Fermented Fruit Cake Or Friendship Cake
A sweet and fruity fermented cake with tender peaches, pineapples, cherries, and optional nuts and coconut, perfect for sharing with friends and family.
Ingredients
- 1 pt. starter ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can lite sliced peaches ⓘ
- 1 (20 oz.) can pineapple tidbits ⓘ
- 3 (6 oz.) jars maraschino cherries ⓘ
- 7 1/2 c. sugar
- 2 boxes butter golden cake mix ⓘ
- 2 boxes instant vanilla pudding ⓘ
- 8 eggs
- 1 1/3 c. cooking oil ⓘ
- 2 c. raisins (optional) ⓘ
- 2 c. walnuts (optional) ⓘ
- 2 c. pecans (optional) ⓘ
- 2 c. coconut (optional)
Instructions
- Pour starter into a glass gallon jar.
- Add can of sliced peaches and juice, cutting each slice into four pieces.
- Add 2 1/2 cups sugar.
- Stir to combine.
- Cover the jar loosely and keep at room temperature.
- Stir every day for ten days.
- Note that all the sugar may not dissolve for several days.
- Do not cover the jar airtight during this fermentation process.
Tips & Substitutions
For the starter, any fruit-based starter can work, but make sure it's active for the best fermentation results. If you don't have maraschino cherries, you can substitute with fresh or frozen cherries. Consider using a gluten-free cake mix if needed. For added flavor, spices like cinnamon or nutmeg can be mixed into the batter. For a lighter texture, separate the egg whites and beat them before folding into the mixture.
Serving Suggestions
This cake is delicious served plain or with a dusting of powdered sugar. It pairs excellently with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert. Consider serving it alongside a cup of coffee or tea. For an added touch, you can serve it with a slice of Fredie'S Apple Cake for a delightful dessert platter.
Storage & Reheating
Once the cake is baked, allow it to cool completely before storing. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, slice and warm in the microwave for a few seconds or in the oven at low heat until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fermented Fruit Cake Or Friendship Cake contains roughly 4323 calories, with 47g protein, 281g carbohydrates, and 360g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (149% of the Daily Value), protein (93% of the Daily Value), and iron (79% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. It also contributes 42g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the fermentation process take?
The fermentation process for the starter takes about ten days. During this time, you should stir it daily and keep it at room temperature. The sugar may not dissolve completely at first, but this is normal. After ten days, your starter will be ready to use in the cake mixture.
Can I add other fruits to the cake?
Absolutely! You can customize your cake by adding other fruits like diced apples, chopped bananas, or mixed dried fruits. Just be mindful of the moisture content of the additional fruits to avoid altering the cake's texture too much.
Is it possible to make this cake in advance?
Yes, you can make this cake in advance. It actually improves in flavor after a day or two. Just make sure to wrap it properly to retain its moisture. You can bake it a few days before serving, and it will be just as delightful when enjoyed later.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).