Fruitcake’s International Appeal

Fruitcake in America has gotten a bad wrap. When asked, many Americans will tell you do not like, or even hate fruitcake. American fruitcake has a reputation for being dry and stuffed with overly-sweet fruit. Perhaps the reason why fruitcake has lost its popularity in America is that it has become too processed. In Europe and in the Caribbean, fruitcake is a treat to be savored. Let’s look at some of the reasons why…

Light fruitcakes give a nod to their European origins and include lighter colored dried fruits such as apricots and golden raisins. One light fruitcake of German origin, Stollen, includes the addition of yeast to make the cake light in texture as well. Panforte, an Italian fruitcake, uses preserved citrus peel which adds a complex layer of flavors, even when used in small amounts. These lighter fruitcakes are often preserved with brandy and enjoyed with a glass of port.

In the United Kingdom, fruitcakes vary throughout the different regions. They are often enhanced with marzipan and are served primarily at Christmas times and weddings. Some Christmas fruitcakes are decorated with royal icing with holiday scenes. In Scotland, the addition of single malt scotch helps to preserve the fruitcake almost indefinitely. In England, traditionally the top layer of a wedding cake is fruitcake. This is not used at the wedding, but is instead preserved for the couple to enjoy with their family and friends at the christening of their first child.

‘Black Cake’, is a fruitcake on that is a staple in many Caribbean islands during the Christmas and New Year holidays and at weddings. Like the Bahamas, the ingredients are infused with rum for several weeks prior to making the cake. Dried plums, currants and raisins are often the fruits of choice. The characteristic black color comes from the caramelization of the sugar before it is added to the cake batter. Not only are the ingredients soaked in alcohol, but alcohol also added the batter and then this cake is also soaked in rum while still hot. The insane amount of alcohol used in a black cake also makes this cake virtually ageless.

Perhaps Americans aren’t fond of fruitcake, because they have never enjoyed a Stollen or Black Cake. They are unaware of the moist appeal of the fruitcake that has been carefully preserved over many months. A sampling of fruitcakes from around the world might just change the minds of many.

This article provided by Hale Groves, providing fresh fruit baskets, gift baskets and Florida oranges and citrus, including delicious Florida fruit gifts, Honeybells, Ruby Red Grapefruit, Valencia Oranges, Tangerines and more! On the web at HaleGroves.com.

alcohol
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There are a few areas where American fruitcake is similar to fruitcakes from other cultures

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