Pudding for 30 People

Our answer

Unfortunately making a dessert or pudding that can withstand 6 hours in a car narrows the field considerably. Anything chilled dessert made with eggs or cream will be too perishable to survive the journey safely. We assume also that there are no cooking facilities at the site of the party, so making 2 or 3 large dishes of crumble will also be difficult as you cannot bake it on site.

You could make Nigella's Chocolate Fudge Cake (from Nigella Bites and on the Nigella website). The cake serves 10 so you would need to make 3 cakes. This cake is always popular and the cake layers and frosting can be made and frozen separately. Thaw the cake layers and frosting overnight at room temperature then beat the icing and assemble the cakes before you leave (or the night before).Some whipped or pouring cream would be a good accompaniment if you are able to transport this chilled or arrange for someone closer to the venue to bring along some cream.

Nigella's book Christmas has several good recipes and tips for catering for large numbers.If you are able to transport double cream and a prepared fruit topping in a chiller box in your car then you could try making 3 or 4 of the the Prodigious Pavlovas. The meringues can be made 2 to 3 days ahead and stored in a cool place in airtight containers, or wrapped in a double layer of clingfilm.

Otherwise we would consider making some sweet canapes. Nigella's book Christmas has recipes for Rocky Road and Peanut Butter Cups, both of which can be made and frozen in advance. We would allow 2 squares of Rocky Road and 1 to 2 Peanut Butter Cups per person. Leftovers can always be taken home by guests.