8 Not Your Nana’s Fruitcake

It’s fitting that National Fruitcake Day is right after the Christmas holiday. It’s almost like an afterthought to the season’s more glitzy and glamorous sweet treats, like the yule log, truffle, or linzer cookie. Or, maybe after Christmas is when all the good stuff’s gone and the family’s finally getting around to eating it. Or, let’s face, it’s probably because it’s typically hard as a rock and tastes like one. 

Whatever the case may be, the infamous fruitcake often gets a bad rap and is overlooked, but don’t let this historically underwhelming dessert deter you. A tasty fruitcake or fruitcake-inspired treat is possible! The yummy recipes that follow are fruity, crunchy, cakey, creamy, and boozy-the ultimate December indulgences-and will turn you into a fruitcake convert before you can say ho-ho-ho!

Fruitcake white chocolate fudge

: Wonky Wonderful

Candied fruit makes for a jewel-like presentation in this festive treat of white chocolate, butter, and condensed milk (a.k.a. the good stuff). It uses rum extract so it’s cool for the kiddos. Recipe HERE. 

Boozy fruitcake donut

: Corner Blog

Rum-soaked dried fruit and citrus make these donuts grown-up approved! Oh, and they’re also brushed with brandy after. The cornerstone of your next boozy holiday breakfast, because there shouldn’t be any other kind. Recipe HERE. 

Fruitcake smoothie

: Goofy Foot Foods

This kinda-sorta healthy vegan smoothie tastes great for breakfast or a snack. Dates, apricots, and figs blend with cinnamon and cranberries for festive flavor, and the cacao nibs add great texture. Splash in some rum if you’re feeling feisty. Recipe HERE. 

Fruitcake bar cookies

: Southern Plate

Part blondie, part fruitcake, all good. Anything that uses this much butter and sugar is bound to be tasty! These bars are a finger-licking, chewy afternoon snack, perfect for a holiday gift-wrapping session. Recipe HERE. 

Fruitcake cheesecake

: My Evil Twin’s Kitchen

Interesting bedfellows for sure, but hear us out on this one. Think creamy, velvety cheesecake with a topping that is chewy, crunchy, and delicious. It’s a sensory experience for the taste buds, but that’s what the holidays are all about. Indulge away. Recipe HERE. 

Fruitcake-inspired brownies

: Food52

Sink your teeth into these gooey, chocolatey brownies with all the best fruitcake flavors and textures. They freeze well, but we bet they don’t make it that far. Recipe HERE. 

Vegan fruitcake

: Domestic Gothess

All the festive flavors minus the dairy (the booze stays, because of course). Non-dairy margarine keeps this everything-but-the-kitchen-sink cake rich and yummy. Recipe HERE. 

If you’re a fruitcake convert, share your favorite (or any holiday dessert)! #WhitneyRanchCA