What Is A Battenberg Cake?
Battenberg cake is a classic British cake that is made from four layers of vanilla sponge cake and held together with apricot jam. The cake is covered in marzipan and cut into squares, revealing a beautiful pink and yellow checkerboard pattern. It was originally created in the 19th century and has been a favorite of the British royal family ever since. Mr Kipling's Battenberg cake is a modern take on the classic, with added flavors and textures.
Ingredients
For the cake:
- 225g (8oz) butter, softened
- 225g (8oz) caster sugar
- 4 eggs, beaten
- 225g (8oz) self-raising flour
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1-2 tablespoons milk
For the filling and topping:
- 4 tablespoons apricot jam
- 500g (1lb) marzipan
- Pink and yellow food coloring
- Icing sugar, for dusting
Instructions
Making the Cake
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F/Gas 4). Grease and line two 8-inch (20cm) round cake tins.
Cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually add the beaten eggs, stirring constantly. Sift in the flour and mix until well combined. Stir in the vanilla extract and enough milk to give a soft dropping consistency.
Divide the mixture between the two tins and spread evenly. Bake for 25 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean. Leave to cool for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Assembling the Cake
Place one of the cooled sponges on a board and spread with the apricot jam. Place the other sponge on top and press down lightly.
Divide the marzipan into two pieces, one slightly larger than the other. Tint one piece pink and the other yellow. Roll out the pink marzipan and place on top of the cake. Using a sharp knife, cut the marzipan into four strips. Roll out the yellow marzipan and place on the other side of the cake. Cut into four strips, the same size as the pink strips. Arrange the strips in a chequerboard pattern, alternating the colors.
Press the edges together to seal. Trim the edges and cut into four equal pieces. Place the pieces on a serving plate.
Dust with icing sugar and serve. Enjoy!
Nutrition
One serving of Mr Kipling Battenberg cake contains approximately:
- Calories: 312
- Fat: 13.8g
- Carbohydrates: 42.2g
- Protein: 4.7g
- Fiber: 1.3g
- Sugar: 24.4g
The cake also contains vitamins and minerals such as iron, calcium, vitamin A, and vitamin C. It is important to note that this nutrition information is approximate and may vary depending on the ingredients used.
Conclusion
Mr Kipling's Battenberg cake is a delicious twist on a classic British cake. The moist sponge and sweet marzipan make it a treat for the whole family. With its colorful checkerboard pattern, it's also fun to make and perfect for a special occasion. Now that you know how to make it, why not give it a try and see what you think?