| African style cake with fruits! |
If you worry about the carbs in a slice of cake, here’s a simple way to enjoy cake without the guilt. By cutting down on sugar and adding fresh fruit to the batter, you get a moist, flavorful cake that feels lighter and more wholesome. I started doing this to make my baking more appealing to Mr N., who prefers healthier options, and now he’s become a big fan.
| Don’t you just want a slice? |
You can use whatever fruit you have on hand. In this version I used apple, pineapple, strawberries, blueberries and a sprinkle of coconut flakes. The natural sweetness and texture from the fruit lets you reduce the sugar while keeping the cake tender and delicious.
Fruit Cake Recipe
Prep time: 20 mins
Cook time: 25 mins
Total time: 45 mins
Makes: 1 6-inch round pan
Ingredients
1 and a half cups of all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
A pinch of salt
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup sugar (reduce to taste)
3 to 4 eggs (use fewer if you prefer)
1 cup mixed fruit (pineapple, apple, strawberries, blueberries, or other fruits of choice)
Optional: a tablespoon of coconut flakes for texture and flavor
Method
Prepare a 6-inch round pan by oiling and lightly flouring it. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
1. Dice the fruits and set them aside.
2. In a bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk the sugar and eggs until light, then add the oil and mix until combined.
4. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until smooth and evenly mixed.
5. Fold the diced fruits gently into the batter so they are evenly distributed.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Six easy steps and you’ll have a fruity, tender cake ready to enjoy. Let the cake cool slightly before slicing so the fruit sets and the texture holds.
Here’s what happened when I tested this recipe. A few minutes after baking, while it was still cooling, it looked irresistible:
Shortly after, a slice disappeared faster than I expected:
Before I knew it, it was gone—no questions asked. Ask Mr. N. if you want the eyewitness report.
Another time I baked the same batter in a loaf pan and got a lovely, portable loaf that slices beautifully for morning toast or afternoon tea:
Enjoy this fruity cake as a lighter dessert or a flavorful snack. Have a fruitilicious cake experience!