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Fruit Cocktail Cake

A moist and tender sheet cake made with canned fruit cocktail and topped with a buttery caramelized frosting.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 15 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 285

Ingredients
  

For the Cake
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • One 15-ounce can fruit cocktail undrained (about 1 3/4 cups with syrup)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon optional but recommended
For the Frosting
  • 6 tablespoons butter
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/3 cup heavy cream or evaporated milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts optional

Equipment

  • 9x13 inch baking pan
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Medium saucepan
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Can opener
  • Oven thermometer (optional)
  • Cooling rack or wire rack

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking pan.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar, 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon.
  3. Crack 2 large eggs into the bowl, then pour in one 15-ounce can fruit cocktail with syrup and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
  4. Stir the batter with a wooden spoon or spatula until just combined and no dry flour remains.
  5. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
  6. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  7. While the cake bakes, prepare the frosting by melting 6 tablespoons butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
  8. Add 1 cup granulated sugar and 1/3 cup heavy cream or evaporated milk, stirring constantly until the mixture boils, then boil for 1 minute.
  9. Remove the frosting from heat, stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts, then pour the warm frosting over the hot cake and spread evenly.

Notes

Store in an airtight container; cake stays moist and improves in flavor after a day.