Mini Battenberg Cakes nicoletta.co.za from www.nicoletta.co.za
If you are looking for a delicious, traditional cake to serve at your next special occasion, the Battenberg cake could be just the thing. This classic cake has been around for centuries, and it is still a popular choice for birthdays, afternoon tea and other special occasions. Here is all the information you need to know about the Battenberg cake and where to buy it.
History of the Battenberg Cake
The Battenberg cake was first created in the late 19th century, and it became popular during the reign of Queen Victoria. The cake was named after the House of Battenberg, a German princely family. It is traditionally made of four squares of light sponge cake, held together by apricot jam and covered with a layer of marzipan. The cake is also decorated with a criss-cross pattern, which is said to resemble the pattern of a tartan.
Ingredients for Battenberg Cake
When it comes to making a Battenberg cake, it is important to get the right ingredients. You will need:
- 4oz of butter
- 4oz of caster sugar
- 4oz of self-raising flour
- 2 eggs
- 2oz of ground almonds
- 2 tablespoons of apricot jam
- 6oz of marzipan
- Food colouring (optional)
Instructions for Battenberg Cake
To make a Battenberg cake, follow these steps:
- Preheat your oven to 180C.
- Grease and line a 7-inch square baking tin.
- Cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time.
- Sift in the flour and fold it into the mixture, followed by the ground almonds.
- Divide the cake mixture into two, and add a few drops of food colouring to one of the portions (optional).
- Spread the two mixtures into the prepared tin and smooth the surfaces.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and an inserted skewer comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- When cool, cut the cake into four equal squares.
- Heat the apricot jam in a small pan until it is runny, then brush it over the cake pieces.
- Roll out the marzipan and cut it into four equal strips. Brush the cake squares with a little melted jam and sandwich them together with the marzipan strips.
- Decorate the cake with a criss-cross pattern, and trim the edges.
Where to Buy Battenberg Cake
Battenberg cake is a popular choice for special occasions, so it is widely available in supermarkets and online. Many major supermarkets, such as Tesco, Asda and Sainsbury’s, stock pre-made Battenberg cakes. You can also buy Battenberg cakes online, from sites such as Amazon, Waitrose, and Marks & Spencer.
Nutrition of Battenberg Cake
Battenberg cake is rich in sugar and carbohydrates, so it should be enjoyed as an occasional treat. A single slice of Battenberg cake contains around 220 calories, 10g of fat and 31g of sugar. The cake is also a source of protein, fibre, vitamin E, and other vitamins and minerals.
Conclusion
The Battenberg cake is a classic British cake that has been enjoyed for centuries. The cake is made of four squares of light sponge cake, held together by apricot jam and covered with a layer of marzipan. To make a Battenberg cake, you will need butter, sugar, self-raising flour, eggs, ground almonds, apricot jam and marzipan. Battenberg cakes are widely available in supermarkets and online, so you can easily find one for your next special occasion.