Wednesday, June 27, 2012


THE DARING BAKERS' JUNE 2012 CHALLENGE: 

Going Batty for the Jubilee


Mandy of What The Fruitcake?! came to our rescue last minute to present us with the Battenberg Cake challenge! She highlighted Mary Berry’s techniques and recipes to allow us to create this unique little cake with ease.


I had always looked at these cakes and thought "intricate" - "too hard" - "professional baker" ! So when Mandy challenged us with Battenberg Cake to coincide with The Queen's 60th Jubilee and highlighted Mary Berry's techniques I had to give it a go.


Recipe is here


There were a few hiccups and I ended up calling my posting on the site



Honey I Shrunk The Battenburg !


I used this tin that I have had for about thirty years and had never before used the divider - perfect I thought but didn't double my batter - hence the very shallow sponges. The tin was about 8 1/2 inches square.




I didn't use ground almonds (allergy) , so made the sponges plain - one vanilla, one coffee. Although small they were nice sponges. Had decided to make the white chocolate plastique and did - but it did not turn out well!
No amount of kneading was going to make this sorry mess pliable. In true British Commonwealth spirit I Kept Calm and Carried On! I decided to cover my miniature Battenburg in the Coffee Butter Cream ( as I don't like Marzipan and it contains almond)
Despite its size - almost Petit Four - the taste was excellent Smile

Check out the site until about July 15 to see some of the wonderful examples of Battenburg









8 comments:

  1. Your 'mini' Battenburg looks beautiful, and the icing looks delicious!

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  2. Coffee buttercream looks and sounds delicious, your Battenberg looks great!

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  3. Mine was small, too, because the sponges were shallow - I ended up making two though! The buttercream looks delicious, so smooth.

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  4. Great job persevering despite the trouble with the chocolate plastique. Your finished Battenberg looks adorable and delicious!! Great work.

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  5. I love the idea of a mini Battenberg - just the right size for a small indulgence. I'm sure yours covered in buttercream tasted just as good if not better than if it were covered with a rolled icing - and without the sort of chewy, tootsie-roll texture. And I have to say I'm envious of your pan. I love vintage kitchen items and that pan is awesome!

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  6. I think the mini looks cute !! And I agree with tugs girl am envious of your pan too. Had u not blogged about the white chocolate I wld have never known !! Awesome cake

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  7. I love the pan too! Love your mini Battenberg...

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  8. How fun you had that pan! I think your cake looks great!!!

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