my grandmother used to make her own fruitcake and pour 'dandelion wine' that she made, over it, wrap in foil and store in the cold back basement. Kids weren't usually allowed to have any because of the wine but somehow I got some and I lover fruit cake! With lots of fruit, dates, nuts and cherries. Mother used to make one using a spice cake mix and bake in an angel food cake pan. It weighed a ton till she was done adding everything. I'm the only one in the family that likes fruit cake so I don't make it because I would eat it all!!