fruitcakes

Fruitcake is a dense confection made with dried or candied fruits, nuts, and spices. Typical ingredients include raisins, currants, glace cherries, mixed citrus peel, almonds or walnuts, and a batter often enriched with butter, eggs, and sugar. Many traditional fruitcakes are kept moist and flavorful by soaking or brushing the cake with alcohol, such as brandy or rum, during aging.

Origins of fruitcake reach into medieval Europe, where dried fruits and spices were valuable and could be stored for long periods. Over time the recipe spread to Britain and North America, where fruitcake became a staple for Christmas and other celebrations. Various regions developed their own styles, from rich, dark European loaves to lighter American versions.

Preparation often involves a long bake followed by an aging period. The cake may be wrapped tightly and stored for weeks or months, with periodic re-application of alcohol to preserve moisture and intensify flavor. Modern variants include non-alcoholic, vegan, and gluten-free versions, as well as fruitcakes with alternative flours or reduced sugar.

Storage and serving: keep fruitcake wrapped and kept in a cool place or refrigerated, and freeze for extended storage. When served, it is typically sliced thinly and enjoyed with tea or coffee; decorative frostings or marzipan are sometimes used for festive presentation.