If you love simple Southern desserts, Dolly Parton’s Cuppa-Cuppa Cake is a recipe worth trying. It gets its charming name from the basic measurements: a cup of flour, a cup of sugar, and a cup of fruit.
There’s no complicated technique and no long list of ingredients. Just mix everything together, bake it until golden and bubbling, and you’ll have a warm, comforting dessert that tastes wonderful with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup fruit, such as canned peaches, blueberries, or mixed berries
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Place the butter in a 9-inch baking dish and allow it to melt in the oven as it preheats. Remove the dish carefully once the butter has melted.
2. Prepare the Batter
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Pour in the milk and vanilla extract. Stir gently until the batter is smooth.
Don’t overmix. A few small lumps are perfectly fine.
3. Assemble the Cake
Pour the batter directly over the melted butter in the baking dish.
Do not stir the batter and butter together.
Spoon the fruit evenly over the top.
As the cake bakes, the batter will rise around the fruit and butter, creating a soft, golden dessert with delicious caramelized edges.
4. Bake
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 40–50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
The fruit should be bubbling around the edges and the cake should have a lightly crisp, golden surface.
5. Cool Slightly
Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for about 10–15 minutes.
It’s especially delicious while still warm.
The Best Fruits to Use
One of the fun things about this cake is how easily you can change the fruit.
Peach Cuppa-Cuppa Cake
Use sliced canned peaches for the classic Southern-style version.
Blueberry Version
Use fresh or frozen blueberries for a sweet and slightly tangy dessert.
Mixed Berry Version
Combine strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries.
Apple Version
Use peeled and thinly sliced apples with a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Tips for the Best Cuppa-Cuppa Cake
Use a flavorful fruit: Ripe peaches and fresh berries give the cake wonderful natural flavor.
Don’t stir after adding the fruit: The fruit should sit on top of the batter so the cake develops its characteristic layers.
Don’t overmix the batter: Stir just until the ingredients are combined.
Watch the baking time: Ovens vary, so begin checking around the 40-minute mark.
Serve it warm: This cake is at its best when served slightly warm.
Serving Suggestions
For a classic dessert, spoon the warm cake into bowls and top it with:
- Vanilla ice cream
- Whipped cream
- Powdered sugar
- A drizzle of caramel sauce
- Fresh berries
The combination of warm fruit, buttery cake, and cold vanilla ice cream is especially delicious.
How to Store It
Cover the cooled cake and refrigerate leftovers.
It can be reheated gently in the microwave or oven before serving.
For the best texture, enjoy it within a few days.
Final Thoughts
Dolly Parton’s Cuppa-Cuppa Cake is the kind of dessert that proves you don’t need complicated ingredients or fancy techniques to make something delicious.
With simple measurements, buttery cake, and your favorite fruit, it’s an easy old-fashioned treat that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, afternoon coffee, or whenever you’re craving a warm homemade dessert.