Last year's Christmas cake - I know it COULD be ok, but ....

[2sugarsandadog]

... how can I tell for sure, without cutting into it? And should I go to all the faff of marzipaning and icing it or just cut my losses and go and buy a new one?!

I suggest you remove a tiny bit from the underside to taste, then it won't show if the cake is fine and you can go ahead with icing it.

Yes I'd do that, and presuming it's OK (I bet it is) I would prick the underside (or the side you aren't icing) and feed it with brandy/rum/whisky before you ice it to give it a bit more moistness.

Assuming its not showing any discolouration or mould on the outside it will be fine.

Feeding it again is a good idea.

Sometimes I am so dim I amaze even myself ..... thank you! Well, it's not mouldy, or discoloured, and actually tastes quite nice! But will it be, in any way .... unsafe? Before I decide who I offer it to ....!

Rich fruit cakes last years, hence the tradition of using the top tier of the wedding cake as the christening cake for your first child. It will be fine, don't worry!