How Do You Decorate the Top of a Fruitcake?

You can decorate the top of a fruitcake with a variety of options, primarily involving candied fruit, nuts, glazes, and almond paste.

Here's a breakdown of common methods:

• Candied Fruit and Nuts: Arrange candied fruit (cherries, pineapple, citrus peel) and nuts (walnuts, pecans, almonds) attractively on top of the fruitcake.

• Simple Glaze: Brush the decorated fruitcake with a clear glaze (apricot jam, corn syrup, or a simple sugar syrup) and allow it to dry for a shiny, natural-looking finish. This enhances the colors and preserves the decorations.

• Almond Paste (Marzipan) Layer:

  1. Brush the fruitcake with a glaze or melted apricot jam.
  2. Cover the top with a thin layer of rolled-out almond paste (marzipan).
  3. Optionally, score the almond paste or decorate it further with royal icing.

• Royal Icing:

  1. Prepare Royal Icing using a recipe that suits your preference.
  2. Apply the icing smoothly over the cake, or create decorative designs using piping bags and tips.
  3. Sprinkle the icing with edible glitter or use other decorations as desired.

• Combined Approach:

  1. Glaze the fruitcake.
  2. Apply almond paste.
  3. Cover the almond paste with royal icing, creating a smooth or decorative surface.

Tips for Success:

• Arrangement: Consider the color and texture of your decorations when arranging them for a visually appealing design.
• Adhesion: Ensure decorations adhere to the fruitcake by using a glaze or a thin layer of almond paste as a "glue."
• Protection: A glaze helps protect the decorations and preserves the fruitcake's moisture.