Cake stall protocol

[Thermesa]

Just a consensus question. We have a school fete on Sunday. As a general rule, does baking a cake in advance then defrosting work for sale items or do the cakes really need to be fresh?

[Kimmyh]

Great question. I don't know the protocol as I have never baked for a fete. In my opinion as a buyer, I would want a fresh cake, not defrosted. Good luck with the fete

[EmeraldSue]

I've baked for quite a few fetes and always make things fresh. Some people like to buy cakes and freeze them for school lunches, and expect the produce to be fresh. If you want to make something in advance, try biscuits as they keep really well. I often make refrigerator biscuits as I can make the dough a week or two in advance and then bake them a couple of days before the fete.

[MEP]

I agree with ES, I prefer to bake fresh, particularly cakes or cupcakes with frosting.

[Wonder]

We are asked to cook fresh either the day before or the morning of.

[Thermesa]

Thank you. I don't have room in my freezer anyway.

[snappy]

Fresh for cakes.  If I know it's going to crazy Friday night, I make orange and almond biscotti mid week, and then package up in small bags with a ribbon.  These keep well and sell well and no Friday night rush.

One I haven't done yet but think would work really well is Tenina's Granuesli.  It could be made a week ahead and I think it would sell really well.