A type of cake that can either be pale in color, which means it is made without molasses, or dark in color, which means it contains molasses or sometimes chocolate. This cake typically includes an assortment of currants, raisins, dates, candied peels, nutmeats, spices, and occasionally wine or brandy. Fruit cakes are often baked and steamed for several hours to ensure proper cooking. They can be stored for extended periods and are commonly made several weeks ahead of time for holidays such as Thanksgiving and Christmas, and kept in airtight containers to allow them to mature.