One man in Saskatchewan has elevated his passion for fruitcake to new heights, amassing over 37,000 followers on social media in the process. Jim Hadfield, aged 74, embarked on the creation of this year’s Christmas fruitcakes in mid-June, proudly announcing to his audience this week that he has successfully baked 724 of these sumptuous, dense, and sweet treats all by himself.
The popularity of his festive confections has surged significantly. Back in 2023, he crafted 276 fruitcakes, and the numbers escalated to over 400 last year. Reflecting on his journey, Hadfield shared, “About six years ago, I pondered if anyone still indulges in fruitcake.” He initially posted about it on his Facebook page and received orders for 28, a figure that has steadily grown ever since.
Residing in Milestone, Sask., located approximately 50 kilometers south of Regina, Hadfield manages everything from taking orders and procuring ingredients to baking the cakes and personally delivering many of them to homes in Regina. This year’s batch has reached destinations across the country, stretching from Vancouver Island to Newfoundland and up to the Northwest Territories.
For those who missed the deadline, ordering closed on June 15, making it too late to secure a Christmas fruitcake. Hadfield attributes the unique flavor of his creations to the meticulous process of basting the cakes with rum or Grand Marnier multiple times until they reach their recipients. While the recipe originates from his mother, he has infused his own special tweaks to enhance the taste.
Customers have attested that Christmas isn’t complete without one of Hadfield’s cakes. He mentioned, “Many can’t resist, and the cakes vanish before Christmas. Consequently, they double up on orders for the following year, stashing one away while devouring the first as soon as it arrives.”
To produce this year’s batch, Hadfield utilized a vast array of supplies, including 2,000 feet of foil, over 325 pounds of butter, more than 1,800 eggs, and in excess of 2,000 pounds of fruit and nuts. The meticulous preparation and baking process consumed over 300 hours and 2,250 hours, respectively, on a per-cake basis.
Beyond Christmas fruitcakes, Hadfield’s baking endeavors extend back 15 years post-retirement, where he crafts and sells an assortment of goods. He expressed his commitment to continuing the fruitcake tradition as long as his health permits and the demand persists.
In light of the recent call for a potential postal strike, Hadfield took to Facebook to explore alternative delivery avenues, particularly for residents in remote areas lacking courier services. Planning to navigate any logistical challenges, he remains dedicated to ensuring his fruitcakes reach their intended destinations.
