When are you baking your Christmas cake(s)?

[AutumnalEquinox]

I make cakes for close family members, but always seem to make it a bit too late so I only get to feed it for a few weeks. That said, I got the most flattering compliments on my cakes and have just been asked if I can please make them again.

I have done Delia's Creole cake in the past but last year I did her cake with just brandy. I think I will go with this again.

So, when are you baking your cakes?

I think the older generation in our family appreciate home made and baked goods, so I may make other things as well.

What do you make, either baking or other, for relatives at Christmas?

MIL always does hers on Stir up Sunday- 26th November this year.

Probably some time next week, I’ll just make one massive one this year I think it tastes better than a few smaller ones.

October half term! Just a traditional fruit with lots of sherry and extra cherries🤤

I will probably aim for mid-November, starting everything a bit late this year as might be moving house

October half term here too

That’s when I make my pudding, but it seems a bit late for cake. I always thought the cake needs to be fed for longer!

I still have a Delia Creole cake in the cupboard from last year! Hope it will be ok. Might check it in a few days and see.

I wouldn’t know @holdthetea except to say it’s always tasty 😁

I always make Delia’s cake and I’m making it this weekend!

Usually around Halloween, DH makes it and I make christmas pudding vodka at the same time, its lush!

Made mine about 3 weeks ago - a bit earlier than usual but I noticed I had some ingredients that needed using up and I didn't have anything else to do.

I have time so I might make another one - a different recipe.

End of September for me. I make a big square cake (Delia’s Classic recipe) and feed it regularly, then cut it up into smaller ones to ice and give away, as well as a big slab for us.

OK, so can you please dispel a few things I have in my mind regarding these cakes.

I was in the thinking that if I made it early e.g. end of Sept, and fed it until Christmas that it would end up tasting awful or just tasting of pure booze.

Or, that it would dry out.

These are the things keeping me from doing it early, which would be great as it would make my life so much easier.

I wish I could but no one would eat it apart from me.

@AutumnalEquinox depending on the recipe they can dry out if made too early I think. I’ve never made before October I don’t think. I also don’t always remember to feed either so not too overly booze laden. When I used to make Delia’s classic cake I used way more booze to soak the fruit though. Don’t feel the need with the Creole cake. I found Mary Berry’s Christmas cake very dry.

I might check my last year’s Delia Creole cake which is still wrapped up in the cupboard!

Over the years I’ve seen people on here ridiculing those who bake or make presents for others at Christmas.

I started doing it a few years ago, and though I don’t profess to be a good baker, I have been told that my cakes are very welcome. In fact, I was told by 2 people who ate a slice when at my relatives homes, that it was the best cake they’ve ever eaten. Apologies - stealth boast.

I only make them for people I really like because I think a lot of love needs to go into them. I think this year I’m going to get the cakes done early. I might even have a go at Christmas puddings.

That’s a good idea Peridot1. I think I’ll soak the fruit in more booze, and for a bit longer.

The people to whom I give presents really don’t need things, they can afford to buy anything I might buy as a present, so I make them food they wouldn’t have time or inclination to make for themselves. It’s my way of showing my love and thought for them. People love them! And I too get lovely comments about the Christmas cake in particular. I make it early so it can be fed a lot and get moist and rich by the time it’s eaten, and I think people appreciate the time investment.

I always plan for October, but if it's later I make this one instead. Always comes out really nice.

www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/simmer-stir-christmas-cake

I’ll probably do mine by the end of September. Have used James Martins recipe for years now - it’s a gorgeous cake. I feed with brandy every other week and add extra Cointreau every so often just for extra sweetness.

I also make a gingerbread house for my parents and their household every year as well as a block of my cake. Oh and minced pies and rum truffles. They much prefer homemade edibles than presents.

October half term. Put it in a cool place, well-wrapped in an airtight container and feed it brandy or whisky, depending on what I have to hand.

I've given up icing it, I just decorate it with nuts and glace fruit.

I've always threatened to make one but never have. I don't know why it's always seemed to be such a daunting task?

Does anyone fancy linking to a straightforward recipe that even I would have trouble messing up?!

Thank you!

Just Google Delia’s classic Christmas cake. It’s foolproof!

I generally have a big jar going of dried fruit and whatever booze needed drinking up from about September then put it into a cake around the end of November and feed it with whatever was left in the jar. Seems to work quite well and feels more hygienic than making the actual cake really early.