What is Fruitcake? A Christmas Staple

Published on November 12th, 2024
Updated on November 13th, 2024

THIS DELICIOUS FRUIT CAKE IS NO JOKE

Once one of the most popular cakes around, fruitcake, a dense bread-like cake studded with candied fruits, has become a national joke in the US., many calling it one of the worst holiday gifts. We have the late talk show host Johnny Carson to thank for the degradation of this delicious cake that has become, for many, a gag holiday gift.

The once beloved holiday cake was mocked for its heftiness and indestructibility many times on Carson’s eponymous show. He famously opined “The worst Christmas gift is fruitcake. There is only one fruitcake in the entire world, and people keep sending it to each other.”

But the joke is actually on those who pass up the opportunity to indulge in this sweet cake made with dried or candied fruits and, oftentimes, soaked in spirits. While this cake is most popular at Christmas time, we love to indulge in a slice anytime of year. Thanks to fruitcake‘s long shelf life, we can! Here’s everything you need to know about fruitcake.

History of Fruitcake

Fruitcake has been enjoyed for centuries. Fruitcake was first referenced in ancient Roman archives and later spread to other European countries. This Bundt, rectangular, or log-shaped cake didn’t gain popularity in the U.S. until the 16th century. Once mail order fruitcakes became a thing in the early 20th century, the fruitcake became the go-to holiday gift.

Fruitcake doesn’t require refrigeration. It’s shelf-stable and lasts a long time, which made it a popular treat to eat prior to the invention of refrigeration. It was so loved that compressed bitesize cubes of fruitcake were served to astronauts during the Apollo 11 mission in 1969. 

The fruitcake fell out of favor as companies began mass producing mail order versions and boxed cake mixes were introduced in the mid-20th century. Comedians making fun of it only added to the dislike for the cake.

Read More: What Is a Bundt Cake? Everything to Know

What Does Fruitcake Taste Like?

Fruitcake tastes like a fruity, nutty cake often with a hint of liqueur. Some fruitcakes, like those made in the South, are not soaked in liquor. Sometimes, it has faint flavors of spices like cinnamon, cloves, and/or nutmeg. 

It is a moist and rich cake with a soft mouthfeel and the neon-colored candied or dried fruits are satisfyingly chewy. Some fruitcakes are topped with powdered sugar or icing, which adds an extra bit of sweetness.

Why Was Fruitcake Outlawed?

Fruitcake was outlawed in the 17th century after the English Civil War because Lord Protector Oliver Cromwell deemed the fruitcake to be “sinfully rich” and overly indulgent. This was overturned a couple of decades later.

Why Do People Eat Fruitcake on Christmas?

People eat fruitcake on Christmas because it has been a European tradition for centuries that was later adopted in the US. Fruitcake was a year-round treat until the cost of ingredients skyrocketed in the 17th and 18th centuries. Since the cakes cost so much to make, they were reserved for special occasions like weddings and Christmas, a tradition that endures today.

The British commonly eat fruitcake, or, as they refer to it, Christmas pudding, during the Christmas season. In Australia and England, wedding cakes are often fruitcakes.

Is There Such a Thing as a Good Fruitcake?

Yes, there is such a thing as a good fruitcake. Some of our favorites include Gladys’ Bakery, which has been making Czech-style fruitcakes with Texas pecans, fresh cherries, and pineapples in Weimar, Texas, since 1896, and Eilenberger’s Bakery, the oldest bakery in Texas, which makes German-style fruitcakes with tropical pineapples, cherries, and plenty of Texas pecans. 

We also love the Brandied Fruitcake from The Nuns of New Skete in Cambridge, New York, which is packed with brandy-soaked dried cherries, currants, dates, pineapple, raisins, and Seville orange peel. It’s a literal slice of heaven.

For goodness cake…order a fruitcake! America’s top bakers are whipping up the most delicious fruitcakes and shipping them nationwide on Goldbelly!

Read More: Guide to Different Types of Cake