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fruit cocktail cake recipe

Fruit Cocktail Cake Recipe

Prep 15 minutes
Cook 30 minutes
Total 45 minutes
With sweet canned fruit and sticky glaze! So moist, so nostalgic. A vintage dessert that’s quick, easy, and crowd-pleasing!
4 stars (1 ratings)
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Ingredients
  

For the cake:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (substitute with 1:1 gluten-free flour if needed)
  • 1½ cups granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs , room temperature
  • 1 can (15 oz) fruit cocktail, undrained
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the topping:

  • ¾ cup brown sugar , packed
  • ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
  • ½ cup sweetened shredded coconut

For the glaze:

  • ½ cup butter
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup evaporated milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  • Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan
    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking pan, or line it with parchment paper for easier removal. A light-colored metal pan works best for even baking and prevents over-browning of the edges.
    Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
    In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. This thorough mixing ensures the leavening agent is evenly distributed, resulting in a cake with consistent texture and rise.
    Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
    Add the eggs, undrained fruit cocktail, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. The syrup from the fruit cocktail adds essential moisture and sweetness to the batter, so don't drain it! Mix until just combined – overmixing can lead to a dense cake.
    Step 4: Prepare the Topping
    In a separate bowl, combine the brown sugar, chopped nuts, and shredded coconut. This crunchy, caramelized topping creates a delightful textural contrast to the soft, moist cake beneath.
    Step 5: Assemble and Bake
    Pour the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle the topping mixture uniformly over the batter. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean with a few moist crumbs.
    Step 6: Prepare the Glaze
    While the cake is baking, combine butter, sugar, and evaporated milk in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Boil for 2 minutes, then remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
    Step 7: Finish with Glaze
    When the cake comes out of the oven, immediately poke holes all over the top using a fork or skewer. Pour the warm glaze over the hot cake, allowing it to seep into the holes and infuse every bite with rich, buttery sweetness.
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