You probably remember this very quick moment from the beloved 1989 comedy-drama Steel Magnolias. Dolly Parton's character Truvy is working in the hair salon when she's asked about a recipe called "Cuppa Cuppa Cuppa" that she's mentioned previously. She tells them it's so simple they don't need to write it down..
That's a cup of flour, a cup of sugar, a cup of fruit cocktail with the juice. Then you mix and bake at 350° until gold and bubbly.
When the Olympia Dukakis character Clairee comments that it sounds awfully rich, Truvy says that it is, so she serves it over ice cream to cut the sweetness.
Various food writers and YouTubers have made the dish over the years and always confirm that it works and is delicious.
Steel Magnolias was a huge hit at the box office when it hit theaters in November 1989. The film adaptation of a play of a play by Robert Harling, the movie boasted an incredible ensemble cast...Sally Field, Dolly Parton, Shirley MacLaine, Darryl Hannah, Olympia Dukakis, and a very young Julia Roberts. It's streaming on Netflix through November 30 if you're inspired to do a re-watch, or finally catch up with a classic.
As a little bonus, enjoy the cast of Steel Magnolias promoting the movie on both Donahue and The Oprah Winfrey Show back in 1989. YouTuber John Flanagan has archived the full episodes, plus all kinds of other great throwback stuff from daytime talk shows, Entertainment Tonight, Barbara Walters interviews and more.
Photo: Tri-Star Pictures/Sony Pictures Motion Picture Group