How to Freeze Fruit Cakes

Fruitcake stores and freezes well because of its low moisture content.

In ancient Rome, the first fruitcakes consisted of similar ingredients and the low moisture content that also characterize modern day fruitcakes. The reasons fruitcakes preserve well --- low water content --- also makes them suitable for freezing. Alcoholic beverages flavor and age fruitcakes, but also affect how well they freeze. Freezing fruitcakes requires no additional preparation on the part of the baker.

Things You'll Need

• Fruitcake
• Freezer-safe container or plastic bag
• Cheesecloth (optional)

Instructions

1. Bake your fruitcake, according to the recipe, or purchase one from a bakery. No special cake is necessary. Fruitcake with low water content freezes better and lessens freezer burn.

2. Age the cake for at least four weeks. Store the cake in a cool, dry place. You can wrap the cake in cheesecloth and soak the cloth in alcoholic beverages or fruit juices. However, this elevates the water content of the fruitcake and may result in freezer burn or change in flavor after freezing. A fruitcake can remain, wrapped and in a cool, dry place for two to three months without affecting the flavor. Fruitcakes purchased from a bakery won't need aging as the bakery will do this before selling the product.

3. Place the fruitcake in a freezer-safe plastic bag or container. Because of the low water content, fruitcake can remain in the freezer for at least four months without affecting the flavor or texture.

Tips & Warnings

• Thaw the fruitcake on the counter top after removing from the freezer.

• The fruitcake won't age or mellow while in the freezer.

References

• Help with Cooking: Freezing Food Guide
• Tipnut: Making Homemade Fruitcake
• University Catering Newsletter :Fruitcake Throughout The Centuries; 2010
• All Recipes: Baking Fruitcakes
• Whats Cooking America: Fruitcake Secrets

Resources

• Food Network: Free Range Fruitcake