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Mary Berry Chocolate Birthday Cake

Mary Berry Chocolate Birthday Cake recipe
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The Mary Berry Chocolate Birthday Cake is a soft, light sponge made with cocoa powder and self-raising flour, sandwiched and topped with rich chocolate icing. It’s typically a two-layer round cake, perfect for birthdays and special occasions. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s a go-to recipe for both beginners and experienced bakers.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

    • Self-raising flour – 175g (1½ cups)

    • Cocoa powder – 2 tablespoons

    • Baking powder – 1 teaspoon

    • Caster sugar – 175g (¾ cup)

    • Soft unsalted butter – 175g (¾ cup)

    • Eggs – 3 large

    • Milk – 2 tablespoons

For the Chocolate Icing:

    • Plain chocolate – 100g (about 3½ oz)

    • Unsalted butter – 50g (¼ cup)

    • Icing sugar – 225g (1¾ cups), sifted

    • Hot water – 2 tablespoons

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Tins

  • Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan) or 350°F.

  • Grease and line two 20cm round cake tins with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter

  • In a large bowl, sift flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder.

  • Add caster sugar, softened butter, eggs, and milk.

  • Beat everything together using a hand mixer until smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Bake the Cakes

  • Divide the mixture evenly between the two tins and smooth the tops.

  • Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the sponges are springy and a skewer comes out clean.

  • Cool in the tins for 5 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 4: Make the Chocolate Icing

  • Melt the chocolate and butter together in a heatproof bowl over a pan of simmering water (or use the microwave in short bursts).

  • Stir until smooth, then remove from heat.

  • Gradually beat in sifted icing sugar and hot water until you have a glossy, spreadable icing.

Step 5: Assemble the Cake

  • Place one cake layer on a plate or stand.

  • Spread some of the icing on top, then place the second sponge on top.

  • Cover the top and sides with the remaining chocolate icing.

  • Decorate as desired with sprinkles, fruit, or candles.

Find it online: https://britishbakingrecipes.co.uk/mary-berry-chocolate-birthday-cake-recipe/