Fay’s Picnic Cake Recipe
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 16
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Difficulty Level: Easy
Description
Fay’s Picnic Cake is a delightfully simple yet scrumptious dessert that has earned a spot in many kitchens over the years. With minimal ingredients and an uncomplicated method, this cake is sure to become a family favorite. It’s wonderfully reminiscent of a dump cake but with a twist in ingredients that makes it stand out. The best part? It’s perfect for serving at picnics, potlucks, or large gatherings. It’s especially delightful when topped with Cool Whip, whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The recipe was passed down to me by my mother, Fay, who received it from an unknown source many years ago.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Canned peaches (with juice) | 1 can (15 oz) |
| Yellow cake mix (dry) | 1 box (approx. 15.25 oz) |
| Sweetened shredded coconut | 1 cup |
| Chopped nuts (e.g., walnuts or pecans) | 1 cup |
| Margarine (melted) | 3/4 cup (1.5 sticks) |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 319.8 kcal |
| Total Fat | 20.2 g |
| Saturated Fat | 5.7 g |
| Cholesterol | 0.6 mg |
| Sodium | 368.5 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 33.3 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.8 g |
| Sugars | 18.9 g |
| Protein | 3.8 g |
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In an ungreased 9 x 13-inch baking pan, place the canned peaches and their juice.
- Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the peaches and juice. Do not mix—just let the dry mix sit on top.
- Top the cake mix with an even layer of shredded coconut.
- Sprinkle chopped nuts over the coconut layer.
- Drizzle the melted margarine evenly over the entire surface, making sure it covers the dry cake mix and coconut.
- Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the top is nicely golden brown and bubbly around the edges. The cake should appear set with a slight crispy top.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Best served warm or at room temperature with a dollop of Cool Whip, whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Tips for Success
- Peach Varieties: You can experiment with different fruits such as pineapple, pears, or cherries in place of the peaches for a fun variation.
- Coconut: If you’re not a fan of coconut, you can omit it or substitute with other toppings like chocolate chips or dried fruit.
- Nuts: Feel free to use your favorite nuts, whether it’s walnuts, pecans, or almonds. They add a lovely crunch to the cake.
- Make Ahead: Fay’s Picnic Cake can be made ahead of time and stored at room temperature for a few days, making it a convenient dessert for gatherings.
This Fay’s Picnic Cake is the perfect dessert to bring to a party or picnic, offering a burst of fruity sweetness and a delightful texture from the coconut and nuts. The simplicity of the recipe makes it approachable for even beginner bakers, and the results are always a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy this treat as a sweet ending to any meal!
