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Old fashioned fruit cocktail cake

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. 
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 9 Servings
Calories 160 kcal

Equipment

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

Ingredients
  

  • 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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