I have made it dozens of times for formal occasions like weddings.

Asked on 20 Aug 2016 by DianaM

I love Delia's Irish Whiskey Christmas cake and have made it dozens of times for formal occasions like weddings. However, I always find that it is difficult to cut neat slices for serving - it tends to crumble. Any suggestions to make it firmer.

Lindsey, Food Editor replied

Hello,

I would try baking it for longer, perhaps for an hour instead of 30 minutes when it is covered with the foil.

Then I find it helps if the cake is kept in a cool place before cutting, as it tends to be firmer.

Hot summer weddings when you need to cut lots of slices in haste can be the most challenging. I think the classic Christmas cake is often the preferred recipe for large events because it’s easier to cut small neat slices.

Kind regards

Lindsey

DianaM replied

Many thanks for the advice. I will try cooking it longer. I think I may have been over-cautious not wanting it to taste scorched and therefore bitter. Thanks again. D