01 of 04
Icing the Christmas Cake is Easy–All You Need is Time
When preparing for Christmas, one fun task is icing a traditionalBritish Christmas cake. You don’t have to be a professional cake decorator to do it; in fact, it's quite easy for anyone to create this festive caketo take center stage on the holiday table.
The easiest route is to simply buy ready-made marzipan and/or fondant icing, brightly colored ribbons, leaf cutouts, or a sprig of holly to make a holiday-worthy cake. However, if you have the time or inclination, you can make your own icing, which is easy to do.
See AlsoHow to feed a Christmas cakeAre Women Still “Christmas Cakes” in Japan? – an Examination of Our Infatuation with YouthCitations:Christmas cake - Wiktionary, the free dictionaryChristmas Fruit Cake: How far in advance can it be made and how to store - CakeFlixThe most important factor to note is that each icing step needs at least a day (or more) to set, so for this British confection, you must not leave the icing until the last minute. Begin the icing at least one week, or even better, two weeks before Christmas to allow each icing step the time to dry and set.
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02 of 04
How to Ice with Marzipan (Almond Paste)
Before any icing takes place, you will need to cover the cake with a thick layer of marzipanoralmond paste. As well as giving a lovely almondflavor to the cake, the thick paste layer creates a barrier between the cake and the icing. It's important that once the marzipan is applied to the cake, you let it dry for a few days or up to one week before icing. If you ice the cake too soon, the oil from the almond paste will seep into the icing and spoil the appearance of the finished cake.
Apply the Marzipan:
- Stand the cake on a cake board or cutting board and lightly dust with sifted confectioners' sugar. Roll 2 1/2 pounds/1.25 kg marzipan evenly into a circle large enough to cover the top and sides of the cake.
- Brush all of the exposed surfaces of the cake with 1/4 cup warmed and strained apricot jam. Slip the circle of paste onto the cake and carefully pat all over the surface to make sure it is attached to the cake. Check that the surface is smooth and evenand then trim away any excess.
- Let the cake dry in a coolbut not cold place, uncovered, for threedays or up to one week.
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03 of 04
When and How to Use Royal Icing
Traditionally, glossy royal icing wouldbe used to cover a Christmas cake, but unless you are a skilled decorator, it can be tricky to use. Royal icing can also be used to simply pipe decorative elements on the cake, such as swirls, swags, and snowflakes.
Apply the Royal Icing
- Make the royal icing recipeand then spread it over the marzipan-covered cake with a flat palette knife in either a smooth layer or swirled to make little peaks all over the surface of the cake. Decorate as you wish with silver or gold sugar balls, Christmas ornaments, or other festive decorations.
- Let the cake dry, uncovered until the icing sets hard, at least overnight or up to threedays before serving. If not serving immediately, store in an airtight container.
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04 of 04
Finishing the Cake with Fondant Icing as an Alternative
Instead of using royal icing, the cake can be iced with rolled fondant, which is a quick-and-easy way to create a smooth iced surface for your cake. You can use it aloneor with the marzipan layer and even finish with a splash of royal icing if you are feeling a little decadent. Fondant icing is also useful for cutout shapes to decorate the surface of the cake.
Apply the Fondant
- Make the rolled fondant, cover the bowl, and let it rest for 20 minutes.Dust your work surface with confectioners' sugar and evenly roll the dough into a smooth circle large enough to cover the cake.
- Brush a little beaten egg white over the marzipan.Lay the fondant over and gently pat into place. Trim away any excess.
- Finish by using scraps of fondant to create cutout shapes, such as leaves, stars, and hearts. Apply the cutouts to the cake using egg white for glue. For different-colored shapes, take a small piece of fondant icing, roll it into a ball and flatten on the work surface. Place a tiny drop of food coloring on the surface. Roll the icing back into a ball and knead to create an even color throughout.
- If you like, tie a large red ribbon around the outside and stick a sprig of holly on top.
- Let the icing set hard (at least overnight or up to threedays) before serving. If not serving immediately, store in an airtight container.
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FAQs
Ice a British Christmas Cake With These Easy Tips? ›
Make the
Spoon a large dollop of softened (but not runny or melty) buttercream onto the top of the cake. Use a spatula or palette knife to smooth the buttercream to the edge. Use the spatula or palette knife to smooth smaller amounts of buttercream over the sides of the cake in sections, then turn the cake and repeat.
How to royal ice a cake smoothly? ›-Spread the icing over the top of the cake with the spatula so that it just tips over the sides. -Lean against the turntable to hold it firmly in place (without touching the cake), hold the metal ruler horizontally at a 45° angle and pull it towards you evenly across the surface of the icing to smooth it.
Should I turn my Christmas cake upside down to ice? ›Turn the cake upside down as this gives you a perfect flat surface to start with. You then need to sieve the apricot jam so it is totally smooth as you don't want lumps of apricots under your marzipan and icing. Warm the jam slightly and get a pastry brush ready.
How do you get icing to stick to a Christmas cake? ›Brush the cake with a colourless alcohol (vodka is a good option) or cold boiled water to help the icing stick. Start by laying the icing at the back of the cake and lower it down to the front. Use the flats of your hands to smooth the icing over the cake. Neatly trim away any excess icing.
How do you ice an English Christmas cake? ›Make the royal icing recipe and then spread it over the marzipan-covered cake with a flat palette knife in either a smooth layer or swirled to make little peaks all over the surface of the cake. Decorate as you wish with silver or gold sugar balls, Christmas ornaments, or other festive decorations.
What is the easiest way to ice a cake? ›Start with top of the cake, spreading the frosting all the way to the edge of the layer. Then, frost the sides. If the cake is on a turntable, spin it around as you frost for an even coating. When you're done, remove the parchment paper strips and admire your nice, clean plate.
What is a trick for royal icing? ›Most of the problems I've encountered with royal icing can be solved by making sure the icing is not over-mixed. The icing should be thick and creamy when it comes off the mixer rather than light and fluffy. I mix my royal icing on medium-low speed for no longer than 5 minutes.
Can I put royal icing directly on a cake? ›Be sure to coat your cake before applying royal icing. You can use marzipan, fondant, buttercream, or syrup. This is done to seal the moisture in the cake and prevent it from going dry.
How long do you ice a Christmas Cake? ›Icing a Christmas cake is much simpler than you might think – and can be done and dusted in under an hour. Using ready-rolled marzipan and icing will make icing your cake both easier and quicker.
Can you ice a Christmas Cake without marzipan? ›
You don't have to use marzipan (brush the cake with sieved and warmed apricot jam instead), but the natural lumpiness of fruit cakes means your finish won't be as smooth, and dark-coloured oils and liquids in the cake might 'leak' out and discolour the icing over time (a problem if you want to store the cake for more ...
Do I put jam between marzipan and icing? ›Always cover a fruitcake with marzipan before covering it with fondant or royal icing to keep moisture in the cake and stop oils from seeping into the outside covering and causing discolouration. If you are covering a fruitcake with marzipan, use boiled, sieved apricot jam to stick it to the cake not buttercream.
Can I use honey instead of apricot jam to marzipan a cake? ›Glaze the top and sides of your cake with honey. Use your rolling pin to lift the marzipan and then unroll it directly onto your honey glazed cake. Lift the pleats with one hand then press and smooth with the other hand.
How do you keep Christmas Cake iced? ›If you plan to ice the Christmas Cake with marzipan, and fondant, royal icing or vegan royal icing, leave it to rest for a week after its last feed. Once cut, Christmas cakes will store well if wrapped and kept in an airtight container. For longer storage of Christmas cakes wrap closely in kitchen foil and freeze.
What is the English phrase icing on the cake? ›The phrase 'Icing on the Cake' refers to something positive that enhances a situation that's already good. Example of Use: "She was delighted she was accepted to her new job, but having her best friend as her boss was just the icing on the cake."
How do you freeze a cake UK? ›Whether you want to preserve wedges of cake or an entire layer of moist and delicious sponge cake, be sure to wrap it tightly in a double layer of clingfilm to expel any air prior to freezing. It's a good idea to wrap your cake in a final layer of foil to further protect it from freezer burn.
Do you ice the top or bottom of a cake? ›You want the bottom of the cake, which is the flattest part of the cake, facing up. The frosting will help “glue” the cake to the plate, making sure it won't move around as you frost.