Alternative to Christmas Cake

Asked by davewales. Answered on 10th December 2010

Full question

Dear Nigella Team, A colleague asked me for suggestions as she wants to make and decorate a christmas cake, but her husband isnt keen on the traditional fruit cake. I suggested Nigella's chocolate christmas cake, but I am unsure if it can be iced? Would Nigella have any suggestions for an alternative cake that can be iced? Best wishes Dave

Our answer

Nigella's Chocolate Christmas Cake can be iced in a traditional manner (with a layer of marzipan and then a coating of either royal icing or soft ready rolled fondant icing), though as the cake can sink a little in the centre you will get a flatter surface for decorating if you turn the cake upside down before applying the marzipan - the flat bottom makes a perfect top!

A yule log is also a good alternative choice for a chocolate lover during the festive season. Whilst the icing is a chocolate buttercream you can certainly let rip with the decorations and holly if you are so inclined. A slightly less traditional cake would be the Chocolate Guinness Cake in Feast (p286). If you make double the quantity of the cream cheese frosting then you can apply a layer of frosting to the top and sides of the cake and form it into peaks (similar to snow) and decorate accordingly.