Welcome to the Cake Decorators Q&A

i have several childrens birthday cakes to make so need recipe for cake that stays fresh whilst icing etc

Hi gcook

Depends really the time scale you need for decorating. Most sponge cakes are good for five or six days after which they begin to stale. Madeira will give two weeks and by substituting some of the flour with coco powder you can make chocolate madeira. Is it possible please to say what time scale for decorating you need?

I find cakes with vegetable oil stay fresher longer and are really moist. I find Madeira. A bit dry for my taste. I substitute any butter in a recipe for lurpack spreadable. Lasts at least ten days wrapped in baking paper and foil, or iced.