Repurposing your Christmas Fruitcake
The decorations and opened presents have all been put away…everything except your Christmas fruitcake. Whether you received it as a gift or lovingly made it yourself, perhaps using Grandmas secret recipe, chances are you’ve still got some left. The beautiful thing about fruitcake is that, if it is properly stored, it has a long shelf life. And that means that you have the option to enjoy your fruitcake all year long.
Consider serving fruitcake for breakfast. Use your toaster oven to lightly toast half-inch slices of fruit cake. Serve with plain or honey-walnut cream cheese. Or, try fruitcake French toast. Half-inch slices of fruitcake can be dipped in eggnog and then set on a hot griddle. Allow to brown and turn over and cook the opposite side until golden brown. Dust with confectioner’s sugar and serve immediately with freshly squeezed orange juice, coffee or tea.
A great savory option for fruitcake is to use it in dressing that is served alongside roasted chicken or pork. The ingredients in fruitcake (dried fruits and nuts) are some of the most common ingredients found in dressing or stuffing recipes. Chop a few slices of fruitcake and add to your mixture. Whether or not you choose to tell your guests about your ‘secret ingredient’ is up to you. Either way, they will enjoy the results!
What about serving fruitcake as an hors d’oeuvre? Chilled fruitcake can be cut into one-inch cubes with a sharp serrated knife. Be sure to use a sawing motion to get a clean edge on the cubes. Arrange on a platter with one-inch cubes of sharp cheddar cheese or softened Brie or Camembert. This easy-to-make appetizer is delicious and is complimented by a bold red wine (when using cheddar cheese) or champagne (when using a ripened cheese like Brie or Camembert).
Finally, what about turning fruitcake into a different kind of dessert? Slice and roughly chop several pieces of fruitcake. Soften your favorite vanilla ice cream and fold in the chopped fruitcake. Return the ice cream to the freezer to set. After the ice cream has hardened, scoop into serving bowls. Top with a tablespoon or two of almond or hazelnut liqueur and a dollop of whipped cream.
The beauty of your Christmas fruitcake is its functionality. Because it preserves so well, it can be used throughout the year in a variety of ways. Whether you serve it at breakfast, as an appetizer, at dinner or with a twist at dessert, the memories of your delicious Christmas fruitcake can live all year long.
Taste the Sunshine with Hale Groves
At Hale Groves, we believe the best gifts come from the land, not a factory. For generations, our fruit has been grown slowly under the Florida sun, picked at its peak, and delivered fresh to your door. From sweet Navel Oranges to rare Honeybells, every gift shares the simple joy of real flavor—perfect for holidays, milestones, or everyday moments worth celebrating.
Shop Now