Mary Berry's Christmas cake calculator

Mary Berry standing next to a Christmas tree smiling. She's wearing a hot pink jumper with festive embelishments. Image source, BBC Food
  • Published

When you want to bake a Christmas cake but don't have the correct tin size, Mary Berry comes to the rescue!

Using her calculator below, simply enter your tin shape and size or the number of people you want to serve and you'll get a bespoke recipe for her classic Christmas cake – with your choice of icing.

A Christmas cake on a cake serving dish with a slice cut out which is next to it. Text on the top reads 'Mary's Christmas cake calculator'. Image source, BBC Food
Image caption,

Mary's Christmas cake tips

Mary advises that for best results you make your Christmas cake at least 3 weeks ahead of the big day. If you've left it later than that, don't panic – your cake will still taste delicious!

When the cake is completely cold, wrap it in a double layer of greaseproof paper and then in foil and store in a cool place for up to 3 months.

You can even freeze it. Decorate your Christmas cake with crystalised fruit, ribbon or stars – you'll find icing ideas in the link below.

If you have any queries about Mary Berry's calculator, please contact the BBC following the link at the bottom of the page.

Originally published October 2019. Updated October 2026.

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