Category Archives: Fruit Cake

Fresh Fruit Cake vs. Biscotti Cookies: When to Serve Each Classic Treat

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fruitcake vs Biscotti

Few baked goods evoke as much comfort and nostalgia as fresh fruit cake and biscotti cookies. Both are steeped in tradition, yet each offers a distinct experience depending on the occasion. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or planning a casual brunch, knowing when to serve these classics can enhance your event and delight your guests.

Fresh Fruit Cake: Rich, Moist, and Perfect for Celebrations

Fresh fruit cake is synonymous with celebration, filled with a blend of fruits, nuts, and a hint of liqueur; it’s a dense, flavorful treat often associated with special occasions. Traditionally served during holidays like Christmas and Easter, this cake also shines at weddings, anniversaries, and other formal events where guests appreciate a rich, indulgent dessert.

It’s a fantastic option for a centerpiece that feels nostalgic and festive. A simple dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of glaze, or pairing it with whipped cream can elevate each slice into something truly memorable. Whether served after a hearty holiday meal or gifted as a thoughtful treat, fruit cake brings a touch of tradition to the table.

Biscotti Cookies: Crisp, Light, and Versatile

On the other hand, biscotti cookies offer a lighter, crispier alternative perfect for more casual moments. They are ideal companions to morning coffee, afternoon tea, or even an after-dinner espresso, twice-baked for that signature crunch!

Available in various flavors—almond, pistachio, chocolate—biscotti adds a subtle sweetness and satisfying texture to any spread. They are easy to serve and transport and beloved by guests of all ages. Whether curating a brunch menu, preparing gift baskets, or setting out a sweet treat for visitors, biscotti are versatile and always appreciated.

Why Choose One? Serve Both!

While each has its moment to shine, combining fresh fruit cake and biscotti at your next gathering can offer the best of both worlds. The rich, dense texture of fruit cake pairs beautifully with biscotti’s crisp, dunkable nature, giving your guests variety and a delightful balance of flavors.

For those looking to bring a touch of tradition and authentic flavor to their table, you’ll find handcrafted fruit cake, biscotti, and more Italian pastries from the artisans at the Italian Bakery of Virginia in Minnesota. Our premium, time-honored recipes make it easy to elevate any celebration.

Visit us online to explore our selection and have our signature pastries shipped straight to your door!

Unique Ideas For Your Next Brunch

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A group of friends enjoying a brunch buffet

Who doesn’t love a good brunch? Hosting a brunch is a great way to celebrate an event or spend time with those important to us. One of the most important aspects of brunch is the menu- after all, it is the star of the show!

It can be stressful to think of what to serve, especially if you’re trying to avoid repeating the well-known brunch dishes. We’re here to help with some unique and utterly delicious brunch ideas! Whether your next brunch is for one person or one hundred people (we can’t say we recommend that!), these ideas are sure to be a hit.

Have Sweet and Savory Options

Having sweet and savory options makes for a diverse plate and ensures everyone is happy. However, not everyone wants pancakes or parfaits! For sweet options, we always recommend our potica and fruit cake. Not only are they fantastic on their own, but they’re great topped with butter or whipped cream- or even transformed into our fruit cake French toast!

For savory options, we recommend leaning more into the ‘lunch’ aspect of brunch. Rather than overloading on potatoes, try using wild rice as a side! The nutty and earthy flavors make it a perfect base for many recipes like mushroom risotto or breakfast fried rice!

Have a Coffee Bar

Rather than getting up to pour everyone coffee, make a designated coffee area. After you set up any coffee or espresso machines, set out any mugs, milk, syrups, sugar, and anything that you know your guests will love. To take it a step further, include biscotti! The crunchy treat goes hand-in-hand with coffee and espresso alike. Plus- who doesn’t love a treat with their drink?

Make Gift Bags

A great way to ensure a memorable brunch is to make small goodie bags that people can grab on their way out. Especially if you order from a historical and unique bakery; after all, everyone deserves to experience all that the Italian Bakery of Virginia has to offer more than once! Everyone is sure to appreciate your thoughtfulness and thoroughly enjoy each delight.

If you’re now excitedly planning your next brunch, you’re in luck. At the Italian Bakery of Virginia, we ship all of our goods to you! To place your order for any of our handmade products, visit us online or call us at 218-741-7218!

Ways to Enjoy Leftover Fruit Cake

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Fruitcake on a wooden plate.

Often, fruit cake is thought of as a winter only treat! While it may be known for that due to popular culture, it is a treat that can be enjoyed all year long. It also can be enjoyed in a wide variety of ways! Below are three recipes that can be made with your leftover fruit cake!

Fruit Cake Bread Pudding

Cube up your fruit cake and place it in a casserole dish. In a separate bowl, whisk together: two eggs, a good splash of milk, a punch of sugar and a pinch of cinnamon. Pour that mixture over your fruit cake and bake in a 350 degrees oven for 30 minutes (or until golden brown)!

This is best served warm, and for some added decadence, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or some whipped cream!

Fruit Cake French Toast

Need something fun for your next brunch? Look no further! Slice your fruit cake and allow it to dry out a bit for a few hours. Then, combine beaten eggs and milk with some cinnamon in a shallow dish.  Melt some butter in a pan over medium heat, and dip each slice (both sides!) of your fruit cake in the mixture, and place into your pan. Cook until golden brown and serve with your favorite French toast toppings!

Fruit Cake Pops

Cake pops are a perfect sweet treat, without the mess of a slice of cake! Crumble your fruit cake into a bowl, and mix an equal part of vanilla frosting in. For some extra flavor, you can add some cinnamon, or nutmeg! When well combined, scoop 1-inch balls with a spoon or ice cream scoop and roll until they are smooth. Put a cake pop stick (you can also use lollipop sticks, or skewers, but just be careful and or remove the skewers after). Melt chocolate wafers, we recommend vanilla, and dip your cake balls in. Place your cake pops to the side, and once the chocolate has set, enjoy!

Tip: we recommend poking holes in an old egg carton to hold your cake pops upright while the chocolate sets.

Whichever option you go with, it’s a great way to utilize any leftover fruit cake! Whichever recipe you try, a high-quality fruit cake is key. At the Italian Bakery of Virginia, we ship all of our goods to you! To order and view our products, visit us online or call us at 218-741-7218!