How To Prolong the Shelf Life of Homemade Christmas Cakes & Puddings

By following these storage guidelines your plum cakes, fruit cakes and Christmas puddings, they can be more than treats for a season; they can become a source of joy for several weeks later.

Ah there's nothing like indulging in a plum cake or Christmas pudding during the holiday season! Moreover, the thought of savoring those flavors beyond one festive occasion is truly wonderful. This guide goes beyond baking and explores ways to make those moments longer. So lets delve into the art of extending the shelf life of your treats.

The Art of Storage

Properly storing plum cakes, fruit cakes and Christmas puddings is crucial. It involves an effective interplay between the ingredients and their surrounding environment.

1. Traditional Plum and Fruit Cakes:

Initial Storage: Begin by wrapping your cake in parchment paper followed by aluminium foil. This method retains moisture while preventing mold formation.

Feeding: Every two weeks add a touch of alcohol (such as brandy or rum) to the cake after piercing its surface with a skewer. This not only enhances the flavor but also acts as a natural preservative.

Storage Location: Place the cake in an airtight container and store it in a cool dark place. When done correctly, your cake can stay fresh for up to six months.

2. Christmas Pudding:

• Once the pudding has cooled down wrap it in parchment paper followed by foil and store it in a dark place. Thanks to its alcohol content a Christmas pudding can stay fresh for up to a year.
• For eggless variants, wrap them in cling film and then in foil. These should be enjoyed within 2-3 weeks.
• For dairy-free and gluten-free variants, keep them refrigerated while wrapped in cling film, and consume within a week.
• For alcohol-free variants, store them in the refrigerator while wrapped in cling film and foil for up to a month.

Tips to Extend Freshness:

• Allow Complete Cooling: Ensure that your cakes and puddings cool down completely before storing.
• Use Airtight Containers: Opt for airtight containers for all variants to keep air and moisture at bay.
• Inspection: Periodically check for any signs of spoilage.
• Maintain Hygiene: Use clean or sterilised utensils to avoid contamination.

Dealing with Accidental Mishaps

If you notice a patch of mold on your pudding you may be able to trim it off and still enjoy the rest. However, if the mold is extensive or widespread it's safer to discard the cake.

By following these storage guidelines your plum cakes, fruit cakes and Christmas puddings, they can be more than treats for a season; they can become a source of joy for several weeks later.