Has anyone tried Nigella's buttermilk birthday cake?

[clary]

I know all of you are big fans of Nigella and wondered if anyone has tried the buttermilk cake. I need to make a birthday cake for 25 children (heck!) and want to fondant ice it as can do this a bit earlier than buttercream, also easier to decorate. Nigella says this recipe is good as it will stand fondant icing better and tastes good...but some of her cake recipes can be a bit hit and miss. I would try it out anyway before the big day but wondered if anyone would recommend it.

Yes! I made 2 last year for ds's birthday (one for nursery & one for party) and both went down a treat. The texture of the sponge is lovely, sort of dense, moist & fresh (must be the buttermilk). However I used the other icing - the one that involves masses of icing sugar. It kept for several days.

Yes, yes, yes. Tastes delicious, scrummy, scrummy, scrummy. And it really works in any size/shape tin. I've made loads of them. I actually find the best results are with the (suggested alternative) mixture of natural yoghurt and milk, rather than with buttermilk itself. Also make sure you use good quality vanilla essence - it really does make a difference on this one.

I did for ds last year but I think I overcooked it a little and it was a bit dry. I would check it about 10 mins before she suggests, just to be safe as I sometimes find her cooking times are a bit long. It's nice cake though and would definitely be good for icing.

I have made it a couple of times and it worked well. I dont really like the texture of it though - a bit 'rubbery'.

Her chocolate birthday cake (intro of How to Eat) is brilliant though.

Yes, for ds' birthdays the last two years. They were both fantastic. Used good quality vanilla essence like Roisin.

Meant to make my own fondant icing, but ran out of time and used ready to roll stuff to make Thomas cakes (Thomas for his 2nd birthduy, Henry plus his tender for his third). Worked really well.

Thanks for all this input you lovely mumsnetters. Will have a tryout but am very encouraged. Have some lovely vanilla essence so that's OK. Request is for Nemo (well, at least it's gender neutral - this is a joint party for DS1 and DD) so now I have to practise my drawing skills! thanks again.