National Fruitcake Day

National Fruitcake Day is a wonderful holiday for everyone with a sweet tooth! On this day, fruit is combined with dough to create a festive dessert that is hard to imagine a holiday table without. Whether you bake it at home or buy it from a bakery, you can enjoy a world of vibrant flavors and textures.

History

The creator of fruit-based pastries and cakes remains unknown, but their history dates back centuries. Researchers have found evidence that fruitcakes existed 2,000 years ago in ancient Rome—likely made with pomegranate, raisins, cedar nuts, and honey. References to preserved fruit have also been found in Egyptian tombs, suggesting fruitcakes were an important part of their diet. However, those early versions would hardly resemble the variety of fruitcakes we enjoy today.

In the 18th century, fruitcakes were heavily restricted due to the high consumption of butter and sugar. Authorities even declared them too unhealthy for the public. Luckily, in the 19th century, restrictions were lifted, and fruitcakes became popular for birthdays and weddings. Eventually, a dedicated national holiday was established to celebrate this unique dessert.

Interesting Facts

• Jay Leno, the American actor and host of The Tonight Show, once tasted a piece of fruitcake from 1878 live on air.
• Fruitcakes can actually be stored for many years if made and preserved properly.
• In Portugal, a bean is hidden in the cake during baking—whoever finds the bean is said to bake the cake the following year. This tradition exists in other countries as well.

How to Take Part

National Fruitcake Day is the perfect time to get creative in the kitchen and try out classic or new recipes. Host a festive dinner and share your homemade fruitcake with friends and family. You can also bake mini fruitcakes to surprise your neighbors, coworkers, or classmates—few can resist such a treat!

When is National Fruitcake Day in 2025?

National Fruitcake Day is observed every year on December 27.

Observations