History of Calvary

Fruitcake

Calvary's world-famous fruitcake has been baked to a secret parish recipe since 1939. The annual project began when a Calvary parishioner gathered several of her church friends in her home kitchen to make fruitcake, which they sold at Calvary. The cakes were such a hit that the ladies made 200 the following year. Having outgrown the parishioner's home, the project moved to the church kitchen, where it has taken place ever since.

Every autumn, Calvary volunteers bake over a ton of fruitcake, between 1,500 and 1,900 cakes, depending on the sizes ordered. The work is done by hand, from cutting and weighing dates to mixing batter to steaming cakes to the final baking, glazing and decorating. The church also bakes gluten-free cakes for those with celiac's disease.

Calvary fruitcakes have gone far and wide, with recipients including former First Lady Barbara Bush and Queen Noor of Jordan. In addition to the fellowship the project provides for volunteers young and old, female and male, the fruitcake project has raised thousands of dollars for projects at Calvary.

The fruitcake for 2011 has been sold out. A total of 1,900 cakes were sold. Thanks to all who purchased our fruitcake.

We are now taking orders for our "famous" fruitcake. The cakes will be available after November 1, 2012. Orders are processed as they are received. Place your order today!

Calvary's famous fruitcake is featured on Minnesota Public Radio. Listen and/or read the interview, Dining with Dara: Minnesota fruitcake is no laughing matter.