When should you decorate a Christmas cake?

If you ‘re usingroyal icing, cover it up to a week before Christmas . If covering the whole cake with fondant icing, you can do the marzipan layer up to 7 days before you cover the cake with fondant icing – and you can cover the cake with fondant icing up to 2 weeks before Christmas .

Can I use holly to decorate a cake?

If you are looking for the perfect way to decorate your cake , consider festive flowers! Holly and mistletoe are traditional Christmas decorations for cakes and even homes, however, they are toxic and this is why so many people choose artificial varieties instead.

When should you marzipan a Christmas cake?

The traditional coat of almond icing ( marzipan ) should be put on the cake a week before you want to ice it, to allow its oiliness to dry out. Cover the marzipan surface with a clean tea cloth and store out of the tin or container. Icing is best left to the last few days – in my case often until Christmas Eve.

How long will a Christmas cake last?

How long can you typically keep a fruit cake , assuming that it is not 100 years? The U.S. Department for Agriculture (USDA) suggests up to 1 month in the pantry, up to 6 months refrigerated and up to a year frozen.

How do you decorate a fruit cake without icing?

Best Ways to Decorate Cake Without Icing Ready to Roll Fondant. Ready to roll fondant can be purchased in most supermarkets in the cake decorating section. Fruits . Fruits are another cake decorating idea which can be used any day depending on the type of cake you have baked. Chocolate Caramel Sauce. Ah! Sprinkles. Edible Flowers. Nuts. Powdered Sugar. Candies.

How can I decorate my Christmas cake without marzipan?

Decorating a Christmas cake without marzipan or traditional icing. To decorate your Christmas Cake without Marzipan you can either fill and ice a cake with the buttercream, or you top the cake with the fruit and nut crust. Or you can go all out, stack two cakes with buttercream AND top with the fruit and nut crust.

How do you decorate Holly?

Holly berries and leaves are created for perfect laid-back holiday décor. You can make a beautiful table runner of fresh holly leaves and berries, add them to a planter with small trees and candles, fill glass jars with water and put holly branches inside, and floating candles atop.

How long do you leave a Christmas cake before icing?

Leave the cake in a cool, dry place to dry out for at least 24 hours before covering with ready-to-roll icing . Leave to dry for at least two days before applying royal icing .

Do you put jam between marzipan and icing?

Marzipan layer Warm the jam slightly to make it easier to spread, and avoid any chunks of fruit sticking to the cake. Roll out marzipan like you would pastry, using icing sugar instead of flour to prevent sticking.

How do you store a Christmas cake after baking?

How to store your Christmas cake ? Once you’ve baked and cooled your Christmas cake , you’ll need to store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. It’s best to wrap your cake in parchment or greaseproof paper and then in foil twice. After wrapping, pop the cake in an airtight container.