More than 2 million fruitcakes are sold in the United States each year, and 20,000 of them arrive every day from a single bakery in Corsicana, Texas. That bakery, Collin Street, has been making the holiday treat for over 125 years, and its legacy is as rich as the cake itself.
The Resurgence of Fruitcake
Fruitcake has long been a staple of holiday celebrations, but its presence on dessert tables has dwindled in recent decades. Part of the decline is attributed to Johnny Carson’s famous remark that the worst gift is a fruitcake, and that there is only one fruitcake in the world that people keep sending to each other. Yet despite the jokes, fruitcake remains a part of historic moments-from Princess Diana and King Charles’ wedding to the moon landing on Apollo 11.
Today, the cake is still celebrated by those who appreciate its depth of flavor and its symbolic connection to family and tradition. The fact that more than 2 million are sold annually in the U.S. shows that a sizable portion of the population still values the confection.
Collin Street Bakery: A 125-Year Legacy
Collin Street Bakery, located in Corsicana-a town about 50 miles south of Dallas-has been the producer of choice for many of these fruitcakes. The bakery’s history dates back to the late 1800s, and it has remained in the same family for three generations. Thomas McNutt, a third-generation owner, explains that the bakery’s reputation is built on quality 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,” Thomas says.
The recipe itself is a blend of Texas pecans, pineapple, raisins, and cherries, all mixed into a batter that is hand-decorated and baked to perfection. Bob McNutt, another family owner, emphasizes the importance of quality: “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.”
Collin Street has delivered fruitcakes to a wide range of recipients, including celebrities and politicians. The bakery even made a cameo in the 1972 classic film “The Godfather,” underscoring its cultural reach.
Tradition, Taste, and a Money-Back Guarantee
The bakery’s confidence in its product is reflected in its money-back guarantee. Customers who are not satisfied with the taste can receive a full refund, a promise that speaks to the bakery’s commitment to quality.
Bill Baxter, one of the bakery’s regular customers, says that the cake brings back memories of what used to be. “It brings back memories of what used to be,” he says. “It’s comfort.” The McNutts view the sharing of fruitcake across generations as part of their mission. “Everyone from grandma and grandpa to the grandkids, a lot of people like to sit down and love to taste fruitcake at Christmas,” Bob says.
Thomas adds that a new kind of appreciation for tradition, family, gathering, and celebrating is emerging. “We think that there’s a new kind of a refound appreciation of tradition, of family, of gathering and celebrating,” he says. “So fruitcake just fits perfectly in that.”
Key Takeaways
- More than 2 million fruitcakes are sold in the U.S. each year, with 20,000 daily from Corsicana’s Collin Street Bakery.
- The bakery has a 125-year history and uses quality ingredients like Texas pecans, pineapple, raisins, and cherries.
- Collin Street offers a money-back guarantee and has appeared in film, demonstrating its cultural impact.
Closing
While the holiday season continues to feature classic confections such as candy canes, gingerbread, and sugarplums, fruitcake remains a beloved tradition for many. Thanks to the dedication of families like the McNutts and the heritage of Collin Street Bakery, the cake’s rich flavors and nostalgic appeal keep it firmly in the hearts of holiday lovers across the country.
