Are you craving a moist, flavorful cake that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further! This fruit cocktail cake recipe is a delightful blend of sweet and tangy, perfect for any occasion. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting your homemade cooking journey, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. It’s one of those quick dinner ideas that can easily transition into a stunning dessert. This recipe delivers a delicious dish that’s both satisfying and relatively healthy. Let's dive into this easy recipe and create a cake that’s as beautiful as it is tasty!
Ingredients:
- 1 box (15.25 ounces) yellow cake mix
- 1 cup fruit cocktail, drained (reserve the juice)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons of the reserved fruit cocktail juice (adjust for desired consistency)
Instructions:
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Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. This simple step ensures your cake won’t stick.
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Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined. Make sure there are no lumps in the mixture. This forms the base of your cake batter.
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Add Dry Ingredients and Fruit: Gradually add the cake mix to the wet ingredients, alternating with the water, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Gently fold in the drained fruit cocktail. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing can make your cake tough.
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Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Baking times can vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on it.
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Prepare the Glaze: While the cake is still warm, whisk together the powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons of the reserved fruit cocktail juice until smooth. If the glaze is too thick, add more juice, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
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Glaze and Cool: Pour the glaze over the warm cake, allowing it to drizzle down the sides. Let the cake cool completely in the pan before serving. This allows the glaze to set properly.
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer flavor: Use melted butter instead of vegetable oil.
- Add nuts: Incorporate 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter for added texture and flavor.
- Spice it up: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warm, comforting twist.
- Make it a layer cake: Bake the batter in two 9-inch round pans for a more elegant presentation.
- Frozen fruit cocktail: You can use frozen fruit cocktail, but make sure to thaw and drain it completely before adding it to the batter.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients used, but a general estimate per slice is:
- Calories: Approximately 300-350
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Sugar: Approximately 30-40g
This fruit cocktail cake recipe is a simple yet delicious addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and healthy meals. It’s perfect for potlucks, birthdays, or just a cozy night in. Enjoy the sweet and simple satisfaction of homemade cooking! This is one of the best recipes for a crowd-pleasing dessert that’s both quick and satisfying. Remember to adjust the sweetness to your liking by adding more or less powdered sugar. Happy baking!