Recipe for Christmas Cake

skyeandeviesmummy

Hi, I hope I have posted this in the right place I am new!
Does anyone know where I can get a recipe for a christmas cake and how long before xmas should this be made? I read somewhere that they need making in advance as you keep adding brandy? to them.

Gingham_Ribbon

There's one on the recipe thread. You might be able to find something in the Mega Index too.

brokenwings

I must sound like a real bore cause i saythe same thing in all my answers but I cant recommend delias Christmas cake highly enough

8 years ago i had never attempted a christmas cake but my mom was dying of a brain tumour and it was to be our last Christmas as a family - to be honest id never really baked at all let alone try something that sounded really ambitious

Delias Christmas Cake recipe was a total success for me as a novice and has been every year since and i wont change tradition despite now being regarded as an accomplished baker ( i now make 15 every year at the request of family and friends !!! )

Gingham_Ribbon

Is this the Delia one you're recommending?

brokenwings

Hi GR
yes it is
i make it in august and feed it brandy every week till i ice it the week before christmas
we are usually eating the last slice at easter and it tastes even better then

i have never had one thats dry or curdled or nasty in any way shape or form

honestly i LOVE this cake and so does everyone i feed it to

finc

I used this recipe for my daughter's Communion cake. It was the first fruit cake I've ever made and it was easy and gorgeous!

Another recommendation for the Delia one from me :T

skyeandeviesmummy

Thank you everyone I have been to look at the recipie and I am going to try Delias. Brokenwings you say that you start making your cake in August so should I really be thinking about making mine soon? Amazing that they last that long! How long before xmas would you marzipan and ice the cake? :T

brokenwings

i make mine the last week in august
feed it every week
ice and marzipan it the week before christmas
be sure to soak your fruit for 12 hours before
also ensure you leave yourself plenty of time to bake it - mine sometimes takes 45 mins longer than she says
as long as you are sure to wrap it in greaseproof paper and store in an airtight container before icing it will keep
as i said - we finish ours around easter usually ie march or april!!!

brokenwings

i will be baking mine next tuesday!! ohh i get so excited when Chritsmas starts to come around lol

nuttywoman

I always use the recipe from an old Bero cookbook that i`ve had for yrs.Last year i bought my fruit from Aldi - it was luxury, and my god , did it taste nice.
val

skyeandeviesmummy

Thank you very much brokenwings shop bought xmas cakes are so expensive even for a tiny little thing! :T