In the world of desserts, few treats are as beloved and versatile as the Del Monte Fruit Cocktail Cake. This delectable creation is a sweet celebration of flavors and textures, bringing together the richness of cake batter with the juiciness of fruit cocktail. With each bite, you are transported to a world of pure indulgence and comfort.
What is Del Monte Fruit Cocktail Cake?
Del Monte Fruit Cocktail Cake is a classic dessert that has been cherished for generations. The recipe features a moist and fluffy cake base, generously laced with pieces of fruit cocktail and crunchy walnuts. Topped with a sprinkle of brown sugar, this cake offers a perfect balance of sweetness and earthy nuttiness.
Why This Recipe Works?
1. Moisture: The fruit cocktail adds a burst of moisture to the cake batter, keeping it tender and flavorful.
2. Texture: The combination of soft fruit pieces and crunchy walnuts creates a delightful contrast in every bite.
3. Versatility: This cake can be enjoyed at any time of the day – be it as a decadent dessert or a sweet treat with your afternoon tea.
4. Ease of Preparation: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for both novice and experienced bakers.
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Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Sugar: Sugar adds sweetness to the cake batter, balancing out the tartness of the fruit cocktail and enhancing the overall flavor of the cake.
- Baking Soda: Baking soda helps the cake to rise by producing carbon dioxide gas when combined with acidic ingredients like the fruit cocktail.
- Salt: Salt enhances the flavor of the cake batter, bringing out the natural sweetness of the other ingredients and adding depth to the overall taste.
- Eggs: Eggs act as a binding agent in the cake batter, helping to hold everything together and providing moisture and richness to the finished cake.
- Del Monte Fruit Cocktail in Light Syrup: The fruit cocktail adds moisture, sweetness, and flavor to the cake, creating delicious pockets of fruit throughout each slice.
- Walnuts: Walnuts add texture and crunch to the cake, as well as a nutty flavor that complements the sweetness of the fruit cocktail.
- Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds a rich and caramel-like flavor to the cake, enhancing its sweetness and adding depth to its taste profile.
- Vegetable Oil: Vegetable oil provides moisture to the cake batter, resulting in a tender and moist crumb once baked.
- Vanilla Extract: Vanilla extract adds a warm and aromatic flavor to the cake, enhancing its overall taste and aroma with a hint of sweetness and depth.
Step by Step Directions:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Preheating ensures that your oven reaches the correct temperature for baking before you start preparing the cake batter.
Step 2: Prepare Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, vanilla extract and salt. Use a whisk or fork to sift and mix the dry ingredients together thoroughly. This step helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents and salt in the flour mixture.
Step 3: Beat the Eggs
Crack the eggs into a separate large mixing bowl. Use a whisk or electric mixer to beat the eggs until they become thick and turn a pale yellow color. This process helps to incorporate air into the eggs, which will contribute to the light and fluffy texture of the cake.
Step 4: Add Fruit Cocktail
Open the can of Del Monte fruit cocktail and pour it into the bowl with the beaten eggs. Include the syrup from the can as well. Use a spatula or spoon to gently fold the fruit cocktail into the eggs until evenly distributed.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the bowl with the egg and fruit cocktail mixture. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense cake.
Step 6: Grease and Flour Pan
Prepare a 9-inch square baking pan by greasing it with butter or cooking spray and dusting it with flour. This will prevent the cake from sticking to the pan and make it easier to remove once baked.
Step 7: Pour Batter into Pan
Pour the prepared cake batter into the greased and floured 9-inch square baking pan. Use a spatula to spread the batter evenly across the pan, smoothing the top as needed.
Step 8: Prepare Nut Topping
In a small bowl, combine the chopped walnuts and firmly packed brown sugar. Stir until the nuts are evenly coated with the sugar. This nut topping will add a delicious crunch and sweetness to the cake.
Step 9: Sprinkle Topping Over Batter
Evenly sprinkle the nut and brown sugar mixture over the surface of the cake batter in the pan. Spread it out gently with a spoon or spatula, ensuring that it covers the entire surface.
Step 10: Bake the Cake
Place the cake pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This indicates that the cake is fully baked and ready to be removed from the oven.
Step 11: Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 to 15 minutes. Then, carefully transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving. Enjoy your homemade Del Monte Fruit Cocktail Cake!
Tips & Tricks:
– To enhance the flavor of the cake, consider adding a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter.
– For a festive touch, top the cake with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of powdered sugar before serving.
– Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or in the refrigerator for extended freshness.
– For a nut-free version, simply omit the walnuts from the recipe and adjust the baking time accordingly.
– Experiment with different fruit varieties or combinations to create your own unique twist on this classic recipe.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition Information for Fruit Cocktail Cake (per serving, approximately 1/12th of a cake slice):
- Calories: Around 200-300 calories
- Total Fat: 8-12 grams
- Saturated Fat: 1-3 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Cholesterol: 20-40 milligrams
- Sodium: 150-250 milligrams
- Total Carbohydrates: 30-40 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 1-3 grams
- Sugars: 15-25 grams
- Protein: 2-5 grams
How Do You Store The Leftovers?
After indulging in a slice or two of this scrumptious cake, you may find yourself with some leftovers. To keep the cake fresh and moist, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days. If you prefer a chilled treat, refrigerate the cake for longer shelf life.
What sides would complement Del Monte Fruit Cocktail Cake?
1. Vanilla Ice Cream: The cool creaminess of vanilla ice cream pairs perfectly with the warm, fruity flavors of the cake.
2. Whipped Cream: A generous swirl of whipped cream adds a light and airy touch to each bite of the cake.
3. Fresh Berries: For a burst of freshness, serve the cake with a side of mixed berries, such as strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries.
What alternatives can you use for the ingredients if they are not present in your kitchen?
1. Flour: In place of all-purpose flour, you can use whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour for a healthier or gluten-sensitive option.
2. Sugar: Substitute white sugar with honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar for a natural sweetener alternative.
3. Vegetable Oil: Melted butter, coconut oil, or applesauce can be used as alternatives to vegetable oil for added richness or health benefits.
4. Walnuts: Pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts can be used in lieu of walnuts for varied nutty flavors in the cake.
Del Monte Fruit Cocktail Cake recipe
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or Fork
- Electric mixer (optional)
- Spatula or spoon
- 9-inch square baking pan
- Butter or cooking spray
- Flour
- Small bowl (for nut topping)
- Wire rack (for cooling)
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup walnuts chopped
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup all purpose flour
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 15 ounce can del monte fruit cocktail in light syrup
- 2 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup brown sugar firmly packed
- 2 large eggs
Instructions
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Preheating ensures that your oven reaches the correct temperature for baking before you start preparing the cake batter.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, vanilla extract and salt. Use a whisk or fork to sift and mix the dry ingredients together thoroughly. This step helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents and salt in the flour mixture.
- Crack the eggs into a separate large mixing bowl. Use a whisk or electric mixer to beat the eggs until they become thick and turn a pale yellow color. This process helps to incorporate air into the eggs, which will contribute to the light and fluffy texture of the cake.
- Open the can of Del Monte fruit cocktail and pour it into the bowl with the beaten eggs. Include the syrup from the can as well. Use a spatula or spoon to gently fold the fruit cocktail into the eggs until evenly distributed.
- Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the bowl with the egg and fruit cocktail mixture. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense cake.
- Prepare a 9-inch square baking pan by greasing it with butter or cooking spray and dusting it with flour. This will prevent the cake from sticking to the pan and make it easier to remove once baked.
- Pour the prepared cake batter into the greased and floured 9-inch square baking pan. Use a spatula to spread the batter evenly across the pan, smoothing the top as needed.
- In a small bowl, combine the chopped walnuts and firmly packed brown sugar. Stir until the nuts are evenly coated with the sugar. This nut topping will add a delicious crunch and sweetness to the cake.
- Evenly sprinkle the nut and brown sugar mixture over the surface of the cake batter in the pan. Spread it out gently with a spoon or spatula, ensuring that it covers the entire surface.
- Place the cake pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This indicates that the cake is fully baked and ready to be removed from the oven.
- Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 to 15 minutes. Then, carefully transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving. Enjoy your homemade Del Monte Fruit Cocktail Cake!
Notes
- To enhance the flavor of the cake, consider adding a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter.
- For a festive touch, top the cake with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of powdered sugar before serving.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or in the refrigerator for extended freshness.
- For a nut-free version, simply omit the walnuts from the recipe and adjust the baking time accordingly.
- Experiment with different fruit varieties or combinations to create your own unique twist on this classic recipe.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q1. Can I use fresh fruit instead of canned fruit cocktail?
While canned fruit cocktail is ideal for convenience and consistent flavor, you can certainly use fresh fruits like diced peaches, pears, cherries, and pineapples for a homemade twist.
Q2. Can I make this cake in advance for a special occasion?
Yes, this cake can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Simply warm it in the oven before serving for a fresh-from-the-oven taste.
Q3. Is it possible to make this cake eggless?
You can replace eggs with mashed bananas, applesauce, or yogurt to create an eggless version of this cake.
Q4. Can I freeze this cake for later consumption?
Yes, you can freeze this cake in an airtight container for up to three months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and warm it in the oven before serving.
Q5. How can I enhance the flavor of the cake with spices?
Consider adding a pinch of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice to the batter for a warm and aromatic undertone.
Q6. Can I use a different type of nut in the cake?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with almonds, pecans, or even macadamia nuts to customize the cake to your liking.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Del Monte Fruit Cocktail Cake is more than just a dessert – it is a symbol of tradition, comfort, and joy. As you embark on your baking journey with this recipe, may the sweet aroma of fresh fruit and warm spices fill your kitchen with happiness and contentment.
Whether shared with loved ones or savored in solitude, this cake will always hold a special place in your heart and stomach. So, embrace the simplicity and charm of this classic treat, and indulge in a slice of culinary nostalgia today.
