Our Surprise Dessert

Prep: 10 min Cook: 55 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

A delightful fruit-based dessert with sweet and tangy flavors, topped with brown sugar and nuts, perfect for family gatherings or casual get-togethers.

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup sugar (scant)
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 cups fruit cocktail
  • 1/4 to 1/2 cup juice
  • 1 cup flour
  • 1 egg
  • pinch of salt
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • nuts (optional)

Instructions

  1. Put all ingredients in a bowl and mix until wet.
  2. Pour into a buttered 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
  3. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup brown sugar and nuts, if desired.
  4. Bake at 350°F for 55 minutes.
  5. Serve warm with cream or ice cream.

Tips & Substitutions

For a more flavorful twist, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a sprinkle of cinnamon to the batter. If you don't have fruit cocktail, fresh fruits like peaches or pears can be used instead. You can also substitute part of the sugar with honey or maple syrup for a different sweetness profile. Nuts can be omitted or replaced with seeds for a nut-free version.

Serving Suggestions

This delightful dessert is best served warm with a generous scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top. It pairs beautifully with a side of fresh fruit or a light salad for a refreshing contrast. Consider serving it alongside a cup of coffee or tea for a comforting end to your meal.

Storage & Reheating

Allow the dessert to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or warm the entire dish in the oven at 350°F until heated through. Serve it warm for the best experience.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Our Surprise Dessert contains roughly 190 calories, with 3g protein, 41g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 946mg per serving (41% of the Daily Value).

190 kcal 9% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 2.9g 6% DV
Total Fat 2.2g 3% DV
Carbs 40.7g 15% DV
Fiber 0.7g 3% DV
Sugar 9.8g 20% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 946mg 41% DV
Potassium 220.3mg 5% DV
Cholesterol 77.4mg 26% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 23.1mcg 3% DV
Vitamin C 5.2mg 6% DV
Calcium 76.3mg 6% DV
Iron 1mg 6% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Egg Wheat/Gluten

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

How can I make this dessert less sweet?

To reduce the sweetness, you can cut down on the sugar and brown sugar by about one-third. You can also use unsweetened fruit or a sugar substitute to help balance the flavors without sacrificing the overall taste.

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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