How to Feed a Christmas Cake
Seasonal
Christmas is on it's way and you have baked your Christmas Cake in preparation, but all the recipes talk about feeding your Christmas Cake. If you are wondering how do I feed a Christmas cake? What do I feed it with? Don't worry we aren't talking about serving it a plate of sprouts. Feeding a Christmas cake simply means drizzling it with some liquid, typically alcohol such as brandy or sherry or alternatively you could use fruit juice. This process is to keep your cake lovely and moist and to intensify the flavours once you finally cut a slice and dig in.
How to Make a Christmas Cake
If you're looking for the perfect Christmas cake recipe, you can try our Classic Christmas Cake. Alternatively you could explore a fun twist by baking our Mini Christmas Cakes, they look adorable and make great festive gifts! Need some more inspiration? Check out our full Christmas recipe selection for even more delicious bakes to choose from.
Why Do You Feed a Christmas Cake?
To "feed a cake" typically refers to the process of adding liquid, usually alcohol, to a cake after it has been baked to keep it moist and enhance its flavour over time. This practice is commonly associated with fruit cakes, which are often stored for weeks or even months. The cake is "fed" by periodically brushing or pouring small amounts of alcohol, like rum, brandy, or whiskey, onto it, allowing the liquid to soak into the cake.
How Often Do You Feed a Christmas Cake?
You should feed your cake after baking. Once your cake has cooled, it’s usually fed for the first time. Then, during maturation the cake is fed about once a week or every two weeks. You can continue feeding it until a week or so before you plan to decorate or serve it. Some people like to give the cake one final feed just before serving, but this is optional, especially if the cake is already rich and moist enough. Follow our simple step by step guide to learn how to feed a Christmas cake.
Method
Step 1
It is best to feed your cake, every fortnight from when it has been baked. To begin unwrap the top of the cake, you can leave the sides covered.
Step 2
Using a skewer, prick several holes into the top of your cake. These will allow the liquid to seep into the cake and infuse the fruit.
Step 3
Spoon over 1-2 tbsp of the alcohol/fruit juice of your choice ensuring that the whole cake is evenly covered. You can use more than this quantity if you would like a particularly boozy cake.
Step 4
Re-wrap your cake with baking paper/tin foil ensuring that the whole cake is covered.
Step 5
Store your cake in a sealed container until it needs feeding again.