What to Serve with Fruitcake & Pecan Cake

Elevate Your Holiday Table with These Perfect Pairings

The holidays are all about celebrating traditions, family, and togetherness—often around a table brimming with delicious food. At the heart of these celebrations, Collin Street Bakery’s Texas Fruitcakes and Texas Pecan Cakes take center stage. But why stop at serving them alone? With the right accompaniments, these beloved desserts transform into unforgettable holiday experiences.

Let’s explore creative and easy ways to elevate your dessert table with perfect pairings, making every bite even more extraordinary.

Start with Savory Companions: Cheese & Charcuterie

The richness and sweetness of fruitcake and pecan cake shine brightest when paired with savory flavors. Cheese and charcuterie boards provide the perfect balance, combining salty, creamy, and tangy notes that bring out the nuanced flavors of the cakes.

Cheeses: For pecan cake, opt for soft, creamy cheeses like brie, camembert, or mascarpone. Their subtle flavors enhance the nuttiness of the cake without overpowering it. For fruitcake, try a bolder pairing with blue cheese or aged cheddar. The tangy kick of blue cheese complements the spiced, sweet notes of the fruitcake, while cheddar's sharpness offers a satisfying contrast.
Charcuterie: Thin slices of prosciutto or smoked ham add a salty depth that complements both cakes. For something heartier, consider spiced ham or honey-glazed ham—these meats echo the warm, spiced flavors in fruitcake while offering a savory foil to its sweetness.

Presentation Tip: Create a visually stunning charcuterie board by arranging small slices of fruitcake and pecan cake alongside cheeses, cured meats, and extras like dried apricots, figs, or even olives for an added pop of flavor.

Get our step-by-step guide to crafting the perfect fruitcake inspired charcuterie board.

Indulge in Creamy Accompaniments: Ice Cream & Whipped Cream

Fruitcake and pecan cake can take on a new level of decadence when paired with rich, creamy accompaniments. The contrast between dense cakes and creamy textures creates a luxurious dessert experience that your guests won’t forget.

Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: The buttery richness of pecan cake pairs beautifully with the creamy sweetness of vanilla bean ice cream. Warm up your cake slices before serving for a cozy, melt-in-your-mouth sensation.
Spiced Whipped Cream: Add a festive twist to traditional whipped cream by blending in a sprinkle of cinnamon, nutmeg, or a splash of vanilla extract. This pairing is particularly delightful with fruitcake, as the spices in the whipped cream echo the cake’s warm flavors, making each bite feel like a holiday hug.

Hosting Tip: Set up a small “toppings station” with a bowl of spiced whipped cream and a tub of vanilla bean ice cream, allowing guests to customize their slices to their liking.

Browse mouth-watering ice cream-themed recipes featuring our famous fruitcake!

Perfect Pours: Wines, Spirits, & Festive Cocktails

Fruitcake and pecan cake have bold flavors that can be beautifully highlighted with the right drink. Pairing either alongside a robust wine, a cozy mug of spiced tea, or a fun cocktail, adds an extra layer of sophistication to your holiday celebration.

Wine: For fruitcake, port or tawny sherry offers a rich, velvety pairing that highlights its spiced and fruity notes. For pecan cake, a buttery Chardonnay or a bold Cabernet Sauvignon complements its nutty, caramelized flavors.
Bourbon or Spiced Rum: These spirits bring out the best in both cakes. The vanilla and oak notes in bourbon complement the pecan cake, while the warm spices in spiced rum mirror the fruitcake’s festive flavors.
Festive Cocktails: Try a mulled wine or a hot toddy for seasonal charm. Mulled wine’s citrus and spice notes enhance the flavors of fruitcake, while a hot toddy with honey and lemon adds a cozy pairing for pecan cake.

Beverage Tip: Set up a drink station with wine, spirits, and easy-to-make cocktails. Include recipe cards or pre-mix a batch of mulled wine for effortless entertaining.

Learn wine pairing principles & tips for finding the right bottle.

Non-Alcoholic Options: Teas & Coffees

For guests who prefer non-alcoholic beverages, tea and coffee provide delightful pairings that highlight the complex flavors of fruitcake and pecan cake.

Earl Grey Tea: Its citrus and floral bergamot notes complement the dried fruits in fruitcake, while its subtle bitterness balances the sweetness.
Chai Tea: A spiced chai latte is a wonderful match for both cakes, resonating with their warm flavors of cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom.
Espresso or Black Coffee: A strong espresso shot cuts through the richness of both cakes, while the bold bitterness of black coffee creates a satisfying contrast to their sweetness.

Tea & Coffee Tip: Create a self-serve coffee and tea bar with tea bags, fresh-brewed coffee, and an espresso machine. Include festive mugs and small jars of honey, cream, or sugar for added customization.

Sweet Enhancements: Dark Chocolate & Candied Nuts

Elevate your dessert spread with sweet garnishes that add texture and richness to each bite.

Dark Chocolate: Serve small squares of dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher) alongside slices of cake. The chocolate’s bitterness balances the sweetness of fruitcake and pecan cake, while a touch of sea salt or chili flakes adds an adventurous twist.
Candied Nuts: Sprinkle candied pecans or almonds over your dessert plates for an irresistible crunch. These caramelized treats echo the buttery richness of pecan cake and the spiced sweetness of fruitcake.

Presentation Tip: Place bowls of dark chocolate pieces and candied nuts on the dessert table. Guests can mix and match these garnishes to enhance their cake slices.

Bring the Flavors of the Season to Life

No matter the occasion—a grand holiday feast or a quiet evening by the fire—these thoughtful pairings transform our DeLuxe® Fruitcakes and Texas Pecan Cakes into the centerpiece of your celebration. Each pairing is designed to complement the rich, decadent flavors of our cakes, creating a memorable experience for your family and guests.

Ready to create your perfect holiday spread? Order your favorite Collin Street Bakery cakes today and start pairing like a pro. Cheers to a season full of delicious traditions!