Whether you avoid one at your Aunt Sue’s ugly sweater party, or are the unfortunate recipient of one at your office secret Santa exchange, chances are you’ll encounter your share of stank-nasty, unidentifiable fruitcakes this season. While traditionally “Fruitcake” referred to anything from a brick-hard neon bread puck to the sleazy guy claiming to be your cousin’s husband’s brother, we believe it’s time to change the face of this re-gifted classic. Without further ado, here are five “most” edible versions that’ll have you reconsidering where you spend your calories this winter.Most Exotic: Caribbean Black Fruitcake Not just because of its name, this cake is truly exotic from its roots to its hard to find ingredients. Between sourcing the burnt sugar you can’t make yourself and the week long soaking of the fruit, this exotic loaf will whisk you away from the snow to the Caribbean.Credit: Amy Wisniewski via www.Chow.comMost Traditional: White “Groom’s” Fruitcake

Whether it’s the pineapple or pound cake texture that reels you in, this traditionally Southern cake does it better with butter. With a cup of booze (and more for “aging”), you’ll be begging for reasons to bake this year round.Credit: Aida Mollenkamp via www.Chow.comMost Healthy: Fake-Jelly-Fruit-Free Fruit CakeWhen someone takes the time to think outside the loaf pan and comes up with a succulent, moist alternative for the grain-free and dairy-free crowd, we get skeptical. But one bite of these “cakettes” filled with apricots and pistachios will have you rethinking your alliance with wheat and eggs.Credit: http://meghantelpnerblog.comMost Memorable: Christmas Chocolate Fruit CakeWhat may look pretty basic on the outside turns out to have two delectable secrets that’ll have you stuffing wrapped slices in your coat pockets for breakfast tomorrow. The dark chocolate chunks and white chocolate drizzle that seals in the holiday boozy goodness will keep you in the kitchen for years to come, whipping this up for all your friends and family.Credit: www.cherrapeno.comMost Decedent: Chocolate-Cherry Fruitcake Indulging in the best of the best requires looking to the best of the best. The king of all things dessert, David Lebovitz, brings us this French twist (thankfully not related to the awful hairstyle) with minimal additions of sour cherries and almonds. When the king speaks, you’d be wise to listen and back accordingly.Credit: www.davidlebovitz.com