How long in advance can I make a fondant covered cake?

by Janene
(Brisbane, Qld Australia)

I have a basic chocolate cake recipe,then covered in buttercream, then covered in white chocolate fondant, needed in a couple of weeks.

How long in advance can I make it, as I'm attempting a two tier.

I was told that up to four weeks if I use chocolate mud cake, I'm not sure if that was correct.

Thank you so much for any advice, I look forward to your reply.

Regards
Janene

From the editor:

Hi Janene,

It's so nice to get an e-mail from my old home town, Brisbane.

I wouldn't recommend four weeks ahead for any cake, except fruitcake really. Usually four or five days ahead is enough time for multiple tiers.

Here's a time line that may help:

four days before party - bake cakes and refrigerate overnight.

three days before party - tort, fill and crumb coat the cakes and refrigerate overnight.

two days before the party - top coat in buttercream, refrigerate one hour, cover in fondant and stack tiers. Make sure to add 5-7 cake dowels on the bottom tier for support. Do not refrigerate the cake after it's covered in fondant.

day before the party - finish decorating details.

I hope this helps.

Regards,
Michelle (editor)