How To Feed And Store A Christmas Cake | Doves Farm | Organic Flours & Food (2024)

FAQs

How to store Christmas cake for feeding? ›

Wrap the cake in greaseproof paper or baking parchment then wrap it in kitchen foil. Store cake in a second layer of foil or in an airtight tin. You can repeat the feeding process every couple of weeks for three or four feeds. However, if the cake makes the work surface damp, appears wet or stodgy, discontinue feeding.

Feeding the cake is a matter of personal preference but it is a good idea to feed it shortly after baking, while the cake is cooling in its tin. Then you can feed the cake one a week or once a fortnight. Use 1-2 tablespoons of alcohol each time and it may help to use a skewer to poke some holes in the cake first.

Safety Note: If a fruitcake has a significant amount of moisture (e.g., if it was made with fresh fruit) it is more likely to spoil or to give pathogens enough moisture to reproduce. In other words, it could make you sick if not kept refrigerated and eaten relatively quickly.

Store the cakes in airtight containers in a cool dry place, but not in the refrigerator or freezer.

I like to wrap the cake in a double layer of greaseproof paper and then in double foil. Secure it all with an elastic band, then keep it in an airtight container till needed.

Yes you can use an airtight plastic container. I would wrap the cold cake in baking parchment and foil before it goes in the box, but still store it in a cool dark place.

It's possible to overfeed your cake, which will make it stodgy and wet.

Make sure the cake is completely cool. I cool for three days to ensure there is not hint of warmth which may encourage mould growth. Store cakes wrapped well in a box or tin in a cool place.

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.

Choose the Right Container: To keep your fruit cakes fresh, start by selecting an airtight container. Opt for food-grade containers or tins that provide a secure seal, preventing moisture and air from spoiling the cake.

How long will fruitcake last unrefrigerated? ›

Fruitcake without alcohol won't last as long, however, its shelf life can still be maximized through proper storage techniques. Our fruitcake can last up to one month on your countertop, four months in the fridge, and six months in the freezer. Of course, all this depends on the effectiveness of your storage.

Leave the cake to cool in the tin. When cool, pierce the cake at intervals with a fine skewer and feed with a little extra brandy. Wrap the completely cold cake in a double layer of greaseproof paper and again in foil and store in a cool place for up to three months, feeding at intervals with more brandy.

If you are wondering how do I feed it? What do I feed it with? Don't worry we aren't talking about serving it a plate of sprouts, feeding your cake simply means drizzling it with some liquid, typically alcohol such as brandy or sherry or alternatively you could use fruit juice.

Fruitcakes are traditionally aged in a cloth wrapping of alcohol for at least five weeks. The alcohol preserves the cakes, fruits, and nuts within, and keeps everything moist.

Formulate a cake soak: You can make a cake soak using simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water), evaporated milk, buttermilk, or a liqueur. With a wooden skewer or toothpick, pole holes in the cake. Then use a pastry brush to blot the liquid over the surface of the cake layers to moisten the cake.

Our answer. Opinions on the "maturing" of Christmas cakes does vary and is partly an issue of personal taste, but for the rich fruit type of Christmas cakes we would suggest making them up to 3 months ahead of Christmas.

Wrap the completely cold cake in a double layer of greaseproof paper and again in foil and store in a cool place for up to three months, feeding at intervals with more brandy. (Don't remove the lining paper when storing as this helps to keep the cake moist.)

Cover the top of the cake with some extra greaseproof paper, and wrap well in cling film and tin foil, placing your cake somewhere safe to mature before decorating for Christmas. If you wish to feed your cake, keep it well wrapped for a couple of weeks, before unwrapping and poking a few holes into the top.