[Editor’s Note: This post is part of a series designed to help people avoid foodborne illness during the holidays. You can find other posts in the series – on everything from eggnog to roasting a turkey – here.]
I’ve always thought that, in the event of a nuclear apocalypse, the Earth will be populated solely by co*ckroaches, those Styrofoam hamburger containers that fast-food joints used in the 1980s, and fruitcakes. Since this is the season for loved ones to inflict fruitcakes on one another, I decided to get to the bottom of this mystery: will fruitcakes really last forever?
As it turns out, the answer depends on how you define “fruitcake.”
Most fruitcake recipes include dried nuts, dried fruit, and “candied” fruit or peel (meaning the fruit has been both dried and preserved in sugar). [Note: not all fruitcakes are made this way, see the safety note below.]
The U.S. Department of Agriculture says that fruitcake will last two to three months in the refrigerator without spoiling, and will maintain its quality if stored up to a year in the freezer. But it’s a federal agency’s job to think of the worst-case scenario. Could fruitcakes really last longer?
“All of these dried and candied ingredients have what we call ‘low water activity,’ meaning they have very little moisture available,” says Ben Chapman, a food safety researcher at NCState. “Low water activity is important because many microorganisms, including foodborne illness-causing bacteria, need moisture in order to reproduce.
“In practical terms, this makes most fruitcakes extremely shelf stable, so they would be safe to eat for a long time – a really long time,” Chapman says. “But it might taste pretty bad.”
That’s because a lot of things can significantly affect the quality of the fruitcake.
For example, mold could grow on the surface of a fruitcake, or yeast could cause some of the sugars in the fruitcake to ferment.
“But some people wrap their fruitcakes in linen that’s been soaked in rum or other spirits to reduce the chance of mold or yeast problems,” Chapman says.
“However, rancidity may still be an issue. Fruitcakes contain a variety of proteins, from eggs to butter to nuts – even the fruit items. And when proteins are exposed to air, they can become oxidized, which can create rancid flavors and odors,” Chapman explains.
So, while you may be able to save that fruitcake forever, you should probably eat it now.
Safety Note: If a fruitcake has a significant amount of moisture (e.g., if it was made with fresh fruit) it is more likely to spoil or to give pathogens enough moisture to reproduce. In other words, it could make you sick if not kept refrigerated and eaten relatively quickly.
FAQs
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, these seemingly indestructible pastries typically stay fresh for six months in the pantry and up to a year when refrigerated. But anecdotally we know that they can last for decades; some of the oldest have been preserved for more than a century.
Can fruitcake last for years? ›
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, these seemingly indestructible pastries typically stay fresh for six months in the pantry and up to a year when refrigerated. But anecdotally we know that they can last for decades; some of the oldest have been preserved for more than a century.
How to store fruitcake long term? ›
Over 4+ Months
We recommend wrapping your fruitcake in a layer of plastic wrap followed by a layer of foil. Ensure your fruitcake and the foil do not contact one another. Then, place your wrapped cake in an airtight container and set that container in the freezer.
How long does grandmas fruitcake last? ›
Grandma's Fruitcake slices best when chilled. We recommend that you refrigerate your cake overnight or freeze it for a few hours before slicing with a Non Serrated Knife. Our fruitcakes have a 9 month shelf life.
How old is the oldest fruitcake? ›
Even older is the fruitcake left behind in Antarctica by the explorer Robert Falcon Scott in 1910. But the honor for the oldest known existing fruitcake goes to one that was baked in 1878 when Rutherford B. Hayes was president of the United States.
Can you eat 10 year old fruitcake? ›
"In practical terms, this makes most fruitcakes extremely shelf stable, so they would be safe to eat for a long time – a really long time," Chapman says. "But it might taste pretty bad."
What is the shelf life of apple cake? ›
The cake is very moist and can be stored in an airtight container in a cool place for 2 to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. In warm climates it is better to store the cake in the fridge.
Is fruitcake good for you? ›
We might like to pretend, based on its name, that fruitcake is a reasonably healthy sweet option, however this is not the case. Fruitcake tends to have high butter, sugar and syrup content, making it high in both fat and calorie content. The same goes for Panettone- the Italian bread that has become a holiday favorite.
How long does a Southern Supreme fruitcake last? ›
Our fruitcakes have a six month shelf life. We have decided if you refrigerate your fruitcake after opening, it will stay firmer and will be easier to slice with a serrated knife. For international orders please call 336-581-3141.
How long does candied fruit for fruitcake last? ›
Candied fruits are preserved in a sugar quite well and typically have a long shelf life, often up to a year or even longer when stored properly. For unopened store-bought candied fruits, they can be safely stored and enjoyed until the best by date on the packaging, usually about 1-2 years from the manufacturing date.
Of course, a hot cup of coffee serves as the perfect complement to a hearty slice of Claxton Fruit Cake. What is the average shelf-life of a Claxton Fruit Cake? Under normal conditions, our cakes have a shelf-life of approximately six months.
How long does Collins Street fruitcake last? ›
Our Fruitcakes are good for 3 months on the shelf, 6 months in the freezer, and up to a year in the freezer. We also recommend storing our Fruitcakes in an airtight container or the tin they come in.
How long should you age fruitcake? ›
The most common duration to properly age a fruitcake is about three months. Any quicker will limit the development of complex flavors attributed to the maturing process. You can certainly age your cake for much longer than several months if you'd like, but we know how busy everyday life can be.
Can fruitcake last 25 years? ›
It lasts longer than you think
According to Mental Floss, fruitcake has quite the shelf life. The tasty, holiday treat can age 25 years and still be enjoyed, as long as it's stored in an airtight container.
Is fruit cake edible after 100 years? ›
Even if you are ambivalent about the fruit cake, it has been part of Quebec holiday traditions for several generations.
Why do fruitcakes last so long? ›
What typically makes fruitcake last so long is its super dense texture. This texture prevents, let's say, less than appetizing things from setting up camp in the cake's crevices. Additionally, a lot of the ingredients in our fruitcakes are dried or glaceéd, so they don't contain much moisture.
How long does a cake with fruit last? ›
Cake with Buttercream, Whipped Cream or Custard (like Moist Chocolate Cake with Fluffy Chocolate Frosting): 4 days, since dairy spoils quicker. Fruit-filled Cake (like Lemon Curd Cake) 3-5 days, depending on the acidity and moisture content of the fruit filling or topping.
What is the longest shelf life of cake? ›
Cakes can be stored in the fridge for up to a week. If you need to store the cake for longer than that, put it in the freezer. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminium foil, and then place it in a freezer-safe bag. Cakes will stay fresh in the freezer for up to two months.
What is the shelf life of plum cake? ›
STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS AND SHELF LIFE : Store in cool, dry and hygienic place to protect from insects, pest and strong odors. The cake has a shelf life of 15 days from the date of manufacturing. Once Opened Consume Within 2-3 Days. Store in Airtight Container Under Refrigerated Condition.
