More Than Just A Holiday Treat
At Collin Street Bakery, we know that in Texas, fruitcake isn’t just a holiday treat—it’s a symbol of our state’s rich culture and cherished traditions. Unlike the dense, spiced versions popular in other parts of the world, Texas fruitcake has its own identity, shaped by a love for local ingredients and a touch of Southern charm. Our Texas-style fruitcake is lighter, naturally sweet, and rich with pecans, an ingredient as iconic to Texas as the stars at night. This holiday classic has even sparked friendly rivalries, like the one between our hometown of Corsicana, Texas, and Claxton, Georgia, as both cities compete for the title of “Fruitcake Capital of the World.” For us Texans, our fruitcake is a true point of pride, a treat that brings families together around flavors rooted in the Lone Star State—much like gathering for tamales on Christmas Eve or joining hands in a town square to watch the Christmas parade.
Since 1896, Collin Street Bakery has been at the heart of this Texas tradition. Founded here in Corsicana, our bakery has been crafting fruitcakes for generations, connecting Texans and families across the world through the flavor of our timeless recipe.
The Origins of the Fruitcake
To appreciate what makes Texas fruitcake unique, we first look back at the origins of fruitcake itself. This dessert has a history stretching back thousands of years to ancient Rome, where early recipes combined barley, nuts, and dried fruits into a hearty, portable treat—ideal for Roman soldiers on long journeys. Over the centuries, fruitcake evolved, incorporating new ingredients like honey, spices, and alcohol. By the Middle Ages, it had become a holiday staple across Europe, especially in England, where spices and preserved fruits transformed it into a “plum cake” or “Christmas cake.” By the Victorian era, fruitcake was a must-have at holiday gatherings, much like Texans today gathering around the fire to sip hot chocolate or enjoying the glow of luminarias on a winding path.
When fruitcake reached America in the 19th century, it took on special significance in the South, where recipes were adapted to showcase regional flavors. Here in Texas, we gave our fruitcake a lighter twist, incorporating the rich, natural sweetness of pecans and sun-ripened fruits instead of relying on heavy spices and alcohol. Texas fruitcake celebrates these local flavors, bringing out the taste of our homegrown ingredients with every bite. Just like a Christmas tamale feast or decorating a cedar tree cut from our Texas soil, our fruitcake honors the flavors and traditions that make Texas, Texas. And for those who want a year-round taste of Texas, our Texas Pecan Cakes offers the same delicious heritage in a version that’s perfect for any occasion.
The Nutty Texas Twist
One thing that truly sets our Texas fruitcake apart is our focus on pecans. Pecans, native to Texas, are the central ingredient in our fruitcake, adding a buttery, rich texture that makes it unmistakably Texan. Our Texas fruitcakes showcase native-grown pecans, sun-ripened pineapples, and ripe cherries—all selected for peak freshness and quality. This approach allows the ingredients' natural flavors to shine through, creating a rich yet balanced fruitcake—much like the peaceful beauty of a Texas landscape lit by Christmas luminarias.
For a twist on the traditional, our Texas Pecan Cakes are a unique versions made with a variety of fruits, like strawberries, pineapples, and apricots. Ideal for gifting, celebrations, or simply indulging in a taste of Texas, our pecan cakes offer the same high quality dessert as our fruitcakes, highlighting the buttery richness of locally-shelled pecans.
Collin Street Bakery: The Heart of Texas Fruitcake Tradition
At Collin Street Bakery, we’re proud to be at the heart of Texas fruitcake tradition. Founded by German immigrant August Weidmann and local entrepreneur Tom McElwee, our bakery has always been a place of high-quality, handcrafted confections. By the early 1900s, our fruitcakes were gaining national attention, with orders pouring in from across the country. Known for our commitment to using the finest ingredients, our fruitcake quickly became a holiday favorite far beyond Texas. Like attending Christmas Eve services or gathering for a small-town tree lighting, ordering a Collin Street Bakery fruitcake has become a holiday ritual that brings loved ones together through shared memories.
Over the years, our fruitcake has earned fans from all walks of life, from Hollywood stars to royalty. Famous figures such as Frank Sinatra and Queen Elizabeth II have reportedly enjoyed our Texas fruitcakes, helping to solidify Collin Street Bakery’s reputation as a producer of world-class confections. Today, we continue to carry on this legacy, crafting each fruitcake with the same quality and care that have made us a part of holiday celebrations for generations. Each Collin Street Bakery creation is a slice of Texas, as much a part of our holiday season as watching the lights at the courthouse or sharing stories around a glowing campfire.
Tradition with a Modern Touch
While we’re rooted in tradition, we’ve also embraced modern advancements to meet the needs of our customers by offering a variety of fruitcake and pecan cake sizes and packaging options, making it easy for everyone to find the perfect holiday gift. And with online ordering, you can experience the authentic taste of Texas fruitcake—and pecan cakes—no matter where you live. Like attending a “cowboy Christmas” rodeo or hosting a neighborhood tamale feast, ordering a cake from Collin Street Bakery brings Texas tradition to your doorstep.
In a world where many traditions fade, Texas fruitcake remains a beloved holiday classic, thanks to our dedication to quality, craftsmanship, and heritage. Just like the timeless Texas tradition of gathering with family to celebrate the season, each cake we bake carries the flavors and values of our home. Whether shared with family, gifted to friends, or enjoyed on a cozy winter evening, our gourmet baked goods are more than just desserts—they’re traditions that bring people together with every slice.
Give our Texas fruitcake and Texas Pecan Cakes a go and start a holiday tradition that stands the test of time.
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