Friendship Cake And Starter

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Servings: 2 Difficulty: Advanced
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A tangy, fermented fruit cake batter that relies on a passed-down starter for its unique flavor.
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This classic American dessert features a unique fermented fruit batter known as “Friendship Cake.” The process begins with a starter that is nurtured over several weeks, adding sugar, brandy, and various canned fruits like pineapple and peaches. This fermentation creates a distinct tangy flavor and tender crumb. The final cake is moist, sweet, and packed with fruit chunks. It is a nostalgic treat often shared among friends, where the leftover batter is passed on to continue the cycle. Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or a comforting homemade dessert on a weekend afternoon.

Friendship Cake and Starter recipe image
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Friendship Cake And Starter

Author: chefs-mate Cooking Method: Cuisine: Courses:
Difficulty: Advanced
Servings: 2 Calories: 278.1

Description

This classic American dessert features a unique fermented fruit batter known as "Friendship Cake." The process begins with a starter that is nurtured over several weeks, adding sugar, brandy, and various canned fruits like pineapple and peaches. This fermentation creates a distinct tangy flavor and tender crumb. The final cake is moist, sweet, and packed with fruit chunks. It is a nostalgic treat often shared among friends, where the leftover batter is passed on to continue the cycle. Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or a comforting homemade dessert on a weekend afternoon.

Ingredients

Directions

  1. Create the initial starter: In a clean gallon jar, combine 1 cup cubed pineapple (including juice), 1 cup sugar, and 2 tablespoons brandy. Stir well.
  2. Cover the jar with a paper towel and secure with a rubber band. Do not seal tightly. Let sit at room temperature for 2 weeks, stirring daily.
  3. Add 1 cup maraschino cherries (with juice), 1 cup sugar, and 2 tablespoons brandy. Stir well. Let sit at room temperature for 2 weeks, stirring daily.
  4. Add 1 can (16 oz) sliced canned peaches (including juice), 1 cup sugar, and 2 tablespoons brandy. Stir well. Let sit at room temperature for 2 weeks, stirring daily.
  5. The starter is now ready to be used or shared. Separate the liquid from the fruit if desired, but typically the whole mixture is used.
  6. To prepare for baking, measure 1 1/2 cups of the finished starter into a new clean gallon jar.
  7. Add 2 1/2 cups sugar and 1 large can (28 oz) sliced peaches to the new jar. Mix well. Cover with paper towel. Stir daily for 10 days.
  8. Add 2 1/2 cups sugar and 1 can (16 oz) crushed pineapple. Stir well. Cover and stir daily for 10 days.
  9. Add 2 1/2 cups sugar and 1 can (16 oz) fruit cocktail. Stir well. Cover and stir daily for 10 days.
  10. Slice the contents of one 10 oz jar of maraschino cherries and add them with their juice to the jar. Stir well. Cover and stir daily for 10 days.
  11. On baking day, drain the fruit from the starter, reserving the liquid. Divide the fruit into two equal parts for two cakes.
  12. Save the reserved liquid to share as starter for friends (approximately 2 cups each). Do not refrigerate the starter liquid.
  13. Preheat oven to 350&# 194;°F (175ðC). Grease two tube pans.
  14. In a large bowl, combine one box of cake mix, one small box of instant pudding mix, 3/4 cup cooking oil, and 4 eggs. Beat until smooth.
  15. Fold in one portion of the fermented fruit and 1 cup chopped nuts. The batter will be thick.
  16. Pour the batter into the prepared tube pan. Repeat for the second cake.
  17. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  18. Turn the cakes out of the pans while still hot to cool on wire racks.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 2

Amount Per Serving
Calories 278.1kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 0.1g1%
Saturated Fat 0.0g0%
Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
Sodium 1.2mg1%
Total Carbohydrate 67.8g23%
Dietary Fiber 0.8g4%
Sugars 66.0g
Protein 0.3g1%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Storage: The fermented starter must be kept at room temperature. Refrigeration will stop the fermentation process. The finished cakes freeze well; wrap tightly after cooling.

Variations: You can use any flavor of cake mix and matching pudding mix. Coconut can be substituted for nuts in the batter.

Safety: Ensure all jars are clean. Stirring daily is crucial to prevent mold growth and ensure even fermentation.

Sharing: The tradition of this cake involves passing the remaining starter liquid to friends and family to start their own batch.

Keywords: friendship cake, starter, fermented, fruit cake, pineapple, peaches, brandy, pudding mix, cake mix, maraschino cherries, american dessert, sweet, baking, homemade, tradition, moist cake, fruit cocktail, nuts, sharing, classic
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