"Lightened up" Fruit Cocktail Cake

I haven't made a fruit cocktail cake in many years, and wouldn't have a clue where my recipe was. I remember making it when we were newly married and I had to be very frugal. 

So when I saw this easy recipe at The Country Cook I knew I would have to make it soon. 

I made it take to someone in need, so I only got a little bite, but it was marvelously moist.  (Yes, I had to cut a piece for the photo and it didn't all make it back into the pan...the recipient/family member surely understood.=)

I changed it up just a little bit - I cut back on the sugar amounts, and used less butter. For me, it was plenty sweet...but then we don't eat sugary dishes very often.  So feel free to adjust to your tastes and family's dietary needs. 

It's not only delicious, it's deliciously easy...as Brandie's recipes are...so hope you and your family get to enjoy this one soon.  I LOVE a moist cake like this one and also love enjoying it WARM.  OH my Fruit Cocktail!! 

"LIGHTENED UP' FRUIT COCKTAIL CAKE 

2 c. self-rising flour**(see note below)
2 large eggs
1 tsp. vanilla extract
3/4 c. white sugar
(or half sugar & half substitute, like xylitol)
1 (15 ozs) can fruit cocktail in lite syrup, undrained

Sauce:

6 Tb. unsalted butter
1 c. unsweetened shredded coconut
(omit if you're not a coconut lover)
3/4 c. sugar (or substitute)
1 tsp. vanilla extract
3/4 c. (skim) evaporated milk
1 c. chopped, toasted pecans


Preheat oven to 350*. Spray 9" X 13" baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.

In medium bowl, slightly mix all cake ingredients, except for the fruit, stirring with a wooden spoon. Add undrained fruit and mix. Pour batter into prepared dish. 

Bake 30 - 35 minutes (unless using sugar substitutes like Splenda that tend to bake faster - check after 20 minutes). Cake is done when toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.  

Using a regular or meat fork, poke holes across the top of the cake. 
Then begin mixing up the sauce. 

Combine all sauce ingredients in medium pan. Bring to a boil and boil for 1 minute, stirring occasionally.  Pour the sauce evenly over the warm cake.


** Don't have any self-rising flour on hand?  Make your own (per cup) by mixing
1 c. all purpose flour
 1/2 tsp. salt and 
1 tsp. baking powder 

Linked to Weekend Potluck

Homemade Starbucks Caramel Frappuccino Light & Weekend Potluck #73

WELCOME TO WEEKEND POTLUCK!!

We gals here at "WP" extend best wishes to you for an enjoyable and safe July 4th week!

When I share something worth sharing...again...

I enjoyed this lovely cooling coffee drink just this week and had to share it with you...simple to make and so refreshing! 

Homemade Starbucks Caramel Frappuccino Light

Now, let's take a quick peek back at last week...

The recipe with the most clicks was ~

Snickers Cake by The Country Cook

A Few More Sweet Treats, perfect for your upcoming 4th of July Celebrations.....~

Pink Cream Soda Cupcakes by Hun, What’s For Dinner?

Almost No Bake Lemon Cream Pie by Lisa’s Dinnertime Dish

And, a personal favorite ~

Triple Berry Punch Bowl Cake (Red White & Blue!) by The Kitchen is my Playground


If you were featured today, please don't forget to grab the Featured Button below...

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Your hostesses ~

• Mommy Time Party ~ Tabitha
• Sunflower Supper Club ~ Kim & Julie
• 4 Little Fergusons~ Tonya
• The Country Cook~ Brandie
• The Better Baker ~ Marsha

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Triple Cheese Grilled 'Sammy' with Bacon & Tomato

After enjoying - thoroughly! - a similar sandwich at a local restaurant, I had to make up my own. Use your favorite cheese to add to this satisfying & hearty sandwich.

Serve with soup or a salad and you're good to go. 

Recipe can be easily doubled, or halved. 

TRIPLE CHEESE GRILLED 'SAMMY' WITH BACON & TOMATO 

4 slices multigrain bread

2 slices yellow American cheese

2 wedges garden vegetable Laughing Cow cheese

2 slices Muenster cheese

Several slices bacon, cooked crisp

2 slices tomato 

Place 1 slice of American cheese on each of two bread slices. Spread Laughing Cow cheese on each of remaining two slices. Place Muenster cheese on bread. Top with bacon and tomato slice. Place remaining slices over top. Butter one side; place buttered side down in skillet heated to medium-low. Butter top side, cook until underside is golden brown, flip to other side, then grill until toasty brown.  

Yield: 2 sandwiches 

Linked to Weekend Potluck
            Full Plate Thursday
          Meal Plan Monday

3 Fun Patriotic Foodie ideas {Blast from the Past}

With the 4th of July just around the corner, I wanted to share these with you now so you have time to plan ahead...have fun!


These kabobs are sure to be a hit, especially if you serve them with the 2 ingredient Nutella dip in this recipe.  Cut angel food cake into stars and thread on kebobs along with berries and bananas for a lovely addition to your holiday picnic or cookout.  

Patriotic Berry Kabobs

This lovely dessert pizza has a butter/flour crust, a layer of cream cheese mixture and eggless cookie dough dropped over the top, then berries added for that special touch.  Impressive!

Patriotic Cookie Dough Dessert Pizza




Using jelly beans and a pretzel rod, you can impress your friends and family in no time at all.  This will be a dessert everyone will salute you for making!

Jelly Bean Flag Cake

Chocolate Quinoa Cake

Isn't it amazing you can actually make a cake (& a delicious & moist one at that!) with quinoa???

I was pleasantly surprised at how tasty, chocolate-y and MOIST this great dessert was. 

Quinoa is one of the healthiest grains you can get. It has about the same amount of calories as regular rice, but it's more nutritious and higher in fiber than either brown or white rice. Quinoa is good source of protein.

You mix the quinoa with milk, eggs and vanilla in the blender for a while, then add to the dry ingredients. 

It's easy to mix up and no one will EVER guess it's a fairly healthy dessert! 

Pop on over to Lynn's Kitchen Adventures for the full recipe.

You won't be sorry!!

CHOCOLATE QUINOA CAKE 

Linked to Whatcha Whipped up Wednesday
Weekend Potluck