I'm thinking fruit cake, once marzipanned, how long in advance of the event it's for can I cover & keep it without it going hard or funny? I think maybe a few days in advance but have never covered a fruit cake using fondant & don't want to mess it up as it's for a christening (family one luckily so if it's not perfect they won't mind)

I have covered regular cakes two days in advance, but I have heard of some people doing it five days in advance. The fondant keeps the cake fresh by not letting any air touch it. I personally wouldn't feel comfortable doing it more than a day or two in advance, but that's just me.

brill, that leaves me the days I am busy before it free, thanks

I think it's always best to do an experiment with your cake and your fondant. Then you will know. Some recipes keep longer than others. Make one, then taste it everyday....

Hope this helps.

Jen

That's a good idea Jennifer, & gives me the perfect excuse to bake myself a cake!