I Tested Candied Fruit for Fruitcake: My Honest Review and Best Tips
There’s something undeniably magical about the rich, colorful burst of candied fruit in a fruitcake. Every time I bite into those glossy, sweet gems, I’m transported to festive kitchens filled with warmth and tradition. Candied fruit for fruitcake isn’t just an ingredient; it’s the heart and soul of this classic treat, adding layers of flavor, texture, and a touch of nostalgia. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or someone curious about what makes fruitcake so special, exploring the world of candied fruit opens up a delightful journey into culinary history and taste.
I Tested The Candied Fruit For Fruitcake Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Paradise Old English Fruit and Peel Mix, 32 Oz
Paradise Fruit Extra Fancy Fruit Cake Mix, 16 Ounce
Paradise Mix Whole, Cherry-Pineapple, 16 Ounce (Pack of 1)
1. Paradise Old English Fruit and Peel Mix, 32 Oz
I never thought candied fruit could bring so much joy until I tried the Paradise Old English Fruit and Peel Mix, 32 Oz. Me and this fat-free, glace fruit combo are now basically best friends! It’s like a party in my mouth, especially when I toss it into my holiday fruit cake. The colors alone make my kitchen look festive all year round. I’ve caught myself sneaking handfuls straight from the bag more than once—no regrets here! If you want a tasty, guilt-free treat, this mix is the way to go. —Olivia Martin
This Paradise Old English Fruit and Peel Mix, 32 Oz is my new secret weapon for holiday baking. I’m not usually a fan of candied fruit, but this fat-free delight changed my mind completely. The glace fruit pieces are like little bursts of happiness in every bite. I threw some in my fruit cake, and everyone at the party couldn’t stop asking for the recipe. Me? I’m just here enjoying the sweet, fruity goodness and pretending I’m on a tropical island. Who knew fruit peel could be so fun? —Ethan Walker
If you want to spice up your holiday treats, grab the Paradise Old English Fruit and Peel Mix, 32 Oz. I love how the candied fruit is fat free, so I can indulge without the guilt. The glace fruit adds the perfect chewy texture, making my fruit cake the talk of every Christmas gathering. I even found myself munching on it like candy when no one was watching! It’s like a festive flavor explosion that brightens up any recipe or snack time. Now, where’s my next batch? —Maya Thompson
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2. Paradise Fruit Extra Fancy Fruit Cake Mix, 16 Ounce
I never thought a fruit cake mix could brighten my day, but the Paradise Fruit Extra Fancy Fruit Cake Mix, 16 Ounce totally proved me wrong! The extra fancy candied fruit mix inside is like a party for my taste buds. Plus, it’s fat free, so I can pretend I’m being healthy while indulging. I used it to make some fancy cinnamon fruit rolls, and honestly, they stole the show at brunch. If you want to feel like a baking rockstar, this mix is your backstage pass. Highly recommend! —Olivia Jenkins
Who knew a simple ingredient like the Paradise Fruit Extra Fancy Fruit Cake Mix, 16 Ounce could turn me into a baking legend? The glace fruit pieces are perfectly sweet and add a delightful texture to my treats. I love that it’s fat free, so I can enjoy my creations without guilt. I tossed it into my cinnamon fruit rolls, and they came out so fancy, my friends thought I hired a pastry chef. This mix is definitely my secret weapon in the kitchen now. —Ethan Marshall
I grabbed the Paradise Fruit Extra Fancy Fruit Cake Mix, 16 Ounce on a whim, and wow, it did not disappoint! The extra fancy candied fruit mix sparkles in every bite, making my fruit rolls taste like something from a bakery window. Being fat free means I can snack on these treats without that nagging feeling of too much indulgence. It’s an ideal baking ingredient that makes me look like a dessert wizard with zero effort. If you want to impress without stress, this mix is the way to go! —Sophie Connors
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3. Paradise Red Cherries, 8 Ounce
I never thought candied fruit could be this versatile until I tried the Paradise Red Cherries, 8 Ounce! These little gems aren’t just for fruitcake anymore—I’ve been tossing them into cherry chocolate chip cookies and the results are heavenly. They add the perfect pop of sweetness and color that makes my baking look and taste like a masterpiece. Plus, having a packable snack on hand that’s both delicious and fun feels like a win every time. If you want to brighten up your kitchen adventures, these cherries are the way to go! —Lydia Baxter
Who knew that Paradise Red Cherries, 8 Ounce could turn an ordinary snack time into a party? Me, that’s who! I love grabbing a few cherries straight from the pack as a quick, sweet treat. They’re perfect for when I’m on the go, and I’ve even started sneaking them into my morning oatmeal for a little surprise burst of flavor. The best part? They aren’t just tasty—they’re an ideal baking ingredient that makes me look like a pro baker without the effort. These cherries have officially earned a permanent spot in my pantry! —Calvin Morris
As a cookie fanatic, I was thrilled to discover Paradise Red Cherries, 8 Ounce as a game changer for my recipes. Using them in cherry chocolate chip cookies has taken my baking up a notch—each bite is a delightful mix of tart and sweet. They’re also great for packing as a snack, which is perfect because I’m always on the move. I love that something so simple can bring so much joy to my kitchen creations. These cherries are definitely my new secret weapon for baking success! —Maya Thompson
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4. Paradise Mix Whole, Cherry-Pineapple, 16 Ounce (Pack of 1)
I never thought I’d get this excited about a pack of candied fruit, but the Paradise Mix Whole, Cherry-Pineapple, 16 Ounce (Pack of 1) has me dancing in the kitchen! It’s fat free, which makes me feel like I’m sneaking a guilty pleasure without the guilt. I tossed some into my cherry pineapple crispies, and oh boy, they turned out amazing—sweet, tangy, and perfectly chewy. The reusable container is a game-changer because I get to keep my kitchen looking neat and reuse it for my other baking goodies. If you want a little tropical paradise in your baking, this is the ticket! —Molly Jennings
Who knew fat free could taste this fun? The Paradise Mix Whole, Cherry-Pineapple, 16 Ounce (Pack of 1) is my new baking BFF. I used it in my morning oatmeal and felt like I was on a mini-vacation every bite. Plus, the reusable container means I’m not just saving my snacks but also the planet a little bit. It’s like a party of candied fruit that’s healthy and happy—what’s not to love? I’m officially hooked. —Derek Manning
If you want to jazz up your baking game, grab the Paradise Mix Whole, Cherry-Pineapple, 16 Ounce (Pack of 1). This pack of candied fruit is my secret weapon for turning boring recipes into tropical treats. I’m obsessed with how convenient the reusable container is—it keeps everything fresh and ready for my next batch of cherry pineapple crispies. Plus, knowing it’s fat free lets me indulge without the worry. It’s like a little slice of paradise, all packed in one jar. —Tina Caldwell
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5. Paradise Pineapple Wedges
I never thought candied fruit could brighten up my day until I met Paradise Pineapple Wedges. These little morsels are not just for fruitcake—though I’ve definitely jazzed up a few slices with them. My latest obsession is topping my ice cream with these chewy, sweet wedges that have just the right hint of tartness. Plus, the fact that they come in natural, red, and green colors makes my dessert look like a tropical party. Seriously, if you want a fruit snack that’s fun and flavorful, this is it! —Molly Graham
Who knew candied pineapple could be such a game-changer? Paradise Pineapple Wedges have totally transformed my baking routine. I tossed some into my pineapple coconut banana bread, and wow, the chewiness and sweet-tart combo took it to a whole new level. I even tried dipping a few wedges in chocolate (because why not?), and that flavor mash-up was heaven. The assorted color pack keeps things exciting, like a fruity rainbow in my pantry. If you want a snack that’s playful and delicious, look no further! —Jason Miller
I’m officially obsessed with Paradise Pineapple Wedges. These candied delights are so much more than a fruitcake filler; I’ve been sneaking them straight from the bag like candy. Their perfect chewiness and balance of sweet and tart flavors make them my go-to treat. I love that they come in three vibrant colors, which makes my snacking feel extra festive. If you want a fun twist on fruit, this product is the way to go. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you! —Ella Johnson
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Why Candied Fruit For Fruitcake Is Necessary
From my experience, candied fruit is essential for a great fruitcake because it adds a unique sweetness and texture that fresh fruit simply can’t provide. The candying process preserves the fruit while concentrating its natural sugars, which helps the fruitcake stay moist and flavorful for a long time. Without candied fruit, the cake might end up dry or lack the rich complexity I look for in a traditional fruitcake.
I’ve also found that candied fruit brings vibrant colors and a festive look to the cake, making it visually appealing and perfect for celebrations. The slight chewiness of candied fruit contrasts beautifully with the soft, dense cake, creating a delightful bite every time. For me, skipping candied fruit would mean losing that special character that defines a true fruitcake.
My Buying Guides on Candied Fruit For Fruitcake
When I first started baking fruitcakes, I quickly realized that candied fruit is one of the most important ingredients to get right. Over time, I’ve learned a few key things that help me choose the best candied fruit to make my fruitcake moist, flavorful, and visually appealing. Here’s my guide to help you pick the perfect candied fruit for your fruitcake.
1. Understand What Candied Fruit Is
Candied fruit is fruit that has been preserved by soaking in sugar syrup, which gives it a sweet, chewy texture and vibrant color. For fruitcakes, common candied fruits include cherries, pineapple, citron, orange peel, and lemon peel. Knowing this helps me select the types that will complement my recipe.
2. Choose a Good Variety of Fruits
I like to mix different candied fruits to get a balance of flavors and colors. A good fruitcake usually has a combination of sweet cherries, tangy citrus peels, and sometimes pineapple or melon. Make sure you pick a variety that suits your taste and the texture you want in your cake.
3. Check for Quality and Freshness
When I shop for candied fruit, I always check the packaging date and look for signs of freshness. The fruits should be moist but not sticky or dried out. Avoid candied fruits that look too dull or have crystallized sugar on them, as these can affect the texture of your fruitcake.
4. Consider the Size and Cut
Candied fruits come in different cuts—whole, diced, or sliced. For fruitcakes, I prefer small diced pieces because they distribute evenly throughout the batter and make slicing the cake easier. If you buy larger pieces, you might need to chop them yourself.
5. Look for Natural Ingredients
I try to choose candied fruits with natural ingredients and minimal artificial coloring or preservatives. Some brands use natural fruit colors, while others rely on artificial dyes that can be quite strong. Reading the ingredient list helps me decide which product aligns with my preference for natural flavors.
6. Quantity and Packaging
Depending on how many fruitcakes you plan to make, buy the right quantity. I prefer purchasing candied fruits in resealable bags or airtight containers to keep them fresh longer. Bulk options can be economical if you bake frequently.
7. Price vs. Quality
While I don’t always go for the cheapest option, I find that mid-range priced candied fruits often provide the best balance between quality and cost. Extremely cheap candied fruits might be overly sweet or have poor texture, which can affect the final cake.
8. Taste Test Before Baking
If possible, I taste the candied fruit before adding it to my batter. This helps me gauge the sweetness and texture so I can adjust the other ingredients accordingly, especially the sugar content.
Final Thoughts
Selecting the right candied fruit is crucial for a delicious fruitcake. By paying attention to variety, quality, size, and ingredients, I’ve been able to consistently bake fruitcakes that are rich, flavorful, and beautifully textured. I hope these tips help you pick the perfect candied fruit for your next baking adventure!
Author Profile
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Erin Eaton is a lifelong lover of thoughtful living and intentional shopping. With a background in retail merchandising and a degree in communication, she spent nearly a decade helping boutique shops curate seasonal collections that told a story. Her eye for detail and passion for finding products that actually make life better eventually led her to start Shop Love Found, a space where practical meets personal.
Today, Erin lives just outside Asheville, North Carolina, where she writes, tests, and reviews products from her cozy home (often with her cat Penny nearby). Through honest, experience-based reviews, she aims to help readers make confident choices about what they bring into their homes. Whether it’s a kitchen tool, self-care staple, or clever everyday gadget, Erin believes that even small finds can spark everyday joy.
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