Cuppa Cuppa Cake

This classic “dump and bake” dessert is a Southern favorite, famously mentioned in Steel Magnolias. It is incredibly easy to remember because most of the main ingredients are exactly one cup each, resulting in a dense, sweet, and comforting cake.

Cuppa Cuppa Cake

Ingredients:

How to Make Cuppa Cuppa Cake:

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Take about 1/2 tablespoon of your 1/4 cup of butter and use it to generously grease a 9-inch pie dish or cake pan.

Step 2: Mix the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the 1 cup of self-rising flour, the 1 cup of granulated sugar, and the entire 15 oz can of fruit cocktail.2 Do not drain the fruit—the syrup in the can provides all the moisture needed for the batter. Stir until just combined; do not overmix.

Step 3: Transfer and Top: Pour the batter into your greased pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Slice the remaining butter into small pats and scatter them evenly across the top of the batter. As the cake bakes, this butter melts into the crust to create a golden, slightly crisp finish.

Step 4: Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 35–40 minutes. You are looking for the top to be a beautiful golden brown and the center to be set.

Step 5: Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool for at least 10 minutes before serving. This allows the fruit and cake to firm up slightly. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream.