Fruit Cake Recipe

Fruit Cake Recipe. Image credit: Unsplash

South African fruit cake: Festive and full of flavour

It’s holiday baking season which is why you need to surprise your family with this light and fluffy South African fruit cake on Christmas.

Fruit Cake Recipe

Fruit Cake Recipe. Image credit: Unsplash

What’s that one iconic dessert you think of when it comes to Christmas time? If it’s fruit cake, you’ve got the right idea but not everybody loves it. Well, our South African fruit cake recipe is taking the one you remember and turning it on it’s head. This recipe makes a beautifully light and fluffy cake with dollops of fruit scattered inside each slice, giving you something sweet and delicious after Christmas lunch to enjoy with your family.

ALSO READ: Festive and fruity braai pie: A delightful Christmas lunch dessert

South African fruit cake

From the nuts to the berries, it all comes together so well in this yummy Christmas cake recipe that won’t feel like a brick in your hands or stomach. It’s light, fruity and reminds you of home. But, did you know that similar recipes might have come from ancient Roman homes? So, you’ll be indulging in truly classic holiday flavours. This cake is however not just for the Holiday Season and deserves to be enjoyed all year round with your favourite people.

ALSO READ: Vegan lemon blueberry American pancakes for breakfast

It’s holiday baking season which is why you need to surprise your family with this light and fluffy South African fruit cake on Christmas.

Last updated on 20 December 2023

South African fruit cake recipe

5 from 3 votes
Recipe by James Olivier Course: DessertCuisine: South AfricanDifficulty: Moderate
Prep time

20

minutes
Cooking time

1

hour 

30

minutes
Total time

1

hour 

50

minutes

This is not a dark and heavy traditional fruitcake, but a light daytime treat.

Ingredients

  • 2 2 eggs

  • 2 cups 2 flour

  • ¾ cup ¾ brown sugar

  • tsp baking powder

  • ½ cup ½ vegetable oil

  • ½ cup ½ milk

  • ½ cup ½ cherries

  • ½ cup ½ dried cranberries

  • ½ cup ½ raisins

  • ½ cup ½ sultanas

  • ¾ cup ¾ pecan nuts

Method

  • Preheat the oven to 150°C
  • Beat the eggs for 1-2 minutes
  • Add the oil, sugar, milk and sifted dry ingredients and mix well until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
  • Now add the fruit and nuts and stir through until mixed evenly throughout the mixture.
  • Bake in a loaf tin (greased and lined with wax paper) for 1 hour 45 minutes at 150°C.

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