Christmas pudding club

These delicious desserts are perfect for after the big feast or to add a touch of sweetness to the Twixmas days between Boxing Day and New Year

Spiced molasses layer cake

SERVES 10-12

This layer cake is simple to whip up, but never fails to make a big impact. Decorated with fruit, such as figs and white currants, it has a freshness that is much appreciated at this time of year.

250g unsalted butter, plus extra for greasing

250g soft light brown sugar

100g blackstrap molasses

300ml full-fat milk

350g plain flour

¼tsp ground cloves

¼tsp ground nutmeg

1tsp allspice

2tsp bicarbonate of soda

2 eggs

FOR THE ICING

180g unsalted butter

375g icing sugar, sifted

180g cream cheese

Fresh figs and berries, to decorate

1 Preheat the oven to 180C/Gas 4. Grease two 19cm cake tins and line the bases with baking parchment paper.

2 Melt the butter, brown sugar and molasses in a saucepan over a low heat. Remove from the heat and add the milk, then set aside until lukewarm.

3 Sift the flour, spices and bicarbonate of soda into a large bowl. Make a well in the centre, crack in the eggs and stir to incorporate. Gradually add the melted butter mix, stirring until it forms a smooth batter with no lumps. Divide between the cake tins and bake for 40-50 minutes.

4 Meanwhile, make the icing. Beat the softened butter until very pale, then gradually whisk in the icing sugar until incorporated and smooth. Beat the cream cheese separately, then whisk into the butter icing until very smooth.

5 Once the cakes are cool, cut each in half. Level them off if necessary to ensure they stack.