A fruitcake is a dense, sweet cake packed with dried or candied fruits, nuts, and spices. Traditional fruitcakes contain ingredients like raisins, candied cherries, dates, walnuts, and almonds, all held together with a rich batter.

Fruitcakes have been made for centuries because the sugar in the candied fruit acts as a natural preservative, allowing them to last for months or even years without spoiling. In many families, fruitcake is a Christmas tradition, often baked weeks ahead. Some people love fruitcake's complex, spicy-sweet taste, while others find it too heavy or don't enjoy candied fruit.