Merry cake CREATIONS

One cake - three easy ways to decorate

White Christmas cake

For a festive flourish that screams Christmas, this snowy-topped cake certainly looks the part.

1 The day before decorating, roll the sugar paste to a 5mm thickness on an icing sugar-dusted surface. Stamp out the snowflakes, laying them on a baking paper-lined tray. Re-roll and repeat until all the sugar paste has been used up. Leave the snowflakes out overnight to dry and firm up.

2 The following day, 2 arrange them on the cake. Build this in situ, as it may be tricky to move. Alternatively, secure the snowflakes with edible glue or royal icing.

Classic Christmas cake

Decorate this 20cm cake however you fancy. Ideally, bake it a few weeks in advance, as the texture will improve with time.

1 Heat the oven to 140C Fan/Gas 3. Put the brandy, orange zest and juice, and dried fruits - including the cherries and peel - in a pan. Heat gently for 20 mins; mix occasionally until the fruit is plump. Add the walnuts to the pan; set aside to cool.