I’ve always thought that, in the event of a nuclear apocalypse, the Earth will be populated solely by co*ckroaches, those Styrofoam hamburger containers that fast-food joints used in the 1980s, and fruitcakes. Since this is the season for loved ones to inflict fruitcakes on one another, I decided to get to the bottom of this mystery: will fruitcakes really last forever?
As it turns out, the answer depends on how you define “fruitcake.”
Most fruitcake recipes include dried nuts, dried fruit, and “candied” fruit or peel (meaning the fruit has been both dried and preserved in sugar). [Note: not all fruitcakes are made this way, see the safety note below.]
The U.S. Department of Agriculture says that fruitcake will last two to three months in the refrigerator without spoiling, and will maintain its quality if stored up to a year in the freezer. But it’s a federal agency’s job to think of the worst-case scenario. Could fruitcakes really last longer?
“All of these dried and candied ingredients have what we call ‘low water activity,’ meaning they have very little moisture available,” says Ben Chapman, a food safety researcher at NCState. “Low water activity is important because many microorganisms, including foodborne illness-causing bacteria, need moisture in order to reproduce.
“In practical terms, this makes most fruitcakes extremely shelf stable, so they would be safe to eat for a long time – a really long time,” Chapman says. “But it might taste pretty bad.”
That’s because a lot of things can significantly affect the quality of the fruitcake.
For example, mold could grow on the surface of a fruitcake, or yeast could cause some of the sugars in the fruitcake to ferment.
“But some people wrap their fruitcakes in linen that’s been soaked in rum or other spirits to reduce the chance of mold or yeast problems,” Chapman says.
“However, rancidity may still be an issue. Fruitcakes contain a variety of proteins, from eggs to butter to nuts – even the fruit items. And when proteins are exposed to air, they can become oxidized, which can create rancid flavors and odors,” Chapman explains.
So, while you may be able to save that fruitcake forever, you should probably eat it now.
Safety Note: If a fruitcake has a significant amount of moisture (e.g., if it was made with fresh fruit) it is more likely to spoil or to give pathogens enough moisture to reproduce. In other words, it could make you sick if not kept refrigerated and eaten relatively quickly.
FAQs
The chemical composition of the cake makes it possible to keep it for a 100 years. Indeed, its density prevents bacteria and mold to proliferate and its alcohol content makes it more sanitized, which also has an impact on its conservation.
How can fruitcake last so long? ›
What typically makes fruitcake last so long is its super dense texture. This texture prevents, let's say, less than appetizing things from setting up camp in the cake's crevices. Additionally, a lot of the ingredients in our fruitcakes are dried or glaceéd, so they don't contain much moisture.
How do you preserve a fruit cake for years? ›
Wrap each cake in several layers of cheesecloth and then in plastic wrap. Store the cakes in airtight containers in a cool dry place, but not in the refrigerator or freezer. Check carefully at least once a week, as rich, moist cakes mould very easily. If you see any mould, throw out the cake.
Does fruit cake get better with age? ›
Like Fine Wine, Fruitcake Get Better With Time
But before you RSVP to bring dessert, you must plan ahead. Like we said, aging a fruitcake will take a little time. The most common duration to properly age a fruitcake is about three months.
How old is the oldest fruitcake? ›
Even older is the fruitcake left behind in Antarctica by the explorer Robert Falcon Scott in 1910. But the honor for the oldest known existing fruitcake goes to one that was baked in 1878 when Rutherford B. Hayes was president of the United States.
How long can you keep fruit cake without alcohol? ›
Fruitcakes without any alcohol should be consumed within a few days of baking or tightly wrapped and frozen for up to six months.
Should fruitcake be refrigerated? ›
Proper ripening takes at least one month. Once they are properly wrapped, cakes should be stored in a cool place or in a refrigerator. Fruitcakes should be brushed or spritzed weekly with liquor to maintain moisture and intensify flavors.
How long does a homemade Christmas cake last? ›
HOW LONG DOES A CHRISTMAS CAKE LAST? Christmas cakes to be kept in a tin can be made up to 3 months in advance depending on the recipe you use, OR you can make it many more months ahead, freeze it and defrost it when you are ready to 'feed' it or ice it.
What alcohol is best in fruitcake? ›
What alcohol should you use? Strong, flavourful spirits with a high ABV are ideal for feeding fruitcakes. You can use rum, brandy or whisky for spice, or if you like citrus flavours, try an orange liqueur. Cherry brandy and amaretto will also work well if you prefer these.
Does alcohol preserve cake? ›
Alcohol: Before baking, add booze to your cake and be sure of its longevity. Alcohol not only enhances the flavor of the cake but also help to keep it moist. Alcohol should be added in moderation.
The American tradition of eating fruitcake around the holidays stemmed from the British tradition, when the dessert was sometimes called Christmas cake or plum cake. This fruitcake was incredibly popular in Victorian England, when it became a vital part of celebrating holidays and weddings.
Is eating fruit cake healthy? ›
We might like to pretend, based on its name, that fruitcake is a reasonably healthy sweet option, however this is not the case. Fruitcake tends to have high butter, sugar and syrup content, making it high in both fat and calorie content. The same goes for Panettone- the Italian bread that has become a holiday favorite.
What is the lifespan of a cake? ›
Typically, a cake will only stay fresh for up to three or four days before the moisture is drawn out and the texture becomes drier. A cake can last in a fridge for a little bit longer if it has been frosted as the frosting keeps the moisture in the sponge.
How long can old cake be stored? ›
Your cake will remain fresh in the fridge for maximum of 2-3 days, especially if you cover it with a plastic wrap to avoid the cake from drying out. The wrap should be sealed around the cake from all sides, so I would advise that you do not use it along with the plate or carrier on which your cake has been kept.
How long can a Christmas cake last? ›
HOW LONG DOES A CHRISTMAS CAKE LAST? Christmas cakes to be kept in a tin can be made up to 3 months in advance depending on the recipe you use, OR you can make it many more months ahead, freeze it and defrost it when you are ready to 'feed' it or ice it.
