Indulge in the timeless tradition of holiday baking with our exquisite Friendship Fruitcake and Starter with Brandy. This cherished recipe, passed down through generations, embodies the spirit of togetherness and the warmth of the festive season. As you embark on this culinary journey, you'll discover the secrets behind creating a moist, flavorful fruitcake that delights the senses and brings loved ones together. Along the way, you'll also learn how to nurture and maintain a sourdough starter, an essential ingredient that adds a unique tang and depth of flavor to your baked goods. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting out, this comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge and confidence to craft a truly exceptional Friendship Fruitcake that will become a cherished part of your holiday traditions.
In addition to the classic Friendship Fruitcake recipe, this article also includes variations that cater to different tastes and dietary preferences. For those who prefer a gluten-free option, there's a dedicated recipe that uses almond flour and tapioca flour to create a light and airy cake. If you're looking for a vegan alternative, you'll find a recipe that uses plant-based ingredients to achieve the same rich flavor and moist texture. And for those who want to add a boozy twist to their fruitcake, there's a recipe that incorporates rum and brandy for an extra layer of indulgence.
With detailed instructions, helpful tips, and a passion for baking, this article will guide you through the process of creating a Friendship Fruitcake that is both delicious and visually stunning. Whether you're baking for a holiday gathering, a special occasion, or simply as a treat for yourself and your loved ones, this recipe will surely become a cherished part of your culinary repertoire.
FRIENDSHIP FRUITCAKE AND STARTER WITH BRANDY
Here's the recipe for the starter for a fruit-packed Friendship Cake. This is made with apricot brandy.
Provided by Lennie
Categories Quick Breads
Time P15DT1h
Yield 4 starters
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Day 1: in a large bowl, combine brandy (or starter from a friend), 2 cups sugar and peaches; cover; store at room temperature.
- Stir daily.
- Day 5: Add 2 cups sugar and pineapple.
- Stir daily.
- Day 10: Add 2 cups sugar and cherries.
- Stir daily.
- Day 15: Drain fruit mixture; divide fruit in half.
- Reserve half for later use.
- Divide juice to make 3 or 4"starters" (at least 1-1/2 cups juice for each).
- Give juice"starter" to friends for use within 1 to 2 days.
- TO MAKE CAKE: Heat oven to 350 F degrees.
- Grease three 9 x 5 x 3 inch loaf pans.
- Combine half the fruit and nuts in a large bowl; flour with 1/2 pkg (about 2 cups) cake mix; set aside.
- Blend 1-1/2 packages cake mix, eggs and oil in another large bowl on low speed of mixer till moistened; beat 2 minutes at medium speed.
- Pour batter over fruit-nut mixture; mix thoroughly.
- Pour into pans and bake 60 minutes.
- Do not open door or prick or pat to test for doneness.
- Cool 10 minutes; remove from pans.
FRIENDSHIP FRUIT STARTER & CAKE
Make and share this Friendship Fruit Starter & Cake recipe from Food.com.
Provided by Tonkcats
Categories Quick Breads
Time P1m4DT1h30m
Yield 24 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- (Do not refrigerate). Keep on counter top in gallon jar.
- Stir several times daily.
- This will make enough fruit for 3 cakes.
- Cover jar with a cloth, not a lid.
- Combine 1 cup sugar, peach juice and pineapple juice, stir everyday for 2 weeks.
- Next combine 1 1/2 cups starter, 2 1/2 cups sugar and cut up peaches with juice, stir for 10 days.
- Then add 2 1/2 cups sugar and pineapple with juice, stir for 10 more days.
- Then add 2 1/2 cups sugar, fruit cocktail with juice and chopped up cherries, stir for 10 more days.
- Then drain fruit juice from fruit and give to friends for a starter 1 1/2 cups to 4 or 5 friends.
- To make the cake: mix all cake ingredients together, pour into greased and floured bundt pan.
- Bake at 350°F for 50 to 55 minutes.
- This cake freezes well if you would like to freeze a couple for later.
- To make the icing: Beat all icing ingredients until fluffy.
- Double icing recipe for three cakes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 689.1, Fat 19.4, SaturatedFat 4.5, Cholesterol 41.8, Sodium 326.5, Carbohydrate 129.4, Fiber 1.9, Sugar 117.4, Protein 4
FRIENDSHIP FRUIT STARTER
If you must start from scratch for the Thirty Day Friendship Cake, here is the recipe to make your first batch of starter. This is a fruit-based starter as opposed to the common flour-based starter in Amish Friendship Bread. I received my first starter for this cake in 1992. It makes a wonderful, moist cake (actually, 2 cakes per batch) to feed a crowd; and has a tropical flavor to it. I was extremely grateful to find this recipe at allrecipes.com. I have found the starter to be quite forgiving. Don't start this if you will be gone for a week or two but it will survive if left unattended for a weekend or a few days... just keep counting and resume stirring when you return. Note: Prep time includes aging time for starter
Provided by luvinlif2k
Categories Quick Breads
Time P21D
Yield 2 cups starter and 6 c. brandied fruit
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- In a large glass jar, combine drained pineapple chunks, drained apricot slices, drained sliced peaches, drained maraschino cherries, brandy and sugar.
- Stir gently with a wooden spoon.
- Cover and let stand at room temperature for 3 weeks, stirring at least twice a week.
- Drain and reserve the liquid. This liquid is your starter for the "Thirty Day Friendship Cake".
Nutrition Facts : Calories 1392.5, Fat 0.6, SaturatedFat 0.1, Sodium 18, Carbohydrate 253.8, Fiber 9.7, Sugar 243, Protein 2.4
FRUIT STARTER AND FRIENDSHIP CAKE
This wonderful recipe is one that an elderly neighbor shared with me back in the early 70's. She was always baking and sharing her baked goods. She was one of the sweetest neighbors ever! The 1st day I moved into the house next to her and her hubby, she cooked a wonderful meal for us. Our friendship began that day. She has...
Provided by Diane Atherton
Categories Fruit Desserts
Number Of Ingredients 18
Steps:
- 1. PLEASE READ DIRECTIONS before starting. There will be additional ingredients (that are not listed in the ingredients above) as the starter progesses.
- 2. DIRECTIONS FOR BASIC STARTER: Combine ingredients in a gallon glass jar or a large glass bowl. Do NOT use a metal container. Keep at room temperture, loosely cover with a dish towel or saucer. Stir daily with a wooden or plastic spoon. Do NOT use metal utensils. It will take about 10 days for the fermentation to take place.
- 3. DAY 10: add 2 1/2 cups sugar and 1 large can of chunk pineapple and juice; stir well, cover loosely, and then stir every day.
- 4. DAY 20: add 2 1/2 cups sugar and 1 large can fruit cocktal and juice and 1 (10-ounce) jar maraschino cherries (without stems), drained well; stir well, cover loosely and then stir every day.
- 5. DAY 30: drain liquid from fruit inot 1 1/2 cup portions of starter, there should be about 5 potions. Give juice away to friends (be sure to keep one portion for your self for your starter base) to be used as a starter base or store at room temperature. Use remaining fruit to make ckes; there should be enough fruit to make 3 cakes. Cake recipe is below.
- 6. DIRECTIONS FOR STARTING A NEW STARTER WITH A STARTER: Combine ingredients in a gallon glass jar or a large glass bowl. Do NOT use a metal container. Keep at room temperture, loosely cover with a dish towel or saucer. Stir daily with a wooden or plastic spoon. Do NOT use metal utensils. It will take about 10 days for the fermentation to take place.
- 7. DAY 10: repeat step 2 DAY 20: repeat step 3 DAY 30: repeat step 4
- 8. DIRECTIONS FOR FRIENDSHIP CAKE: Combine cake mix, pudding mix; add oil and 1 egg. Using electric mixer beat and then add eggs one at a time beating well after each addition. Remove beaters; fold in fruit, nutes and coconut.
- 9. Pour batter into greased and floured tube or bundt pan. Bake in preheated over at 350 degrees for 55 to 60 minutes.
- 10. Remove from oven and cool in pan for 10 to 15 minutes before inverting on to plate.
- 11. NOTE: The fruit can also be used as a topping for ice cream.
FRIENDSHIP CAKE WITH BRANDIED FRUIT STARTER RECIPE - (4.1/5)
Provided by á-42919
Number Of Ingredients 17
Steps:
- Brandied Fruit Starter should last indefinitely if handled properly. Use clean equipment and keep it covered. Combine all ingredients in a clean, nonmetal bowl; stir gently. Cover and let stand at room temperature 3 weeks, stirring fruit twice a week. Serve fruit over ice cream or pound cake when desired, reserving at least 1 cup starter at all times. To replenish starter: Add 1 cup sugar and one of the fruits (pineapple chunks, peaches, apricot halves or maraschino cherries) every 1 to 3 weeks, alternating fruits each time; stir gently. Cover and let stand at room temperature 3 days before using again. When you have 6 cups you can divide the fruit and start a second glass container or give 3 cups away or make the Friendship Cake. *Apricot or peach brandy may be substituted, if desired. FRIENDSHIP CAKE MIX: Combine in a gallon glass jar 2 1/2 cups sugar, 1 1/2 cups brandied fruit Starter and 1 (32-ounce) can sliced peaches with juice; stir all together; stir several times the first day and thereafter, stir once each day. Keep covered and at room temperature. On Tenth Day add: 1 (32-ounce) can chunk pineapple with juice 2 1/2 cups granulated sugar Stir once a day for 10 days. On Twentieth Day add: 1 (32-ounce) can fruit cocktail with juice 2 1/2 cups granulated sugar 1 (10-ounce) jar maraschino cherries with juice, diced Stir once a day for 10 days. On Thirtieth day: Drain liquid from fruit. Divide the juice into 1 1/2 cups each. Place in jars with tight lids and give to a friend with a copy of recipe as soon as possible. Divide fruit into thirds. Makes 3 cakes. Cakes can be frozen after they are baked. Juice or fruit cannot be frozen. Friendship Cake Mix Recipe: Combine all ingredients together, mixing well. Bake in greased and floured Bundt pan at 350°F (175°C) for 50 to 60 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan on rack for 15 minutes before removing. Cool completely on wire rack.
THIRTY DAY FRIENDSHIP CAKE
This takes 30 days to prepare the fruit for the cake but it's worth it. It's delicious. If you are lucky a 'friend' will give you 2 cups of starter along with a piece of cake so you won't have to go to all the trouble of preparing a starter. If you have the starter, begin with step 1. If you don't have the starter, follow the link to Friendship Fruit Starter. It will actually take 50 days total, if you need to make the starter.
Provided by Yvonne
Categories Desserts Fruit Dessert Recipes Cherry Dessert Recipes
Time P19DT19h2m
Yield 48
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Day One: In a large glass jar or bowl, combine 2 cups of the starter with 1 can of the sliced peaches and their juice (each slice chopped into 4 pieces). Add 2 1/2 cups of the white sugar and stir once every day for 10 days. When not stirring mixture, keep it covered with a paper towel, foil, or a loose lid. Let sit at room temperature. Don't refrigerate it or cover it airtight. A pan of water underneath the jar or bowl will keep the ants out.
- Day Ten: Add 1 can of chunk pineapple and its juice. Cut each chunk of pineapple in half. Stir in 1/2 cup of white sugar. Stir once everyday for 10 days. The color should change, and the mixture should foam when stirred.
- Day Twenty: Slice each cherry in half, and stir in. Add 2 1/2 cups of the white sugar. Stir once every day for the final 10 days. The cherries will give the juice back its pinkish color.
- Day Thirty: Drain fruit and reserve it and the liquid. The fruit will be used in the cake. Pour the liquid into 3 glass or ceramic pint jars. One for you to start your next cake, and two for friends. Cake must be started within 3 days after receiving the starter, or you should freeze the starter to use at a later date. Do not use plastic or metal containers to store liquid!
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Grease and flour two 9x13-inch baking pans.
- It's best to mix the two cakes separately. Combine 1 box of the cake mix, 1 box of the instant vanilla pudding, 2/3 cup of the vegetable oil, and 4 of the eggs. Stir, then add 1/2 of the drained reserved fruit from the starter. Stir, then add 1 cup of the golden raisins, 1 cup of the chopped nuts and 1 cup of the coconut. Stir until all ingredients are combined. The batter will be stiff. Pour batter into the prepared cake pan. Repeat for cake number two.
- Bake cakes at in the preheated oven for 55 to 65 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 346.3 calories, Carbohydrate 55.5 g, Cholesterol 31.4 mg, Fat 13.6 g, Fiber 1.3 g, Protein 3.1 g, SaturatedFat 2.7 g, Sodium 220.2 mg, Sugar 38.7 g
STARTER FOR FRIENDSHIP FRUITCAKE
This is a recipe request. I have not made it, but it sounds good! Prep time includes the time the starter needs to grow! Use in Recipe #40994.
Provided by ciao4293
Categories Yeast Breads
Time P30D
Yield 5 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- In a 1-gallon glass jar with a wide mouth and lid, combine the peaches, pineapple, maraschino cherries, sugar and yeast (make sure the yeast is well mixed with syrup).
- Stir mixture two times the first day.
- Stir once a day afterward.
- Do not refrigerate this mixture.
- Keep loosely covered.
- Two weeks after starting the starter, add 1/2 cup peaches and 1/2 cup pineapple with syrup.
- Wait for several days, stirring daily, and drain 2 cups of mixed fruit and use to make cake as directed in the cake recipe.
- Reserve 1 1/2 cups starter juice and leave in glass gallon jar.
- Count this as Day One, and start the process for renewing the starter and making the cake.
- DAY 1: To reserved 1 1/2 cups starter juice (or to starter juice given you by a friend), add 2 1/2 cups sugar and a 2-lb can of peaches with syrup.
- Stir daily.
- Keep loosely covered.
- Do not refrigerate.
- DAY 10: Add 2 1/2 cups granulated sugar, a 2 pound can pineapple chunks with juice.
- Stir daily.
- Keep loosely covered.
- Do not refrigerate.
- DAY 20: Add 2 1/2 cups granulated sugar and 8 to 10 oz drained and halved maraschino cherries.
- Stir daily.
- Keep loosely covered.
- Do not refrigerate.
- DAY 30: Drain fruit, reserving 1 1/2 cups juice for renewing starter.
- Use drained fruit to make 3 cakes (see recipe), give excess starter juice to friends, and start a new batch of fruit (repeat aforementioned process).
- At the end of 30 days, you will have enough excess starter juice to give to about four friends.
- Be sure to keep enough juice (1 1/2 cups) for your own starter.
- At the end of 30 days, there will be enough fruit to use 1 3/4 cups fruit in each cake, which makes the cake better and doesn't waste the fruit.
- The cakes can be frozen.
- It is not necessary to bake all three cakes the same day, but stir the remaining fruit mixture every day until it is used (this fruit mixture can be refrigerated until used).
- The drained fruit can be frozen until you are ready to bake the cakes.
FRIENDSHIP BRANDY FRUIT STARTER
This version of fruit starter uses brandy, not yeast, just to get things started. This delightful concoction is used in cake mixes and served over ice cream or pound cake. It gets its name because you share it with friends so it makes a great gift in a pretty jar. You will need a place to keep a large jar at room temperature. It takes a couple of minutes daily for "care and feeding", but the smell alone is worth it! Possible substitutions or additions: fruit cocktail, apricots, mandarin oranges or pears. Finally found this version on www.CooksRecipes.com since my grown daughter, Kat is allergic to yeast. NOTE: Since this is fermented, this fruit is not for kids unless used in baking.
Provided by Kats Mom
Categories Quick Breads
Time 5m
Yield 6 cups, 24 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- TO START: Combine all ingredients in a clean, large glass jar.
- Stir gently with wooden spoon.
- Cover and let stand at room temperature for three weeks, stirring at least twice a week.
- Fruit is fermented when it is translucent.
- CARE AND FEEDING: Stir mixture daily.
- Every two weeks add one cup sugar and one cup of fruit and stir gently. Alternate fruits each time.
- Cover and let stand at room temperature at least three days before using.
- Do not add fruit more often than once every two weeks.
- Do not delay adding fruit for more than one or two days past schedule.
- IMPORTANT: To keep the starter going, retain at least three cups at all times.
- SHARING: Whenever you have more than six cups of fermented fruit, you may divide it into two portions, being sure there are at least three cups in each portion.
- Do this just before you would do a normal feeding.
- Feed each portion.
- Give one portion to a friend (with Care and Feeding directions) and keep one for yourself.
- Search on "friendship fruit" to find recipes that use this.
- There is also a Friendship Sourdough Starter (Recipe #647936) - yum!
FRIENDSHIP FRUIT STARTER
This is really two recipes in one - 6 cups of brandied fruit, and 2 cups of starter for the Thirty Day Friendship Cake.
Provided by HBIC
Categories Desserts Specialty Dessert Recipes Liqueur Dessert Recipes Brandy
Time P21D
Yield 24
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- In a large glass jar, combine drained pineapple chunks, drained apricot slices, drained sliced peaches, drained maraschino cherries, brandy and sugar. Stir gently with wooden spoon. Cover and let stand at room temperature for 3 weeks, stirring at least twice a week. Drain and reserve the liquid - This liquid is your starter for the Thirty Day Friendship Cake.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 116.9 calories, Carbohydrate 20.8 g, Fiber 0.8 g, Protein 0.3 g, Sodium 1.8 mg, Sugar 16.6 g
Tips:
- Measure ingredients accurately: Use a kitchen scale to measure ingredients for precise results.
- Use high-quality ingredients: The better the quality of your ingredients, the better your fruitcake will be.
- Let the fruitcake rest: After baking, allow the fruitcake to rest for at least 24 hours before serving. This will allow the flavors to develop and the cake to mature.
- Wrap the fruitcake tightly: To prevent the fruitcake from drying out, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Store the fruitcake in a cool, dark place: The fruitcake will keep for up to 6 months in a cool, dark place.
- Use a starter: A starter helps to develop the flavor of the fruitcake and makes it more moist. If you don't have a starter, you can make one using the recipe provided in the article.
- Add brandy to the starter: Brandy helps to preserve the starter and adds flavor to the fruitcake. If you don't have brandy, you can substitute another type of alcohol, such as rum or whiskey.
Conclusion:
The Friendship Fruitcake recipe is a delicious and festive treat that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. The cake is made with a variety of dried fruits, nuts, and spices, and it is soaked in brandy for several weeks before being baked. The starter helps to develop the flavor of the fruitcake and makes it more moist. The cake can be stored for up to 6 months in a cool, dark place, making it a perfect gift for friends and family.
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