Kenya Fruit Cake Recipe
Kenya Fruit Cake Recipe is a traditional Kenyan dessert made from mixed dried fruits, butter, brown sugar, eggs, flour, and warm spices. Soaked fruits add sweetness and moisture, while slow baking enhances flavor and texture. This rich, aromatic cake can be prepared in advance, stored easily, and enjoyed over several days, offering a delicious, festive treat for family and friends.
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!