A popular gift for the holidays is the fruit cake. Christmas fruit cakes are aged desserts that are soaked in alcohol for a sweet, delicious treat. A traditionally made fruit cake can actually be consumed up to twenty-five years after it is made.
Traditional Beginnings
Over the years, fruit cake has grown a somewhat unfavorable reputation. This is most likely due to cakes that are not made properly. When made incorrectly, a fruit cake will be hard and dry, which makes them practically inedible. Regardless of a bad reputation, Christmas fruit cakes come from a long line of tradition.
The American tradition of eating fruit cake for the holidays actually comes from a British tradition. The holiday dessert was more commonly known as plum cake or Christmas cake. It was very popular in the Victorian Age and became a fundamental part of wedding and holiday celebrations. As a matter of fact, both Kate Middleton and Princess Di had fruit cakes served at their weddings.
Storing Your Christmas Fruit Cake
Christmas fruit cakes can be made well in advance and last for long periods of time. The key is to properly store the fruit cake.
When the traditional fruit cake is made, it is wrapped in plastic wrap. In some cases, the cake will then be wrapped in a towel. The tightly wrapped cake is then stored in a cool, dry place for aging. This will be done prior to receiving the fruit cake as a holiday gift.
Once you cut into your traditional Christmas fruit cake, you will need to ensure proper storage so you can enjoy for a long time to come. Start with a container that can be sealed tightly. The cake should not be stored in the refrigerator as it will cause the sugars in the cake to crystallize.