Welcome to the Cake Decorators Q&A

I’ve made a very rich Christmas cake (old family recipe) a couple of weeks ago but have not “fed” it or pre-soaked the fruit in brandy as its a mid December gift for a relative who won’t touch alcohol. I’m now panicking that as all other recipes seem to talk about “feeding” their cake, I possibly should have left it later to make it! ( I can’t remember what my late mother used to do!) I have stored it in greaseproof paper and foil since making it, I put the marzipan on yesterday and plan to cover it with fondant next weekend. Do you think it will be OK?

Hi MaryB

It will be fine don’t worry. Not everyone feeds alcohol to fruit cake. There is a way to feed it with reduced down apple juice but I wouldn’t recommend that on a long tern basis. What you’ve done is perfectly alright.

Thank you Madeitwithlove. Receiving that response from YOU has put my mind at rest! MaryB

I made an alcohol free Xmas cake last year and I soaked the fruit in tea and then gave it a couple of feedings of tea and let it mature a couple of months before I decorated it and it was lovely and moist. I used lady grey tea on that occasion but a black tea would also do, or even earl grey if you want to add a slight twist to the flavour! Brew the tea nice and strong if you want the flavour of the tea to come through! I know this is a bit late for your cake this year but is an option if you are making another next year! 😉