Holiday Fruitcakes Around the World and How They Are Made

Christmas cakes or holiday fruitcakes come in many different tastes and types dependent upon which country you are located as there are many versions of this popular type of cake. The origin of fruitcake dates back to the Roman times when a combination of raisins, pine nuts, pomegranate seeds and honey were mixed to form a basic type of cake. Over the years holiday fruitcakes have improved by using higher quality ingredients as well as incorporating other fruits and nuts too. Clearly, the ingredients vary according to taste and preference as well as traditions that form the basis of many fruitcakes.

For instance, in Scotland these cakes are otherwise known as Whisky Dundee cakes originating from the nineteenth century. Scotch whisky is used and the cake mixture is a light, crumbly texture with currants, sultanas, raisins and often decorated with almonds. This type of cake is now widely available from stores.

Holiday fruitcake in Germany is known as Stollen. This comprises of dried fruits, chopped nuts, milk, yeast, flour and fat which resembles more of a sweetened bread than what most people regard as cake.

Fruitcakes made in the Philippines are yellow pound cakes made with mixed fruit and ground nuts and soaked in rum or brandy similar to the British version. In fact, by using spirits in the cake this can preserve it and, at the same time, add to the flavor.

The Japanese version of Christmas fruitcake is an entirely different type of cake. It is actually a sponge cake decorated with whipped cream and strawberries, and topped with chocolates.

So as you can see there are many types of Christmas fruitcake available and whether you have a preference for a light or dark, dry or moist, leavened or unleavened, iced or glazed, decorated or plain and any shape imaginable; there will be a vast selection to choose from.

Alternatively, there are many recipes available so why not be creative and produce your own version, catering for your own taste and decorative finish. You could start your own traditional holiday fruitcake just the way you like it.