Birthday Cake Help Required

[NoMercy]

I have to make a cake this Saturday for Bobjugs' Nan's 80th. I am not sure what kind of cake to make but fruit cake isn't an option. The family love my usual Victoria sponge but I think that would be too light to support the weight of the icing. Also, I've never iced before - is it tricky?

Any recipes, advice and/or tips would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks. X

[NoMercy]

I did consider Madeira cake. Thanks for that, it sounds like a lovely recipe. Do you know much about ready to roll icing, RH? X

[vodkancoke]

Ready to roll icing is easy NoM. If you are not using marzipan just warm up some apricot jam (or any flavour), brush the top of the cake and lay on the icing. Use a rolling pin over the cake to smooth it if you don't have an icing spatula
I agree with Redhelen and do a madeira cake or you could do a lemon drizzle cake, they can hold their weight. I have a recipe for that if you want it. xx

[vodkancoke]

Also meant to add, does it have to be ready roll icing? Could you ice it with butter icing?

[murraymints]

vodka...better still bring the cake to me for tasting first !!! you are in Edinburgh too aren't you ? got the kettle on !

[vodkancoke]

Sorry, had another thought lol.A red velvet cake makes a stunning birthday cake and looks very impressive x

[NoMercy]

I love lemon drizzle but bobjugs hates the flavour of lemon.

Thanks for the tip about the Jam. X

[Maydup]

You could put 4 plastic cake dowels into the cake to support it. They're only about 50p each from where ever you'd go to buy baking accessories locally. Department store etc.

And I'd recommend ready to roll icing and then use all your artistic talents to pipe her name on top! Again you can use a readymade tube of coloured icing for that available at the supermarket.

[vodkancoke]

Lol murray, yes I am. If I wasnt on crutches at the mo I would happily oblige! xx

[NoMercy]

What is a red velvet cake? X

[vodkancoke]

It's a red chocolate cake which is incredibly light and you can use cream cheese icing to decorate it. I do a 3 layer one which looks amazing if I do say so myself! ;) xx

[vodkancoke]

It shouldn't be heavy redhelen. I find it very light. That may just be her recipe but it certainly shouldn't be heavy

[vodkancoke]

It's maybe a personal thing then redhelen. I have had it in the states myself. :)
Anyway, the recipe I use is from an American baking book. If you want it NoM i can look it out for you xxx

[NoMercy]

I wouldn't say no, Vodka X

[vodkancoke]

Ok, give me a bit of time, I'm on crutches at the mo lol. I will get it for you today xx

[cathfromsaron]

llok in the supermarket for ready made fondants and icing squeezy tubes! they are easy peasy, and not too heavy!

[rowanwitch]

any good victoria sponge mix will support a jam/royal icing layer if you want to do a special icing job she may want to keep for a while ice the main cake then do the decorative stuff on a cake board that can rest on the top with the join hidden by piping it can be removed and the cake cut as normal

[vodkancoke]

Do you have measuring cups NoM or do you want me to convert it for you? x