National Fruitcake Toss Day is a holiday that is celebrated on January 3rd. Fruitcake Toss Day is dedicated to the tradition of tossing fruitcakes, a type of dense, sweet cake that is often made with dried fruit, nuts, and spices.
The holiday is often associated with Colorado, where it is said to have originated in the 1990s as a way to mock the stereotype of fruitcake as an undesirable gift. The holiday has since gained popularity and is now celebrated in other parts of the United States and around the world.
It is not clear who specifically created Fruitcake Toss Day or when the holiday was first celebrated. It is possible that the holiday was created by a group or organization as a way to mock the stereotype of fruitcake and to celebrate the fun and humor of the holiday season.
Who invented fruitcake?
The origin of fruitcake is somewhat disputed, with several stories claiming to be the true origin of the popular dessert. Here are a few of the most well-known stories about the invention of fruitcake:
- Ancient Rome: One story credits the invention of fruitcake to ancient Rome, where it is said to have been created as a way to preserve fruit. According to this story, Roman bakers mixed fruit with honey and flour to create a long-lasting and portable food that could be eaten during times of scarcity or while traveling.
- Medieval Europe: Another story credits the invention of fruitcake to medieval Europe, where it is said to have been created as a way to celebrate special occasions and religious holidays. Fruitcakes made with dried fruit, nuts, and spices were a symbol of wealth and were often served at weddings, christenings, and other celebrations.
- Modern Europe: A third story credits the invention of fruitcake to modern Europe, where it is said to have been created as a way to use up excess fruit and spices that were available at the end of the harvest season.
Regardless of its true origin, fruitcake has become a popular and widely enjoyed dessert, with many variations and regional styles.
How to Make Fruitcake
Fruitcake is a type of dense, sweet cake that is often made with dried fruit, nuts, and spices. Here is a basic recipe for making fruitcake:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (240 mL) brandy or rum
- 1 cup (150 grams) dried fruit (such as raisins, currants, or candied fruit)
- 1 cup (100 grams) chopped nuts (such as almonds, pecans, or walnuts)
- 1 cup (200 grams) butter, softened
- 1 cup (200 grams) brown sugar
- 4 eggs
- 2 cups (240 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Instructions:
- In a small bowl, combine the brandy or rum with the dried fruit and nuts. Set aside to soak for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs to the butter and sugar mixture one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- In a separate mixing bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter and sugar mixture, mixing until well combined.
- Stir in the soaked fruit and nuts.
- Pour the batter into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Bake the fruitcake for about 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the fruitcake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once the fruitcake is cool, you can wrap it in foil or plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container.
For more holidays, check out our list of January Holiday Calendar
