Grandma’s Fruit Dessert Recipe
A Budget-Friendly Classic with a Nostalgic Twist
This recipe, gifted to my 87-year-old grandmother decades ago, is a simple yet delicious fruit dessert that has stood the test of time. It’s a frugal way to use pantry staples like canned fruit cocktail while delivering a sweet, comforting treat. We made it this afternoon, and it was a hit with the whole family! Plus, with a few tweaks like cutting back on sugar or swapping nuts, it’s incredibly adaptable.
Recipe Card
Fruit Dessert Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Batter:
- 1 cup sugar (or ½ cup for a less sweet version)
- 1 cup flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 egg, beaten
- 2 cups canned fruit cocktail, drained overnight
For the Topping:
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup chopped pecans (or walnuts)
Instructions:
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, sift together the sugar, flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Add the beaten egg and drained fruit cocktail to the dry mixture. Stir until just combined.
- Prepare the Pan: Grease a baking pan and pour the batter into it.
- Add the Topping: Sprinkle the brown sugar and chopped pecans (or walnuts) evenly over the batter.
- Bake: Bake at 300°F for 1 hour and 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Serve: Let the dessert cool slightly, then top with whipped cream and serve.
Nostalgic Notes
This fruit dessert isn’t just delicious—it’s a walk down memory lane. My grandmother remembers sharing it with friends and family, and it’s the kind of recipe that makes the house smell like love. It’s easy on the budget, making it perfect for stretching pantry staples like fruit cocktail into a crowd-pleasing dessert.
Personal Tweaks
When I made it, I used only ½ cup of sugar for the batter, and it was still perfectly sweet. I also substituted walnuts for pecans since that’s what we had on hand. Don’t be afraid to experiment with what you’ve got—it’s a forgiving recipe!
