit Cocktail Cake Dessert Alternatives

• Gluten-Free Delight: Replace regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make this cake suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Vegan Version: Substitute the egg with a flax egg (ground flaxseed mixed with water) and use coconut cream instead of whipped cream for a plant-based alternative.
• Nut-Free Option: Omit walnuts from the topping and replace with toasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for those with nut allergies.
• Low-Sugar Adaptation: Use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener, and choose a sugar-free fruit cocktail to reduce overall sugar content.

Fruit Cocktail Cake Recipe

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4.6 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Fruit cocktail cake brings tropical flavors to classic dessert lovers, creating a moist and delightful treat. Sweet pineapple and cherries dance through tender crumb, promising pure comfort in each delectable slice you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

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Dry Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose white flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

Wet Ingredients:

• 1 egg, beaten
• 14 ounces (396 grams) can fruit cocktail with juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 3/4 cup sugar

Topping:

• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to a moderate temperature of 325°F, ensuring the rack is positioned in the center for even heat distribution.
2. Whisk together the dry ingredients – granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt – in a spacious mixing bowl until thoroughly combined and lump-free.
3. Incorporate the beaten egg, entire fruit cocktail with its natural syrup, and fragrant vanilla extract into the dry mixture, stirring gently but thoroughly to create a smooth, consistent batter.
4. Transfer the silky batter into a generously greased 8-inch baking pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula to ensure an even layer.
5. Craft the topping by blending rich brown sugar, warm ground cinnamon, and freshly chopped walnuts in a separate small bowl, creating a crumbly, aromatic mixture.
6. Generously scatter the nutty, sweet topping across the cake batter’s surface, distributing it evenly to guarantee a delectable crunch in every bite.
7. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, monitoring carefully and testing for doneness by inserting a clean toothpick into the center – it should emerge without any raw batter clinging to it.
8. Remove from the oven and allow the cake to cool slightly, which helps it set and develop a tender crumb.
9. Before serving, crown the warm cake with billowy, freshly whipped cream for an indulgent finishing touch.

Notes

• Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth batter mixing and even cake texture.
• Drain fruit cocktail slightly but keep some juice for added moisture and sweetness.
• Consider using gluten-free flour for a celiac-friendly version of this cake.
• Toast walnuts before chopping to enhance their nutty flavor and crunchiness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 223
• Sugar: 21 g
• Sodium: 160 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 33 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 25 mg