Life is funny as we celebrate a Holiday on December 27th celebrating National Fruitcake Day #NationalFruitcakeday a Holiday I would have thought would be celebrated before and during Christmas not after Christmas. What do you think?
Can you believe the only person I know who liked Fruitcake was my mom. I used to buy her a Fruitcake every year for Christmas. Unless my Uncle Chuck would make a Homemade Fruit Cake for my mom which was her favorite. Do you like Fruitcake? Is there a certain Fruitcake you like, or do you make your own?
Here is some fun facts on Fruitcake for you to share with your friends and family. As well as a recipe so you can make a Fruitcake to share with your friends and family and even your neighbors. Charlie being Charlie said he if had enemies he would give the Fruitcake to them. LOL
Happy National Fruitcake Day which falls on December 27th. National Fruitcake Day is the day people honor one of the most legendary—and sometimes lovingly teased—holiday desserts: Fruitcake:
Facts about National Fruitcake Day Is
- National Fruitcake Day is celebrated every year on December 27th
- National Fruitcake Day is a day for Fruitcake lovers (and skeptics!) to appreciate this dense, fruit‑and‑nut‑packed holiday dessert a classic.
A Bite of History
- I wanted to let you know Fruitcake dates back to ancient Rome, where early versions of the Fruitcake mixed pomegranate seeds, pine nuts, and raisins into barley mash.
- In the Middle Ages, honey, spices, and preserved fruits were added, making the Fruitcake richer and longer‑lasting.
- Fruitcake has been a holiday tradition for centuries and even considered the world’s first “energy bar” by some historians.
How People Celebrate
- Enjoy a slice (or two!) of fruitcake with your friends and family.
- Try a new recipe or sample international variations of Fruitcake.
- Did you know some places even host fruitcake‑flinging contests? Wouldn’t that be fun to enter?
If you’re posting online, please use the hashtag #NationalFruitcakeDay so others can celebrate with you.
Here’s a fruitcake recipe that gives you the classic, rich, boozy holiday loaf people either fiercely love or pretend to love. I’ll give you a version that’s flavorful, moist, and not the dreaded brick or doorstop as a lot of people refer to as a Fruitcake.
Classic Holiday Fruitcake Recipe is aromatic and packed with fruit. The Fruitcake recipe is great to share with everyone you know.
Ingredients
Fruit Mix
- 2 cups mixed dried fruit (raisins, currants, chopped apricots, cherries, cranberries)
- ½ cup chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts, or almonds)
- ½ cup candied citrus peel (optional but traditional)
- ½ cup rum, brandy, or orange juice (for soaking)
Cake Batter
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon cloves
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Brushing (optional but amazing) Use Extra rum or brandy
Instructions
1. Soak the fruit (overnight if possible)
Combine dried fruit, nuts, and candied peel in a bowl. Pour in the rum/brandy/orange juice. Cover and let it soak for several hours or overnight. This step makes the cake incredibly moist and flavorful.
2. Prepare the batter
- Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Grease and line a loaf pan or round cake pan with parchment.
- Cream butter and brown sugar until fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well.
- In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, salt, and spices.
- Add dry ingredients to the butter mixture.
- Stir in orange zest and vanilla.
- Fold in the soaked fruit mixture (including any leftover liquid).
3. Bake
- Pour batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil.
4. Optional: “Feed” the cake
Once cooled:
- Brush the top with rum or brandy.
- Wrap tightly in parchment, then foil.
- Store for up to several weeks, brushing with more alcohol every few days for a deeper, richer flavor.
Tips for a perfect fruitcake
- Letting the Fruitcake age improves flavor dramatically.
- If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, use orange juice for soaking and skip the feeding.
- You can swap fruits based on what you like—dates, figs, pineapple, or mango all work beautifully.
If you want, I can also give you:
- A no-soak quick fruitcake
- A boozy dark fruitcake
- A gluten-free version
- A tropical fruitcake
Just tell me the vibe you’re going for by leaving me a comment below and I will get to work on what you need.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
