Friendship Fruit Cake

Follow our step-by-step guide on how to make Friendship Fruit Cake.

1. Step 1

   To start your delightful Friendship Fruit journey, grab a large glass jar or bowl and mix the Friendship Fruit Starter with the juice from your freshly sliced peaches.

2. Step 2

   Cut those peach slices into quarters and toss them into the mix.

3. Step 3

   Now, sweeten the deal by stirring in 2 1/2 cups of sugar until everything is well blended.

4. Step 4

   Cover the jar loosely with a clean dish towel and let it sit at room temperature for 10 days, giving it a gentle stir each day.

5. Step 5

   To keep pesky ants at bay, place a pan of water underneath the jar—nature’s little barrier! On day ten, it’s time to introduce some tropical flair.

6. Step 6

   Strain the juice from a pineapple over your starter mixture, then cut each pineapple chunk in half and add them in.

7. Step 7

   Stir in another 1/2 cup of sugar until it’s all combined.

8. Step 8

   Cover it loosely again and let it sit at room temperature for another 10 days, stirring daily.

9. Step 9

   You’ll notice the mixture changing color and foaming as it ferments—how exciting! When day twenty rolls around, it’s time to add a pop of color with maraschino cherries.

10. Step 10

    Halve each cherry and mix them into your starter.

11. Step 11

    Stir in the remaining 2 1/2 cups of sugar until everything is well incorporated.

12. Step 12

    Cover it loosely one last time and let it sit at room temperature for the final 10 days, stirring daily.

13. Step 13

    You’ll see the mixture take on a lovely pink hue from the cherries.

14. Step 14

    On day thirty, it’s time to bottle up your creation! Drain the liquid from the fruit and pour it into three glass or ceramic pint jars—one for you to bake your next cake and two to share with friends.

15. Step 15

    Set the fruit aside; it’s going to be a star ingredient in your cake.

16. Step 16

    Now, let’s get baking! Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and grease and flour two 9x13-inch baking dishes to ensure your cakes come out perfectly.

17. Step 17

    In a large bowl, beat together one box of cake mix, four eggs, 2/3 cup of oil, and one package of instant pudding until everything is well combined.

18. Step 18

    Fold in half of the reserved fruit, then add in 1 cup of raisins, 1 cup of walnuts, and 1 cup of coconut, mixing until fully incorporated.

19. Step 19

    The batter will be thick and hearty, just how we like it! Pour the batter into one of the prepared baking dishes and repeat the process for the second cake.

20. Step 20

    Place both cakes in your preheated oven and bake for 55 to 65 minutes.

21. Step 21

    You’ll know they’re ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

22. Step 22

    The aroma wafting through your kitchen will be irresistible, and soon you’ll have a delicious cake to share and enjoy!.