Cooks' notes:
·Cake can be made and cooled (but not soaked with syrup or topped with fruit and almonds) 1 day ahead and kept, wrapped in plastic wrap, at room temperature. ·Candied kumquats can be made 3 days ahead and chilled, covered. Bring to room temperature before serving. ·Cake can be soaked with syrup 6 hours before serving and kept at room temperature, covered with an inverted large bowl or a cake keeper.