Fruit Cocktail Delight Dessert
A luscious fruit cocktail dessert with a tender cake-like texture, featuring sweet fruit flavors complemented by coconut and nutmeats, perfect for family gatherings or casual occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- In a mixing bowl, combine sugar, flour, salt, and soda.
- Add vanilla and the slightly beaten egg; mix well.
- Drain the fruit cocktail and fold it into the batter.
- Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Sprinkle brown sugar, nutmeats, and coconut evenly on top.
- Bake for 35 minutes at 350°F or until golden brown.
- Serve warm with whipped cream or ice cream.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of almond extract along with the vanilla. If you don't have nutmeats, chopped walnuts or pecans can be great substitutes. To make this dessert even more tropical, try incorporating diced pineapple or mango into the batter. Remember to drain the fruit cocktail well to prevent a soggy texture.
Serving Suggestions
This dessert is delightful when served warm, topped with a generous dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream. For a festive touch, garnish with a sprinkle of toasted coconut or chopped nuts. It pairs beautifully with American recipes like Herb Cheese Spread For Raw Vegetables for a balanced meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual servings in the microwave for about 30 seconds or until warmed through. You can also reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until warm and crispy on top.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fruit Cocktail Delight Dessert contains roughly 840 calories, with 18g protein, 159g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (42% of the Daily Value), protein (36% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1933mg per serving (84% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh fruit instead of canned fruit cocktail?
Yes, you can use fresh fruit! Just make sure to cut it into small, bite-sized pieces and adjust the sweetness if necessary. Fresh diced peaches, pears, or a mix of berries could work well, but remember to add a little juice or syrup to keep it moist.
Is it possible to make this dessert gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Just ensure that the blend contains xanthan gum or add a teaspoon of it for better texture. The other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Can I prepare this dessert ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the batter and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply pour it into the baking dish and add the toppings before baking. This is a great way to save time for gatherings or special occasions.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).