This traditional Friendship Cake Recipe, also known as Thirty-Day Friendship Cake, is more than just a dessert, it’s a cherished tradition of community and sharing. Made with a fermented fruit starter passed between friends, this cake is a reminder of generosity and connection. While the process takes 30 days, the result is a moist, flavorful fruit cake that improves with age. Best of all, once you’ve enjoyed your cake, you’ll have enough starter to pass on and keep the tradition going!

WHY THIS FRIENDSHIP CAKE RECIPE WORKS

This cake might take a little time, but it’s worth every day of waiting, and here’s why:

Fermented fruit = flavor bomb: The slow fermentation of fruit with sugar creates a deeply sweet, tangy syrup that infuses the cake with unbeatable flavor and moisture. The fruit mixture acts almost like a natural flavor enhancer and moistener, giving each bite a melt-in-your-mouth richness.
Starter magic: Like sourdough, the starter adds complexity. It gently ferments the fruit over 30 days, drawing out sweetness while developing subtle, almost caramel-like notes in the juice. Plus, it’s endlessly shareable—you get to keep it going and gift it forward.

Box cake + pudding = perfect texture: Using a boxed cake mix and instant pudding might seem too simple, but it’s actually genius. The combo creates a soft, consistent crumb that pairs perfectly with the chunky fruit and optional mix-ins.
Customizable add-ins: Whether you’re a nut lover, a raisin fan, or all about the coconut, this cake is endlessly flexible. You can personalize it with your favorite textures and flavors, making it your own every time.
Naturally long shelf life: Thanks to the moisture from the fruit and pudding, this cake stays soft for days making it ideal for gifting, holidays, or just keeping on the counter for tea time.

Expert Baking Tips for the Best Friendship Cake

Use fruit packed in juice, not syrup – Syrup is too thick and sweet for proper fermentation. Juice allows the natural sugars to break down and develop flavor over time.
Stir the starter every day – A quick daily stir keeps the sugars dissolving evenly and prevents spoilage. Don’t skip this step—it’s key to a successful starter!
Always use a glass jar – Glass is non-reactive and safe for fermentation. Avoid metal or plastic, which can affect the flavor or interfere with the fermentation process.

Be patient & ferment for the full 30 days – The flavor gets better the longer it sits. Don’t rush the process; the syrupy, flavorful fruit is worth the wait!
Use room temperature ingredients for the cake – Before mixing your batter, make sure the eggs are at room temperature. This helps the batter mix smoothly for an even, fluffy crumb.

Don’t overmix the cake batter – Stir gently until everything is just combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense, heavy cake.
Customize with optional add-ins – Add chopped nuts, raisins, or coconut for extra flavor and texture or keep it simple if you prefer a smoother cake.
Ensure cake is baked with a toothpick – Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. The cake should be golden and set.

Don’t forget to save and share the starter – The extra syrup makes enough for you to keep one jar and gift two to friends because that’s the whole spirit of Friendship Cake!

Ingredients for Traditional Friendship Cake

Here’s a quick breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need. For the full list scroll down to the full recipe.

Friendship Cake starter – If you don’t have one, you’ll need to get it from a friend or start your own from scratch. This sweet fermented liquid is the base of the recipe and what keeps the tradition going!
Canned peaches in juice – Adds soft texture and natural sweetness to start the fermentation. Use juice-packed, not syrup!Canned pineapple tidbits in juice – Brings tropical acidity and blends beautifully with the peaches.
Maraschino cherries – These give the finished starter a gorgeous pink hue and add a pop of color and sweetness.

Granulated sugar – Essential for feeding the fruit and kickstarting the fermentation process. It also thickens the syrup and builds that rich fruity flavor over time.
Golden butter cake mix – A quick shortcut that gives the cake structure and buttery flavor with no fuss.
Instant vanilla pudding mix – This is the secret to an ultra-soft, tender crumb. It also adds a light vanilla flavor that complements the fruit.

Eggs – Help bind the batter and give the cake richness.
Vegetable oil – Keeps the cake super moist, even days after baking.

How to Make Friendship Cake – Step-by-Step Instructions

STEP 1). Start the Fruit Starter (Day 1). In a large glass jar, add the Friendship Cake starter and the sliced peaches (with juice). Cut the peach slices into 4 pieces. Stir in 2 1/2 cups of sugar. Loosely cover the jar (don’t seal it completely) and place it at room temperature. Stir every day for the next 10 days.
STEP 2). Add Pineapple (Day 10). Add pineapple tidbits (with juice) to the jar along with another 2 1/2 cups of sugar. Stir well and continue stirring daily for the next 10 days. You’ll notice the mixture changing color and becoming foamy.

STEP 3). Add Maraschino Cherries (Day 20). Add the maraschino cherries (cut in half) and the final 2 1/2 cups of sugar. Stir daily for the next 10 days. The cherries will give the mixture a lovely pink color and bubbly texture.
STEP 4). Prepare the Cake Batter (Day 31). Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Grease and flour your tube or loaf pans. Drain the fruit mixture into a large bowl, keeping the juice to use as your starter (store it in 3 pint jars to share with friends). In a large bowl, combine cake mix, pudding mix, eggs, oil, and half of the drained fruit. Stir until well combined. Fold in raisins, chopped nuts, or coconut if you’d like to add extra texture and flavor.
STEP 5). Bake the Cake. Spoon the batter into the prepared pans and spread it out evenly. Bake at 300°F for 60-90 minutes, depending on your pan size. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—it should come out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

STEP 6). Share the Starter! Don’t forget to share the saved starter juice with your friends so they can make their own Friendship Cake!

RECIPE FAQ

Can I freeze Friendship Cake?

Yes! Friendship Cake freezes really well. Let the cake cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place slices in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm slightly before serving.

How should I store Friendship Cake?
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep it in the fridge for up to a week. It’s super moist, so refrigeration helps it last longer.

Does the starter need to be refrigerated?
Nope! The starter must be kept at room temperature in a glass jar. Do not refrigerate it, and make sure it’s loosely covered so it can breathe. Stir it every day.

Can I make Friendship Cake without nuts or coconut?
The raisins, walnuts, pecans, and coconut are all optional. You can leave them out or mix and match based on your taste or allergies.

What can I use instead of a tube pan?
If you don’t have a tube pan, you can bake this cake in loaf pans or even a bundt pan. Just make sure to grease and flour the pans well, and adjust the baking time accordingly.

How do I know when the cake is done?
The cake is ready when a skewer or toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown. Depending on the pan size, this may take anywhere from 60 to 90 minutes.

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