Tutti Frutti Cake

A soft, buttery, and colorful fruit cake packed with sweet tutti frutti pieces and a hint of vanilla. This easy homemade cake is perfect with tea or coffee and makes a lovely snack or dessert.

🍰 Ingredients

• 1½ cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup (120 ml) milk
• ¾ cup (120 g) tutti frutti or candied mixed fruit
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour, for coating the fruit
• ¼ teaspoon orange or lemon zest, optional

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prepare the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper.

2. Prepare the Tutti Frutti

Place the tutti frutti in a small bowl and toss with 1 tablespoon of flour.

This helps prevent the candied fruit from sinking to the bottom of the cake.

Set aside.

3. Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together:

• Flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt

Set aside.

4. Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar for approximately 3–4 minutes, until light and fluffy.

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

Mix in the vanilla extract and citrus zest if using.

5. Make the Batter

Add the dry ingredients in three additions, alternating with the milk.

Begin and end with the dry ingredients.

Mix gently until just combined.

Avoid overmixing.

6. Add the Tutti Frutti

Gently fold the flour-coated tutti frutti into the batter.

Reserve a small handful to sprinkle over the top if desired.

7. Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.

Sprinkle the reserved tutti frutti over the surface.

Bake for approximately 40–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover it with foil during the final 10–15 minutes.

8. Cool

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes.

Remove it from the pan and transfer it to a wire rack.

Let it cool completely before slicing.

⭐ Tips for a Soft Tutti Frutti Cake

• Use room-temperature butter, eggs, and milk for a smoother batter.
• Don’t overmix after adding the flour.
• Toss the tutti frutti with flour to help distribute it evenly.
• Don’t overbake, or the cake can become dry.
• Add orange zest for a lovely citrus aroma.
• For extra richness, replace 2 tablespoons of milk with heavy cream.

🍒 Optional Additions

You can also add:

• Chopped walnuts
• Cashews
• Raisins
• Chopped almonds
• Candied cherries
• Orange zest
• Lemon zest
• A light powdered sugar glaze

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Enjoy slices:

• With tea or coffee
• Warm with butter
• With whipped cream
• Alongside fresh fruit
• As a simple afternoon snack

⏱️ Recipe Details

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 40–50 minutes
Cooling Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 10–12 slices
Method: Oven-baked
Difficulty: Easy