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Fresh On Kendal

Kumara Cake Recipe


Bring a touch of warmth to your baking with this deliciously moist Kumara Cake. It’s a comforting twist on classic carrot cake. Finished with a creamy, tangy icing, this cake is perfect for sharing — or keeping all to yourself on a cosy winter afternoon.


Ingredients:

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  • 3 eggs

  • 1 cup canola

  • 1 cup brown sugar

  • 1 tsp vanilla essence

  • 1 cup crushed pineapple (drained slightly)

  • Zest of ½ an orange

  • 3 cups grated orange kumara

  • 3 cups plain flour

  • 1 tsp baking powder

  • 1 tsp baking soda

  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon

  • 1 tsp fresh ginger


Cream Cheese Icing:

  • 200g cream cheese

  • 20g butter

  • 1 tsp vanilla essence

  • 1 Tbsp orange zest (plus extra for decorating)

  • 1½ cups icing sugar


Method:

  1. Preheat oven to 170°C and grease and line a 23cm cake tin.

  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, oil, sugar, vanilla, pineapple, and orange zest until combined.

  3. In a second bowl, mix together grated kumara, flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and ginger.

  4. Combine the wet and dry ingredients, stirring gently until just mixed.

  5. Pour batter into the prepared tin and smooth the surface.

  6. Bake for 45–50 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean.

  7. Cool completely before icing (the cream cheese will soften and fall off otherwise)

  8. For the icing, beat cream cheese, butter, and vanilla until smooth. Add zest and icing sugar and mix until fluffy. Spread over cooled cake and top with extra zest.


Pro Tips:

  • Grate kumara finely so it blends easily into the batter and keeps the cake moist.

  • Don’t overmix once the wet and dry ingredients are combined to avoid a dense cake.

  • For a deeper spice profile, add ½ tsp nutmeg or allspice.

  • Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.


Optional Add-Ons:

  • Nuts: Fold in ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch.

  • Dried fruit: Add ½ cup raisins or chopped dates for added sweetness and texture.

  • Coconut: A handful of desiccated coconut complements the tropical flavours.

  • Frosting flair: Sprinkle slivered almonds, orange peel curls, or a dusting of cinnamon on top of the icing.

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