Old fashioned fruit cocktail cake – Culinary Chase

Whether it’s a cooling scoop of vanilla ice cream or a steaming cup of coffee, pairing the right companion with a slice of old fashioned fruit cocktail cake can elevate your tasting experience. 

Vanilla ice cream provides a creamy counterbalance to the sweetness of the cake. For those who prefer a warm beverage, a robust cup of coffee or a mild black tea can complement the dessert’s rich flavors.

Today I am diving into a delicious piece of nostalgia—the old fashioned fruit cocktail cake. This cake takes me right back to my grandma’s kitchen, where I used to devour it by the slice with a glass of cold milk. 

It’s a unique dessert that combines the best of both worlds: the juiciness of fruit cocktail and the comforting familiarity of a homemade cake. 

Let’s dig deeper into what makes this cake so special, the ingredients you need, and the step-by-step process to create it. 

Stick around for tips, tricks, and alternatives that’ll make you a pro at whipping up this vintage gem.

What is Old Fashioned Fruit Cocktail Cake?

Old fashioned fruit cocktail cake is a charmingly retro dessert that’s packed with canned fruit cocktail. The batter is straightforward but results in a dense, moist cake that boasts a caramel-like crust from the brown sugar. 

Topped with a simple yet rich glaze, this cake is a nostalgic nod to recipes from the 1950s when it first gained popularity.

Why This Recipe Works

Oh, you bet it works and here’s why:

• Ease of Preparation: No complicated steps or fancy equipment. This cake can be made with a single bowl and a spoon.
• Moist and Tender Texture: Thanks to the fruit cocktail, the cake remains delightfully moist and flavorful.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can easily tweak the recipe with different fruit cocktails, making it adaptable to what you have on hand.
• Kid-Friendly: Even the pickiest eaters can’t resist the sweet, fruity goodness in every bite. Parents, this is a game-changer for family dinners.

Ingredients You’ll Need To Make This Dish

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup white granulated sugar
• 15 oz. can of assorted fruit cocktail (do not drain)
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup packed light brown sugar
• ¼ teaspoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon baking soda

How To Make This Old Fashioned Fruit Cocktail Cake?

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon of sea salt, and 1 teaspoon of baking soda. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly distributed.

Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients

Next, add in 1 cup of white granulated sugar, 15 oz. can of assorted fruit cocktail (including the syrup), 1 large egg, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix until the ingredients are well combined, and the batter is smooth.

Step 4: Pour and Top

Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle ½ cup of packed light brown sugar evenly over the top of the batter. This will create a deliciously caramelized crust.

Step 5: Bake

Place your dish in the preheated oven. Bake for about 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes. Slice and serve warm, ideally with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Trust me, it’s perfection.

Tips & Tricks

• Use Fresh Spices: Ground cinnamon loses its potency over time. Fresh spices ensure the best flavor.
• Do Not Drain the Fruit Cocktail: The syrup adds moisture and sweetness to the cake.
• Room Temperature Egg: This mixes better and helps achieve a smoother batter.
• Grease the Pan Well: Prevents sticking and makes for easier cleanup.
• Check for Doneness: Every oven is different. Insert a toothpick to check if the cake is fully baked.

Nutrition Information

How Do You Store The Leftovers?

If you’re lucky enough to have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container. The cake keeps well at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, place it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just zap a slice in the microwave for about 10 seconds before eating to bring it back to its gooey, delicious glory.

What Sides Would Complement Old Fashioned Fruit Cocktail Cake?

Let’s not leave the cake hanging! Consider these scrumptious sides:

• Whipped Cream: Light and airy, it contrasts wonderfully with the cake’s rich texture.
• Vanilla Ice Cream: The creaminess cuts through the sweetness and adds a cooling effect.
• Fresh Berries: They add a pop of color and a splash of fresh flavor, enhancing the fruity notes in the cake.

What Alternatives Can You Use For The Ingredients If They Are Not Present In Your Kitchen?

We’ve all been there—missing ingredients but too lazy to go to the store. No worries:

• All-Purpose Flour: Substitute with whole wheat flour for a denser, more filling cake.
• Brown Sugar: Replace with coconut sugar or honey for a different type of sweetness.
• Egg: If you’re out of eggs, use a ¼ cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed egg.
• Vanilla Extract: You could use almond extract for a different, but equally delicious, flavor profile.

Old fashioned fruit cocktail cake

Joe Williams

Today I am diving into a delicious piece of nostalgia—the old fashioned fruit cocktail cake. This cake takes me right back to my grandma’s kitchen, where I used to devour it by the slice with a glass of cold milk. 

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 9 Servings

Calories 160 kcal

Equipment

• Oven
• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Parchment paper 

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup white granulated sugar
• 15 oz. can of assorted fruit cocktail
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup packed light brown sugar
• ¼ teaspoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon baking soda

Instructions

 

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

• First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

• In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon of sea salt, and 1 teaspoon of baking soda. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly distributed.

Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients

• Next, add in 1 cup of white granulated sugar, 15 oz. can of assorted fruit cocktail (including the syrup), 1 large egg, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix until the ingredients are well combined, and the batter is smooth.

Step 4: Pour and Top

• Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle ½ cup of packed light brown sugar evenly over the top of the batter. This will create a deliciously caramelized crust.

Step 5: Bake

• Place your dish in the preheated oven. Bake for about 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

• Allow the cake to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes. Slice and serve warm, ideally with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Trust me, it’s perfection.

Notes

• Use Fresh Spices: Ground cinnamon loses its potency over time. Fresh spices ensure the best flavor.
• Do Not Drain the Fruit Cocktail: The syrup adds moisture and sweetness to the cake.
• Room Temperature Egg: This mixes better and helps achieve a smoother batter.
• Grease the Pan Well: Prevents sticking and makes for easier cleanup.
• Check for Doneness: Every oven is different. Insert a toothpick to check if the cake is fully baked.

Nutrition

Calories: 160kcal

Keyword Old fashioned fruit cocktail cake

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Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

And there you have it—a comprehensive guide to making an old fashioned fruit cocktail cake. This dessert is a time machine, taking us back to simpler times while satisfying modern taste buds. 

From its easy preparation to its unmatched versatility, it’s no wonder this cake has stood the test of time. Ready to give it a whirl? Trust me; you won’t be disappointed.

So, prep your kitchen and get ready for some comforting, old-school baking. First slice is always the best; just remember to enjoy it with your favorite side!

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