If you’ve seen Steel Magnolias, you probably remember Truvy’s ridiculously simple Cuppa Cuppa Cuppa Cake. The whole idea is right there in the name: equal parts flour and sugar with fruit cocktail and its juice. It’s one of those wonderfully old-fashioned Southern desserts that almost sounds too easy to work.

With just three ingredients, it bakes into a sweet, golden cake that’s especially good served warm. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top to balance all that sweetness and you’ve got an easy little dessert with a fun connection to one of my favorite Southern movies.

Ingredients

• 1 cup self-rising flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 (15-ounce) can fruit cocktail, undrained

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
3. In a medium bowl, stir together the self-rising flour and sugar.
4. Add the entire can of fruit cocktail, including all of the juice. Stir just until combined. Do not overmix.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish.
6. Bake for 40–50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cake is bubbling around the edges.
7. Let cool for about 10 minutes before serving.

Optional Add-Ins

• Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar before baking.
• Fold in ½ cup chopped pecans.
• Top with vanilla ice cream.

Serve With

Vanilla ice cream, fresh whipped cream, or a drizzle of heavy cream.