If you’ve seen the movie Steel Magnolias, you’re probably familiar with this famous southern recipe: Cuppa Cuppa Cake. As Dolly Parton’s character says, this cake is so simple that you don’t even need to write it down. It’s simply: “A cuppa flour, a cuppa sugar, a cuppa fruit cocktail, and bake it till golden brown.” It’s so simple, you can do it from memory. No wonder it has been a southern staple for so long!

While we’ve stayed relatively true to the original recipe here, there are a few things you should know for the best results. Because the batter contains no baking powder, you should use self-rising flour rather than regular all-purpose flour. The other component is ¼ cup butter. Use it to generously butter the baking dish, then cut the rest into pats and sprinkle on top of the cake batter before baking.

This adds a buttery crunch that takes it to the next level. The cake is fairly sweet and has a cobbler-like texture, so it pairs well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh whipped cream. Cut it into slices or dive in with a serving spoon; the presentation is up to you. Whether you’re revisiting the recipe as a Steel Magnolias fan or trying it for the first time, this cake will have you hooked from the first bite!