Urgent - how do you know when your Christmas Cake is done?

[jumpyjan]

Its been in the oven for nearly 4.5 hours at 140 (as its a fan oven I turned it down to just below half way through).

There is a bit of a burnt smell but it does not look burnt and I have no idea how to tell if its done.

stick a skewer in it. If it comes out clean it's done, if it has mixture stuck to it, it isn't.

Just tried that - its kind of smeary but hasnt got loads of mixture on it and the scewer is really hot.

Press the top with your fingers - it should feel firm and slightly springy.

it is quite springy - really dont want it to burn - its too expensive!

Have you put parchment paper on the top? Put some on, tear a 50p sized hole in the middle and put cake back in oven for another half an hour.

Sounds done. Let it cool, feed it with enough brandy and you won't care

Yes delia mentioned about the greasproof paper on top so I have had that on all the way through cooking so hopefully that will stop it burning.

I think, if you're at all doubtful, another half an hour won't hurt, tbh. Better be safe than sorry!

if it were me it would be a strong smell of burning. Can't cook fruit cake

Can you turn the oven down further? I don't do degrees - have an Aga and work by touch and smell only!

I made the Delia Christmas cake a few days ago. It took hours and hours and hours with me mucking about with the temperatures. I just kept prodding it every half hour until I thought it looked okay.