National Fruitcake Day
National Fruitcake Day is observed every year on December 27 to celebrate this traditional holiday treat and enjoy the beautiful flavors without any guilt.
From richly spiced cakes brimming with dried fruits and nuts to those luxuriously soaked in alcohol, fruitcake offers a flavor for every palate and holiday craving.
Its dense, moist texture, paired with the vibrant hues of candied fruit, makes it a festive and eye-catching centerpiece for any celebration.
National Fruitcake Day was established in 2012. Celebrated annually on December 27th, it gives fruitcake lovers the perfect opportunity to enjoy and share this distinctive dessert right after the holiday season.
History of Fruitcakes
Fruitcake has a rich history with origins in ancient Rome and the earliest known recipe had pine nuts, raisins, pomegranate seeds mixed into a barley mash.
As time passed, fruitcakes started evolving particularly during the Middle Ages when spices, preserved fruits, and honey were being added that not only enhanced the flavors but also increased longevity.
Fruitcakes gained popularity across Europe, with each region creating their own recipes to embody local customs and ingredients.
In some cases, church rules affected their preparation like usage of butter was first forbidden during fasting periods. However, in 1490, Pope Innocent VIII passed a written permission, known as the “Butter Letter”, permitting Saxony to use milk and butter in their Stollen fruitcakes.
During the 16th century, the popularity of fruitcakes skyrocketed because of the sugar trade with the American Colonies.
People discovered that sugar could be used to preserve fruits and as a result there was an abundance of candied fruits. This made baking fruitcakes very affordable. By the 17th century, English fruitcakes, originally leavened with yeast, became famous for their long shelf life, thanks to the addition of rum and dried fruit.
How to Observe National Fruitcake Day
You can observe national fruitcake by diving headfirst into the fun of baking and bake your own fruitcake from scratch, experimenting with different nuts and fruits to find your perfect recipe.
If you don't feel like baking, or you don't have enough time, try a classic from a local bakery and get immersed in the flavor.
Don’t forget to share your fruitcake masterpiece on social media using the hashtag #NationalFruitcakeDay. It’s a great way to connect with other fruitcake lovers and show off your culinary skills.
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