How far in advance can I make a sponge cake?

[missorinoco]

Well, madeira to be precise.

Birthday party on Saturday, I recall reading it is easier to decorate them if made the day before, but I will have all 3 cherubs tomorrow so trying to make it whilst they are conscious could be a challenge and I need to decorate the thing tomorrow evening.

Will it be stale if I bake it tonight?
(Yes, I'm being bit precious, I'm aware a bunch of preschoolers are unlikely to split hairs over a day in reality.)

Bump.

I make sponge weeks in advance and freeze it. If you're worried about it going stale, you could freeze it until tomorrow, then take it out in the afternoon to defrost.

If you just cover it in cling film after it's cooled right down, i'm sure it'll be fine. :)

Yes - it will be fine. Cling film it and put it in an airtight container.

I think Madeira is meant to last for several days. It will be fine if you do it today. (I did the same with DDs cake and it was still edible for a few days after her birthday too).

Thankyou.

Will definately be ok. Wait till it is cold before wrapping in cling film. If anything cake is better after a day or two and is definately easier to decorate as it 'firms up'.