Simple ingredients, timeless methods, and flavors that feel like home.
Fruit cakes have been part of home baking for generations. From banana cakes born out of thrift and creativity to upside-down cakes that turn dessert into a showpiece, these recipes celebrate comfort, simplicity, and universal love for sweet homemade treats. Below is a complete guide to six classic fruit cakes—perfect for everyday baking, gatherings, or cozy weekends.
1. Banana Cake / Banana Bread Cake
Introduction
Banana cake is a beloved classic created to use overripe bananas. Moist, tender, and deeply comforting, it sits somewhere between cake and bread—perfect for breakfast, dessert, or snack time.
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup sugar
- ½ cup butter, melted or softened
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 175°C / 350°F. Grease a loaf or round pan.
- Mash bananas and mix with butter and sugar.
- Add eggs and vanilla; mix well.
- Fold in flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Pour batter into pan and bake 50–55 minutes.
- Cool before slicing.
Method
Creaming + gentle folding ensures a soft crumb without overmixing.
History & Formation
Banana cake became popular during the Great Depression when home cooks avoided waste. Today, it’s one of the most baked cakes worldwide.
Loved By
Home bakers, families, and banana lovers who enjoy moist, forgiving cakes.
2. Fresh Strawberry Cake
Introduction
Fresh strawberry cake captures the sweetness of spring and summer. Light, fruity, and colorful, it’s perfect for celebrations.
Ingredients
- 2 cups flour
- ¾ cup sugar
- ½ cup butter
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup milk
- 1½ cups chopped strawberries
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp vanilla
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 175°C / 350°F.
- Cream butter and sugar; add eggs and vanilla.
- Mix in flour, baking powder, and milk.
- Gently fold in strawberries.
- Bake 45–50 minutes.
Method
Creaming method with gentle fruit folding prevents sinking.
History & Formation
Strawberry cakes evolved with the availability of fresh berries and became popular in European and American home baking.
Loved By
Fruit-cake fans and anyone who loves fresh, natural sweetness.
3. Blueberry Cake
Introduction
Blueberry cake is soft, buttery, and bursting with juicy berries—simple yet elegant.
Ingredients
- 1½ cups flour
- ¾ cup sugar
- ½ cup butter
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup milk
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp vanilla
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 175°C / 350°F.
- Beat butter and sugar; add eggs and vanilla.
- Add flour, baking powder, and milk alternately.
- Fold in blueberries.
- Bake 45–50 minutes.
Method
Alternating dry and wet ingredients ensures a smooth batter.
History & Formation
Blueberry desserts trace back to North America, where blueberries grow wild and abundantly.
Loved By
Tea-time bakers and fans of light, fruity cakes.
4. Pineapple Upside-Down Cake
see continuation on next page
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