Introduction to Fruitcake
The holiday season is filled with classic confections, including candy canes, gingerbread, and sugarplums. However, one treat that has been showing up less often on dessert tables in recent decades is fruitcake. This may be due in part to Johnny Carson’s declaration years ago: “The worst gift is a fruitcake. There is only one fruitcake in the entire world, and people keep sending it to each other.”
History of Fruitcake
Despite its current decline in popularity, fruitcake has been a part of historic events for centuries. It was even present at Princess Diana and King Charles’ wedding and made a trip to the moon on Apollo 11. Today, more than 2 million fruitcakes are sold in the United States each year, with 20,000 a day coming from one small town in Texas.
Collin Street Bakery
The bakery responsible for these sales is Collin Street Bakery, located in Corsicana, a town about 50 miles south of Dallas. Collin Street Bakery has been in the fruitcake business for over 125 years. According to Thomas McNutt, a third-generation owner at the bakery, the key to their success lies in the quality of their ingredients. “I promise you this. If every American had Collin Street Bakery’s fruitcake at Christmas, then today every household would have a fruitcake still at Christmas, because ours is very different,” said McNutt.
The Making of Collin Street Fruitcake
Each Collin Street fruitcake features Texas pecans, pineapple, raisins, and cherries blended into a batter, hand-decorated and baked. The bakery’s owners emphasize the importance of using high-quality ingredients to create a unique and delicious taste experience. “Some people will attempt to bake a product just for the season, really, with no eye to quality … You can taste a $2 wine or $2,000 wine, and there’s a big difference from the bottom and the top, and it’s the same way in the world of fruitcake,” said Bob McNutt, another family owner.
Celebrity Connections and Traditions
The bakery has delivered fruitcakes to celebrities, politicians, and even made a cameo in the 1972 classic film “The Godfather.” Collin Street is so confident in its confection that it even offers a money-back guarantee. For customers like Bill Baxter, it’s all about the nostalgia. “It brings back memories of what used to be,” he said. “It’s comfort.” The McNutts say sharing those traditions across generations is part of their mission.
Conclusion
Fruitcake may not be as popular as it once was, but bakeries like Collin Street are working to keep the tradition alive. With their high-quality ingredients and dedication to their craft, they are helping to bring back a sense of nostalgia and comfort to the holiday season. As Thomas McNutt said, “We think that there’s a new kind of a refound appreciation of tradition, of family, of gathering and celebrating. So fruitcake just fits perfectly in that.”
FAQs
Q: Why has fruitcake become less popular in recent decades?
A: Fruitcake’s decline in popularity may be due in part to Johnny Carson’s negative comments about the treat, as well as a lack of quality ingredients used by some bakeries.
Q: How many fruitcakes are sold in the United States each year?
A: More than 2 million fruitcakes are sold in the United States each year.
Q: What makes Collin Street Bakery’s fruitcake unique?
A: Collin Street Bakery’s fruitcake features Texas pecans, pineapple, raisins, and cherries blended into a batter, hand-decorated and baked, using high-quality ingredients.
Q: Has Collin Street Bakery’s fruitcake been featured in any notable events or films?
A: Yes, Collin Street Bakery’s fruitcake has been featured in the 1972 classic film “The Godfather” and has been delivered to celebrities and politicians.
Q: What is Collin Street Bakery’s mission?
A: Collin Street Bakery’s mission is to share traditions across generations and bring back a sense of nostalgia and comfort to the holiday season.
