Description
This retro Fruit Cocktail Cake is incredibly moist, naturally sweetened with canned fruit, and topped with a luscious coconut-pecan frosting. A comforting, nostalgic dessert perfect for potlucks or family dinners! #homemaderecipes #easybaking #vintagedesserts #fruitcocktailcake #quickdesserts
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- For the cake:
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 can fruit cocktail in heavy syrup (15.25 ounces, undrained)
- For the frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 can evaporated milk (5 ounces)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup chopped pecans, toasted
- 3/4 cup flaked coconut, sweetened or unsweetened, toasted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13-inch cake pan with nonstick spray and line with parchment paper. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together sugar and eggs until light in color. Add vanilla and whisk to combine.
- Using a spatula, stir in flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and the undrained fruit cocktail. Stir just until combined.
- Spread the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- About 10 minutes before the cake is done, prepare the frosting. In a saucepan, combine butter, sugar, and evaporated milk over medium heat. Bring to a boil, then boil for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla, pecans, and coconut.
- Once cake is out of the oven, poke holes across the top with a fork. Pour hot frosting over the cake and spread evenly.
- Let cool at least 15–20 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Use sweetened coconut for a richer frosting, or unsweetened to tone down the sweetness.
- This cake stays moist for days—perfect for make-ahead desserts.
- For an even nuttier flavor, add a splash of almond extract to the batter or frosting.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg