Slow Cooker Fruit Cocktail Cake
If you love easy slow cooker desserts that feel homemade without the hassle, this Slow Cooker Fruit Cocktail Cake is about to become a family favorite. Inspired by classic retro fruit cocktail cake recipes from the 1950s and 60s, this cozy crockpot dessert delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Just pour, stir, and let your slow cooker do the work.
Using canned mixed fruit keeps the cake incredibly moist and tender, creating a soft, almost pudding-like texture with sweet bursts of fruit in every bite. This is the kind of dump-and-go dessert that’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, holidays, or anytime you want a warm treat without turning on the oven.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Cake:
Only 5 simple ingredients budget-friendly and pantry-ready
Hands-off crockpot recipe no oven, no stress
Ultra-moist texture thanks to fruit cocktail and slow cooking
Perfect for feeding a crowd scoop and serve like a cobbler
Nostalgic comfort food that kids and adults both love
Serve it warm straight from the slow cooker and watch everyone keep coming back for “just one more scoop.”
Servings: 8
Ingredients:
1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
2 cans (15 oz each) fruit cocktail in juice, undrained
2 large eggs
1/3 cup neutral oil (vegetable or canola oil)
1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut (optional but classic)
Instructions:
Lightly grease a 4–6 quart slow cooker with cooking spray or oil.
In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, fruit cocktail with juice, eggs, and oil.
Stir just until combined. The batter will be thinner than traditional cake batter this is normal.
Fold in the shredded coconut if using.
Pour the batter into the slow cooker and smooth the top.
Cover and cook:
HIGH: 2 to 2½ hours
LOW: 4 to 4½ hours
The cake is done when the center is set and a toothpick comes out mostly clean.
Let rest for 15 minutes before serving to allow the cake to firm up slightly.
Serve warm and scoop directly from the crockpot.
Serving Ideas:
Top with vanilla ice cream for a classic slow cooker dessert experience
Add whipped cream for a lighter finish
Sprinkle with toasted coconut or chopped nuts for extra texture
Tips & Variations:
Use fruit cocktail packed in juice instead of syrup for a slightly lighter dessert
Add ½ teaspoon cinnamon for a warm, spiced flavor
Sprinkle brown sugar on top before cooking for a caramelized finish
Swap yellow cake mix for white or butter cake mix for flavor variety
