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Storing Chocolate Christmas Cake

Asked by eclecticchicken. Answered on 19th October 2017

Full question

In the recipe for Nigella's Chocolate Fruit Cake in Feast it says it has a "long life" like any fruit cake. However on another question I saw about this cake it suggested to keep the cake for a month. So how long will this cake keep for before it has to be eaten? I've just made mine for this Christmas (as directed it has been wrapped in baking parchment and foil and put in a tin) and am now panicking that it won't keep long enough.

Chocolate Fruit Cake
Photo by James Merrell
Chocolate Fruit Cake
By Nigella
  • 14
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Our answer

Nigella's Chocolate Fruit Cake (from FEAST) is a moist fruit cake and should be stored in a tin or airtight container, wrapped in baking parchment (parchment paper) and foil. The cake should not be directly wrapped with foil as the foil can react with the dried fruits and leave a metallic taste. We have found that the cake will keep well for a month, though can possibly last longer.

As the cake is very moist it must be stored in a cool place, otherwise there is a risk of mould forming over time. It will also help to feed the cake with alcohol, such as the coffee liqueur used in the cake, on a regular basis (we suggest once a week or once a fortnight). Unwrap the cake and brush or trickle over 1-2 tablespoons of the liqueur, then re-wrap the cake and return it to its tin. The cake also freezes well. Wrap the cake tightly in a double layer of clingfilm (plastic wrap) and a layer of foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw the cake at room temperature overnight. Nigella's Traditional Christmas Cake recipe (from NIGELLA CHRISTMAS) suggests that the cake can be stored for up to 6 weeks.

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