This delightful Old-Fashioned Fruit Cocktail Cake is a classic dessert that brings back memories of simpler times and warm family gatherings. This cake, made with pantry staples and a can of fruit cocktail, is moist, tender, and full of fruit flavor. It’s a comforting treat with a sweet coconut and pecan streusel topping, making it ideal for any occasion, from Sunday brunches to holiday celebrations. With this classic recipe, we can take a trip back in time and rediscover the joy of home baking! 🍰🍒🥥
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 can (15 ounces) fruit cocktail, undrained
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Streusel Topping:
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup shredded sweetened coconut
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
Preheat and Prepare:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Make the Cake Batter:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. Mix well to combine.
- Add the fruit cocktail (including the syrup), eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
Prepare the Streusel Topping:
- In a separate bowl, combine the brown sugar, shredded coconut, chopped pecans, and melted butter. Mix until well combined and crumbly.
Assemble and Bake:
- Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the cake batter in the pan.
- Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Once cooled slightly, slice the Old-Fashioned Fruit Cocktail Cake into squares.
- Serve the cake warm or at room temperature, and enjoy the nostalgic flavors of this classic dessert.
Optional Tips:
- For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle the cooled cake with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.
- Feel free to customize the streusel topping by adding a dash of ground cinnamon or nutmeg for warm, spicy flavor notes.
- This cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for longer freshness.
To summarize, Old-Fashioned Fruit Cocktail Cake is a popular dessert that evokes memories of simpler times and the joy of homemade baking. With its moist texture, fruity flavor, and crunchy streusel topping, it’s a delicious treat for the whole family. Whether served with a cup of coffee for breakfast or as a sweet ending to a cozy dinner, this classic cake is a timeless favorite that will never go out of fashion. So gather your ingredients and make a batch of this nostalgic treat—it’s sure to become a favorite recipe in your repertoire! 🍰🍒🥥