Slap Together Cake
A quick and easy fruit cocktail cake with a moist crumb, topped with brown sugar and nuts, perfect for casual gatherings or comforting dessert moments.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix the drained fruit cocktail, liquid from the fruit cocktail, sugar, vanilla, and unbeaten egg until combined.
- Add the flour, baking soda, and salt; mix until just moist. Do not overmix.
- Pour the batter into a buttered 8-inch square pan.
- Sprinkle the brown sugar and chopped nuts evenly over the top.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 to 40 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Serve warm with whipped cream.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter. If you're out of nuts, try using chocolate chips or coconut for a different twist. For a lighter cake, swap half the sugar for applesauce. Be careful not to overmix after adding the flour to ensure a tender texture, similar to what you'd find in Banana-Nut-Oatmeal Muffins.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Slap Together Cake warm, topped with a generous dollop of whipped cream for a delightful dessert. It pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a splash of Mogen David Wine Cake for a sweet treat. Consider serving with fresh fruit for a refreshing contrast, or alongside coffee for a cozy afternoon snack.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, slice and warm in the microwave for about 15 seconds or until just heated through. This keeps the cake moist while making it ready to serve with whipped cream.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Slap Together Cake contains roughly 606 calories, with 8g protein, 99g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is a good source of protein (17% of the Daily Value), iron (14% of the Daily Value), and potassium (14% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 564mg per serving (25% 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, but make sure to chop it into small pieces and adjust the liquid content accordingly. You may need to add a bit of juice or water to match the moisture content of the canned fruit cocktail, ensuring the cake maintains its texture.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
The cake is done when it's golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Start checking around the 30-minute mark, as oven temperatures can vary. If the toothpick has moist batter on it, continue baking for a few more minutes.
Can I make this cake 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, which helps bind the ingredients and maintain the cake's texture while baking.
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).