Kenya Fruit Cake Recipe is a moist, spiced cake made with soaked dried fruits, butter, sugar, eggs, and aromatic spices, traditionally served during festive occasions.
This delicious cake is rich, moist, and full of flavor from soaked fruits and spices. I made this Kenya Fruit Cake because I was inspired after seeing how it was prepared in Kenya.
I will now demonstrate the recipe step by step, showing how to soak fruits, mix ingredients, and bake the cake to golden perfection.
Why This Kenya Fruit Cake Recipe Is The Only One You’ll Need?
This Kenya Fruit Cake Recipe delivers a rich, moist texture and balanced sweetness that pleases every palate. Soaked dried fruits infuse deep flavor while aromatic spices enhance each bite.
Simple ingredients create a comforting, homemade taste that feels special without extra effort. Every slice offers warmth, indulgence, and satisfaction.
It stands out as a timeless favourite, bringing joy to tea times, celebrations, or quiet moments at home.
How To Prepare Kenya Fruit Cake Recipe?
Recipe Overview
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Baking Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Course: Dessert / Cake
Difficulty: Medium
Cuisine: Kenyan
Yield: 10 servings
Kitchen Utensils
- Mixing bowls
- Wooden spoon or electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 20 cm (8-inch) round cake pan
- Spatula
- Sieve for flour
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
- 150 g mixed dried fruits (raisins, sultanas, candied peels)
- 60 ml orange juice or brandy (for soaking fruits)
- 250 g all purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 225 g butter, softened
- 200 g brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tsp mixed spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
How To Make Kenya Fruit Cake Recipe?
1. Soak The Fruits
Put all the dried fruits in a bowl and pour over the orange juice or brandy. Cover and leave them to soak for at least 1–2 hours. For a richer, deeper flavor, let them soak overnight.
2. Preheat The Oven
Heat your oven to 160 °C (320 °F). Grease a 20 cm (8-inch) round cake pan and line it with parchment paper.
3. Cream The Butter And Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and creamy.
4. Add Eggs And Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Prepare The Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, mixed spices, and a pinch of salt.
6. Combine Wet And Dry Ingredients
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the butter mixture. Mix gently until everything is just combined don’t over mix, or the cake might turn dense.
7. Fold In The Soaked Fruits
Carefully fold in the soaked fruits along with any leftover liquid, making sure they are evenly distributed.
8. Bake The Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 1 to 1¼ hours, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Serve
Slice the cake and serve as is, or with a dollop of cream or a scoop of ice cream. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts Per Serving
| Nutrition | Amounts |
|---|---|
| Calories | 380 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 52 g |
| Protein | 5 g |
| Fat | 16 g |
| Saturated Fat | 9 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 32 g |
About This Kenya Fruit Cake Recipe
Kenya Fruit Cake Recipe is a traditional Kenyan dessert made with mixed dried fruits, butter, brown sugar, eggs, flour, and fragrant spices.
The main speciality of this cake is its rich, moist texture combined with the natural sweetness and chewiness of the soaked dried fruits, enhanced by a hint of brandy or orange juice.
The spices create a warm, comforting flavor that makes every bite memorable. This cake is often baked slowly to develop depth, resulting in a golden, flavourful treat that is both festive and satisfying.
Recipe Variations
➢ Substitute brandy with dark rum or sherry to create a richer, boozier flavor.
➢ Add chopped nuts such as almonds, cashews, or walnuts for a crunchy texture.
➢ Incorporate grated apple or carrot to increase moisture and add natural sweetness.
➢ Replace brown sugar with coconut sugar or jaggery for a deeper, caramel like taste.
➢ Mix in orange or lemon zest to enhance the citrus aroma and brighten the flavor.
Pro Tips And Tricks
➢ Soak the dried fruits for several hours or overnight to intensify flavor and add natural moisture.
➢ Beat butter and sugar until pale and fluffy to create a light, tender crumb.
➢ Fold flour gently into the batter to avoid over mixing and keep the cake soft.
➢ Lightly toast the mixed spices before adding to release deeper aromas.
➢ Wrap the cooled cake in cling film and rest for a day to allow flavours to meld fully.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Kenya Fruit Cake Recipe sliced slightly thick to showcase its rich, spiced texture. Pair it alongside a cup of hot tea, coffee, or warm milk to enhance the flavors.
A light dusting of powdered sugar adds elegance, while a spread of butter or cream cheese complements the sweetness.
Fresh fruit or a drizzle of honey provides a refreshing contrast. Enjoy at breakfast, afternoon tea, or as a comforting dessert for family and friends.
How To Make More Delicious Kenya Fruit Cake Recipe?
To make more delicious Kenya Fruit Cake Recipe, soak mixed dried fruits in brandy or orange juice for several hours to enhance their flavor and juiciness.
Beat butter and brown sugar until creamy before adding eggs one at a time. Sift flour, baking powder, and spices to ensure even texture.
Fold ingredients gently to keep the batter light. Bake slowly at low temperature for even cooking. Cooling the cake completely before slicing allows flavours to deepen and the texture to remain moist.
Storage & Make Ahead
Kenya Fruit Cake Recipe can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to three weeks.
Freezing the cake preserves it for several months. Preparing the cake a few days in advance allows the flavours to develop fully.
Slicing the Kenya Fruit Cake Recipe after cooling ensures even portions and maintains its moist, rich texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Should The Dried Fruits Be Soaked?
Soak the mixed dried fruits for at least 30 minutes, or longer for richer flavor.
Can I Use Juice Instead Of Brandy?
Yes, orange juice or apple juice can be used for a non alcoholic version.
What Type Of Pan Is Best For Baking?
A round cake tin lined with baking paper works well.
How Do I Keep The Cake Moist?
Bake at a low temperature and cool completely before slicing.
Can I Add Nuts To The Cake?
Chopped almonds or walnuts can be added for extra texture.
Conclusion
This Kenya Fruit Cake Recipe was easy, enjoyable, and a delicious success! The combination of spiced flavours and sweet, soaked fruits created a truly delightful treat.
I hope this recipe inspires you to try it yourself. With simple ingredients and clear steps, you can prepare this cake at home. Bake it soon and share how wonderfully delicious it turns out!
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Kenya Fruit Cake Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Wooden spoon or electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 20 cm (8-inch) round cake pan
- Spatula
- Sieve (for flour)
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
- 150 g mixed dried fruits raisins, sultanas, candied peels
- 60 ml orange juice or brandy for soaking fruits
- 250 g all purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 225 g butter softened
- 200 g brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tsp mixed spices cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
Soak The Fruits
- Put all the dried fruits in a bowl and pour over the orange juice or brandy. Cover and leave them to soak for at least 1–2 hours. For a richer, deeper flavor, let them soak overnight.
Preheat The Oven
- Heat your oven to 160 °C (320 °F). Grease a 20 cm (8-inch) round cake pan and line it with parchment paper.
Cream The Butter And Sugar
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and creamy.
Add Eggs And Vanilla
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Prepare The Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, mixed spices, and a pinch of salt.
Combine Wet And Dry Ingredients
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the butter mixture. Mix gently until everything is just combined don’t over mix, or the cake might turn dense.
Fold In The Soaked Fruits
- Carefully fold in the soaked fruits along with any leftover liquid, making sure they are evenly distributed.
Bake The Cake
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 1 to 1¼ hours, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serve
- Slice the cake and serve as is, or with a dollop of cream or a scoop of ice cream. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380 kcal | Carbohydrates: 52 g | Protein: 5 g | Fat: 16 g | Saturated Fat: 9 g | Fiber: 2 g | Sugar: 32 gHi, I’m Samia! I’ve spent the past five years creating recipes that are both delicious and unique. Cooking is my passion, and I love exploring different cuisines, blending flavors, and turning everyday meals into something memorable. From quick weeknight dinners to festive feasts, I aim to make every dish special. I’d love for you to join me on this culinary journey together we’ll explore simple, easy-to-follow recipes and tips that make cooking fun, inspiring, and full of joy!