Get Into the Holiday Spirit with Our Boozy Fruitcake Recipe

Get Into the Holiday Spirit with Our Boozy Fruitcake Recipe

As the holiday season unfolds, the air becomes infused with the rich aroma of fresh pine and freshly baked fruitcakes.  Adorned with an array of vibrant glacéed fruits and freshly-shelled pecans, there's nothing that looks or tastes like Christmas quite like our DeLuxe®. But for some, fruitcake is great—but boozy fruitcake is the better. That's why we’ve created this perfect how-to guide for how to get you and your cakes into the holiday spirit.

For those of you who like our cakes as they are, let us reassure you—our cakes are baked and shipped sans spirits, giving you the choice of how best to enjoy our iconic cake.

3 Easy Steps for Making Boozy Fruitcake

Whether you're a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this guide will walk you through the steps, ensuring your fruitcake becomes the star of your holiday celebrations. So, roll up your sleeves, grab your favorite bottle of liquor, and let's embark on a culinary adventure that promises to elevate your festive indulgence to new heights!

STEP 1 - Prepare the Tin

Remove your fruitcake from its tin. Discard the cake’s cellophane wrapping. Line the empty tin’s base and walls with plastic wrap. Using a skewer, poke small holes 1” deep across the entire surface of the cake. Place your fruitcake back inside the plastic wrap-lined tin.

It is important to thoroughly line your tin to avoid any possible leakage while encouraging the liquor to infuse into the fruitcake.

STEP 2 - Pour & Store

Evenly pour 1.5 - 2 ounces of your favorite bourbon, rum, sherry, or brandy over the fruitcake. For a quick measure, use a standard-sized shotglass. Take care to pour slowly, allowing the liquor to absorb into the cake with minimal runoff. Once finished, replace the lid and store your fruitcake tin in a cool, dry location for one to two weeks.

STEP 3 - Be Bold

Looking to be bold? Then repeat steps 1 & 2, adding an additional 1.5 - 3 ounces of liquor till the desired flavor profile is reached.

Popular Fruitcake & Liquor Pairings

Choosing the perfect liquor to soak your fruitcake is akin to selecting a fine instrument for a symphony—it's all about creating harmony and depth. Whether you opt for the warm embrace of dark rum, the refined elegance of brandy, the smoky richness of bourbon, or the Spanish allure of sherry, each spirit contributes its unique symphony of flavors. The transformation that occurs when these liquors marry with the fruitcake is a testament to the alchemy of culinary creativity. Browse our recommendations below to see what speaks to you. 

• Whiskey or Bourbon

  • Flavor Profile: Bourbon, a quintessentially American spirit, is characterized by its smoky richness, vanilla undertones, and a hint of caramel sweetness. It adds a touch of Southern charm to any culinary creation.

  • Transformation: Introducing bourbon to a fruitcake is akin to inviting a whiskey symphony to play. The smokiness of bourbon enhances the overall complexity of the cake, creating layers of flavor that unfold with each bite. The dried fruits absorb the bourbon's robust characteristics, creating a harmonious blend of sweetness and warmth. This infusion adds a bold twist to the traditional fruitcake, making it a standout dessert for those who appreciate the depth of whiskey-infused indulgence.

• Dark Rum

  • Flavor Profile: Dark rum, with its rich molasses undertones, brings a warm and comforting sweetness to the table. Its notes of vanilla, caramel, and a hint of spice create a symphony of flavors reminiscent of a tropical escape.

  • Transformation: When dark rum intermingles with the fruitcake, Caribbean magic unfolds. The cake absorbs the rum's essence, turning each bite into a decadent experience. The moisture the cake retains is unparalleled, offering a lush, almost velvety texture. The rum's sweetness melds seamlessly with the candied fruits, creating a harmonious balance that is both comforting and indulgent.

• Sherry

  • Flavor Profile: Sherry, a fortified wine from the Jerez region of Spain, offers a spectrum of flavors, from dry and nutty to sweet and rich. Its complexity arises from the aging process in oak barrels, delivering nuanced notes of almonds, raisins, and a gentle sweetness.

  • Transformation: When sherry and fruitcake unite, the result is an embodiment of Spanish elegance. The cake absorbs the sherry's multifaceted character, infusing it with the richness of almonds and the sweetness of raisins. The dried fruits in the cake, already bursting with natural sweetness, harmonize with the sherry's flavor profile. The alcohol content of sherry contributes to the cake's longevity, allowing it to mature gracefully over time, evolving into a dessert with an even more sophisticated flavor profile.

• Brandy 

  • Flavor Profile: Brandy, a distilled wine aged in wooden casks, exudes sophistication. Its flavor profile features fruity notes like apricot, apple, and a subtle hint of oak, creating a complex and refined palate.

  • Transformation: When brandy bathes a fruitcake, it imparts an air of elegance. The cake absorbs the brandy's nuanced flavors, resulting in a refined taste that lingers on the tongue. The dried fruits in the cake become infused with the brandy's fruity essence, and the subtle oak undertones add depth to the overall profile. The alcohol content also contributes to preserving the cake, allowing it to age gracefully and intensify in flavor over time.

AHH, SHUCKS! Wanting to use brandy, but have just realized you're out?—read how you can use these brandy alternatives in our blog, 5 Best Substitutes for Brandy in Fruitcake. 

The Fruitcake Journey is Yours!

As you embark on your journey of fruitcake soaking, consider experimenting with different combinations and ratios to discover your signature infusion. Allow the spirits to become the conductors of a flavor symphony that resonates with your palate and leaves a lasting impression on those fortunate enough to savor your spirited creation. May your holiday season be filled with the warmth and indulgence that only a meticulously soaked fruitcake can provide. Cheers to tradition, creativity, and the joy of culinary exploration!

Now, you have the recipe, but you're missing the cake! Shop our complete DeLuxe® collection today to find the right fruitcake fit. Available in a variety of sizes and styles, we're certain you'll discover a dessert that'll satisfy your sweet tooth.