Granny'S Ugly Duckling Cake

Prep: 10 min Cook: 45 min Cuisine: American

A nostalgic and moist cake featuring fruit cocktail and coconut, perfect for family gatherings or potlucks, with a sweet, fruity flavor and tender crumb.

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Ingredients

  • 1 yellow cake mix
  • 1 stick oleo, melted
  • 1 can fruit cocktail
  • 1 cup flaked coconut
  • 3 eggs

Instructions

  1. Mix all ingredients together in a bowl.
  2. Pour the batter into a greased 9 x 13-inch pan.
  3. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40 to 45 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using butter instead of oleo. You can also add nuts or chocolate chips for added texture. If you don’t have fruit cocktail, any canned fruit can work, just make sure to drain it well. To make it a bit healthier, try using a sugar-free cake mix. This recipe is similar in spirit to Linda Reneau'S Toasted Coconut Pecan Pie with its delightful coconut flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this cake warm or at room temperature, topped with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. It pairs beautifully with fresh fruit, making it a great dessert for summer gatherings. Consider serving it alongside a fruit salad or a scoop of sorbet to enhance the flavors.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, simply microwave a slice for about 15-20 seconds or warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until warmed through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Granny'S Ugly Duckling Cake contains roughly 603 calories, with 6g protein, 98g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (17% of the Daily Value), iron (14% of the Daily Value), and protein (12% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 5g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

603 kcal 30% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 6.2g 12% DV
Total Fat 23g 29% DV
Carbs 98.3g 36% DV
Fiber 4.9g 17% DV
Sugar 17.1g 34% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 323.9mg 14% DV
Potassium 461.3mg 10% DV
Cholesterol 72.9mg 24% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 33.3mcg 4% DV
Vitamin C 2mg 2% DV
Calcium 137.9mg 11% DV
Iron 2.4mg 14% DV
Contains Egg

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 a different flavor of cake mix?

Yes, you can substitute the yellow cake mix with chocolate or any other flavor you prefer. Just keep in mind that it will alter the overall taste of the cake. A chocolate mix could create a delicious contrast with the fruit cocktail.

Is there a way to make this cake gluten-free?

Absolutely! You can use a gluten-free cake mix instead of the standard yellow cake mix. Just ensure that all other ingredients, like the fruit cocktail and coconut, are also gluten-free to maintain the integrity of the recipe.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cake a day in advance. Just bake it, let it cool completely, and store it in an airtight container. This can enhance the flavors as the ingredients meld together. Simply reheat before serving for the best texture.

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).

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