Birthday cake - How long before the event?

paulies_nixie

Like the title says really

I'm making a b'day cake for my neice, how long before the day can I make the cake.
Usually I'd make the sponge the night before I'd ice it.
Been known to take 2 days to ice it (well Barney took that long to ice ) but never really left it any longer.

How far in advance could I make a cake?

Thanks

Nixie
x

Olliebeak

If you HAVE to bake it in advance, could you perhaps freeze the two layers separately (that is IF it's a sandwich cake)?

greenbee

It depends what you're icing it with. Once a cake is covered in sugar paste you can work on it for a few days - I seem to remember that it's OK for a week.

I make the sponge in blocks, trim and freeze it. For bit cakes I will split and freeze the layers separately, but generally I prefer to freeze it whole as it doesn't dry out so much.

When it has defrosted, I split, fill, buttercream and cover in one go, so that I know it is sealed in the sugarpaste. I'll usually finish the decoration the following day - ideally the day before I have to transport it (but I frequently end up finishing it at the last minute and being late ).

If you're decorating with buttercream, it's best done the same day but you can make and freeze the cake in advance. If you want to make the cake the day before, but not freeze it, wrap tightly in clingfilm and put it in the fridge until you need to decorate it.

I'm halfway through making a round cake with a pig's face on, and if I never see cake or buttercream again it won't be too soon... I feel sick :rotfl:

paulies_nixie

Thanks

Little-un apparently wants a 'handbag' cake.
The toddlers are easier - cartoon characters are not too bad and enjoyable.

Handbag's gonna be a challenge

greenbee

paulies_nixie wrote: »

Thanks

Little-un apparently wants a 'handbag' cake.
The toddlers are easier - cartoon characters are not too bad and enjoyable.

Handbag's gonna be a challenge

Scroll down on this page, there are a whole lot, so it should give you some ideas!

paulies_nixie

They're fab!!! thanks