RECIPE TIPS
STIR-UP SUNDAY
Get ahead for Christmas by baking this cake on Stir-up Sunday. It's the last Sunday before Advent, the traditional start of the Christmas season.
FEEDING YOUR CAKE
If you notice your cake is going dark in the oven too early on and you’re worried about it burning on the top, cover it with some foil or baking parchment. Feed your cake every fortnight for up to 2 months. If you prefer not to use alcohol, try tea instead.
CAN YOU SOAK THE CAKE WITHOUT ALCOHOL?
Yes, you can use tea, fruit juice or a flavoured syrup, but it won’t have the same effect as alcohol so don’t overdo it or your cake will be soggy.
WHAT SPICES DO YOU PUT IN A CHRISTMAS CAKE?
Christmas cakes generally include mixed spice anda blendof allspice, cinnamon and cloves. These are warming, aromatic spices that go well with the fruit but shouldn’t have a big impact on the flavour.
HOW LONG DOES A CHRISTMAS CAKE LAST?
Christmas cakes to be kept in a tin can be made up to 3 months in advance depending on the recipe you use, OR you can make it many more months ahead, freeze it and defrost it when you are ready to ‘feed’ it or ice it. You can make your cake on Stir-up Sunday on the last weekend in November, but some people consider this too late.
