The Fruit Cocktail Cake is a delightful dessert that perfectly encapsulates the essence of spring and summer with its light, refreshing flavors and ease of preparation. This cake is ideal for various occasions, from casual family dinners to potluck gatherings, where its appeal as a kid-friendly treat and its quick baking time make it a go-to choice for many.
Overview and Ingredients
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 12
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 can (15 ounces) fruit cocktail in juice
- 1 package (3.4 ounces) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 can (11 ounces) mandarin oranges in juice
- Whipped topping or Cool Whip (for frosting)
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 292.3 per serving
- Fat: 5.9g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g
- Cholesterol: 35.2mg
- Sodium: 548.5mg
- Carbohydrates: 57g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 40.7g
- Protein: 3.6g
Recipe Instructions
-
Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan:
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Grease and flour a 9 x 13 inch baking pan, ensuring it’s well coated to prevent sticking. -
Mix Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the fruit cocktail (including the juice), granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir until the ingredients are well mixed and the sugar is dissolved. -
Combine Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined. -
Incorporate Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the bowl with the wet ingredients, stirring gently but thoroughly to combine everything into a smooth batter. -
Bake the Cake:
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 45 minutes, or until the cake is lightly golden and begins to pull away from the sides of the pan. -
Cool and Frost:
Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. While the cake is cooling, you can prepare the frosting. -
Prepare the Frosting:
For the frosting, combine the whipped topping or Cool Whip with the instant vanilla pudding mix in a mixing bowl. Stir until well mixed and smooth. -
Add Mandarin Oranges:
Gently fold in the canned mandarin oranges (including the juice) into the frosting mixture until evenly distributed and the frosting has a consistent texture. -
Frost the Cake:
Once the cake is completely cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top using a spatula or knife. Ensure the entire surface is covered with a generous layer of frosting. -
Chill and Serve:
After frosting, refrigerate the cake to allow the frosting to set and the flavors to meld. This cake is best served chilled and can be topped with additional fruit or whipped cream if desired.
Tips and Variations
- Variety of Fruit: Experiment with different canned fruit cocktails or add fresh fruit slices for a more personalized touch.
- Frosting Alternatives: If preferred, use a traditional buttercream frosting or cream cheese frosting instead of the whipped topping and pudding mix.
- Storage: Store any leftover cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure it’s tightly covered to prevent drying out.
Conclusion
The Fruit Cocktail Cake not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also brings a burst of fruity freshness to any gathering. Its simplicity in preparation makes it accessible even for beginner cooks, while its flavor and texture ensure it will become a favorite dessert choice for warm weather occasions. Whether enjoyed at a picnic, potluck, or family barbecue, this cake is sure to leave a lasting impression with its delicious blend of flavors and light, airy texture.
