cooking one cake mixture in two tins

[Mairzydotes]

I always make the Christmas cake.
My son has now moved out and lives with his partner.
The recipe I use is a family favourite, so I don't want to change it.
If I make the mix and divide between two equal tins, how do I adjust the time?
The recipe calls for an 8" round tin, and I want to use 2x7" tins.
The time given is 4 1/2 to 4 3/4 hours on the bottom shelf, at 140o C.
HELP, please!!

[joannie10]

sorry I know this is not quite the answer to your question but I make one Christmas cake and then cut in two and decorate individually - one for my sister and one for my mum? Could that be an option?

[Mairzydotes]

Thanks, Joannie - it may well come to that.
Though as none of us likes icing, it wouldn't look as nice cut in two.
I suppose cake frills would look OK.

[TheWinner]

Don't waste your ingredients. I wouldn't split it into 2 x 7" tins, they won't be deep enough for a christmas cake. You will end up with 2 flat cakes, stick to your original recipe and cake tin.

[woofgang]

You can bake cake mixture in tins like baked bean cans. You need to cruise the supermarket looking at can shape, not content. You make have to bite the bullet and toss the contents but it's often cheaper than buying cake tins. Another option is to make hoops from heavy card. Tie string round to secure, don't use glue or tape then cover well with foil. Line with double foil to make a base then line agin with baking parchment. Only use these in a cool (fruitcake) oven

[I.Don No]

this is exactly what I have done for a few years now and just keep to the same oven temp but vastly reduce the cooking time.......cannot be more precise on timings.....I just bake them till they are done.......i.e. fork inserted into centre of cake comes out clean.

[ladyalex]

If you cook your mixture in a square tin, you could cut your cake into 4...
If that helps.

I've used baked bean tins to make mini Xmas cakes...they turned out really well. Decorate them just as you would a big cake. Go down well as presents to folks who live alone, or an older couple who find it takes them a long time to eat a whole Xmas cake.
Also would recommend same temperature as a big cake and just keep checking them to see if they are done.