Best time to ice Christmas cake?

soba

Hello all. When is the best time to marzipan and ice my Christmas cake? I made it in October and its been fed copiously with a free bottle of brandy that I was given. (Not used all the brandy, of course......);)

Last year I iced the cake in Christmas week, but the first few slices were a bit 'damp', not nasty or anything, just a bit too wet. It was better after a few days when a few slices had been taken and it kind of dried out.

This year I'd like it to be just right on Christmas day if poss. So when do you ice yours? BTW will be making my own icing (again) cos the bought ready-to-ice stuff has hydrogenated oil in and we won't eat it. I also don't go for any posh decorating techniques, either go for the pointy, snowy look a bit like artex used to be!! or smoothed depending on time/inclination.

Dr.Lou

Hi. I've just finished my Christmas cake but iced it weeks ago (doing a cake decoration course). If you want to dry the icing out quicker put it under a bright lamp (like a flexible desk lamp), before adding the next layer.

Apparently according to the tutor, it will last a long time (up to a year), just keep it dry and cool. I have mine in a cake box. Can't wait to eat it. Good luck.

TKP_3

I iced mine last week, but as it is my first Christmas cake, I was guessing!

[Deleted User]

I did the marzipan a few days ago and will be icing it tonight

dannahaz

I marzipanned at the weekend, and am icing even as we speak.

squeaky

Hi soba

This would be a good question for our Christmas Board so I've moved it across.

Good luck

soba

I'd thank you all, but my 'thanks' button keeps disappearing!

Stompa

soba wrote:

When is the best time to marzipan and ice my Christmas cake?

Before eating it (sorry I couldn't resist).

soba

Thanks Stompa, very informative

Mummy2Emily

I marzipan mine and then let them dry out for a day or two before icing them as i find if i do it all is one day it gets a bit too stodgy but im thinking that might be down to the amount of brandy that gets soaked in it...straw anyone?:rotfl:

Merry Christmas:xmassmile

hatewashingmachines

I have been looking on the internet for an answer to this exact same question, and I found this website which is really good, it shows you pictures of how to do it, excellent for those who have never done it before........

http://www.cookuk.co.uk/cake/recipe_christmas-cake_traditionalicing.htm

Anyway, it says on there that it is good to let the Marzipan dry out / harden for 2 weeks before icing it!!!
Don't worry though, they also say it is OK to ice and marzipan on the same day!!!
Oh and thanks to Soba for the info on the ready made icing, I didn't know about the hydrogenated oil stuff, mine will be going back to Tesco's tomorrow, and I will make my own!