In 1989, a film by the name of “Steel Magnolias” was released. This film features many famous leading ladies, including the incredible Dolly Parton. 

Parton plays a hair dresser named Truvy Jones. During a scene where a whole group of southern hometown friends are in her parlor getting dolled up for a wedding, Jones shares a recipe. This recipe is for fruit cocktail cake. The recipe takes only three ingredients, making it very easy to make. 

The ingredients are: one cup of sugar, one cup of flour, and one cup of fruit cocktail, with the juice. 

In the film, Jones simply lists “flour.” However, she is referring specifically to self rising flour. If you do not have self rising flour, or don’t wish to purchase a whole bag of it for just one recipe, use all-purpose flour. If you make that change, add approximately half of a teaspoon of baking soda and half of a teaspoon of salt. Without it, you will have a dense, bland puck instead of cake. 

For this recipe you will need four tools: a mixing bowl, a mixing spoon, a one cup measuring cup, and a baking dish. If using all-purpose flour, you will also need a half teaspoon measuring spoon. 

Combine all of your ingredients together until it creates a smooth, cake batter like consistency. Maybe a little on the thicker side. Once that is complete, pour your mixture into a greased and/or parchment paper lined baking dish. I used a 9×9 square pan, but you can use whatever your heart desires or whatever is the cheapest option at Target. Whether it be a tin pan, a circular cake pan, a pie plate or a square pan, any flat, nine-inch pan will do.

Once you’ve got your mixture into your pan of choice, set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. In the film, they do not specify a time. Bake until the cake is done all the way through and golden brown. For me, that was approximately 35 minutes, however that time may be subject to change. I suggest checking your cake every 10 minutes for the first 20 minutes, then every five minutes until it is done. 

A good way to tell if your cake is baked all the way through is to ensure there is no jiggle in the center of the pan. If you’re still unsure, or just want to be on the super safe side, take a clean butter knife and insert it in the middle. If your knife comes out clean, your cake is done. If not, put it back in. 

This cake is very rich, and it is best paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cake is good for what it is: simple. It is rich and a bit dense. If you are looking for something delicate and airy, this is not the recipe for you. 

The juice from the fruit cocktail makes the cake incredibly moist and the flavor blends beautifully with the vanilla ice cream. However, the cake doesn’t really stand well on its own. With the ice cream, I rate this recipe an 8/10. Without, I rate this recipe a 5/10. It was fun to make in remembrance of Parton and her character, Truvy Jones, but I wouldn’t make it again. 

Make it for yourself to find out.