Chequerboard Cake Marry Berry
Making a checkerboard cake, inspired by the legendary Mary Berry, is a delightful baking adventure that combines artistic flair with culinary creativity. This stunning cake not only tastes delicious but also boasts an eye-catching design that’s bound to impress both family and guests. By skillfully layering differently colored cake batters and harmonizing them with a delectable filling and frosting, you’ll create a masterpiece that’s as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the
taste buds. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to craft your very own checkerboard cake, allowing you to channel your inner baker and showcase your culinary prowess. So, don your apron, gather your ingredients, and let’s embark on a journey to create a show-stopping, Mary Berry-inspired Chequerboard Cake that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!
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Chequerboard Cake Marry Berry
Ingredients
- Butter or vegetable oil for greasing
- 350 g 12 oz unsalted butter, softened
- 350 g 12 oz caster sugar
- 6 large eggs
- 350 g 12 oz self-raising flour
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- A few drops of food coloring your choice of colors
- 2-3 tbsp milk if needed
- Buttercream frosting
- Jam e.g., raspberry or strawberry
- Fondant optional
- Chocolate shavings
- Sprinkles
- Edible flowers
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F/Gas Mark 4. Grease and line two 20cm round cake tins.
- To make the cake, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the flour, baking powder, and vanilla extract.
- Divide the mixture in half and add the cocoa powder to one half. Mix until well combined.
- Pour the two mixtures into the prepared cake tins and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool completely before assembling.
- To assemble the cake, cut each cake layer into three equally wide concentric rings.
- Place one ring of chocolate cake on a serving plate. Spread with a thin layer of buttercream.
- Place a ring of vanilla cake on top, then spread with another thin layer of buttercream.
- Continue alternating the chocolate and vanilla cake rings, spreading buttercream in between each layer.
- Once all of the cake rings have been stacked, cover the entire cake with a thin layer of buttercream.
- To decorate the cake, pipe rosettes of buttercream around the top edge of the cake.
- Sprinkle with chocolate shavings, sprinkles, and edible flowers.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- Butter or vegetable oil (for greasing)
- 350g (12 oz) unsalted butter, softened
- 350g (12 oz) caster sugar
- 6 large eggs
- 350g (12 oz) self-raising flour
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- A few drops of food coloring (your choice of colors)
- 2-3 tbsp milk (if needed)
For the Filling and Frosting:
- Buttercream frosting
- Jam (e.g., raspberry or strawberry)
- Fondant (optional)
To decorate:
- Chocolate shavings
- Sprinkles
- Edible flowers
How To Make Chequerboard Cake Marry Berry
To create a show-stopping Mary Berry-inspired Chequerboard Cake, begin by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F) and generously greasing and lining three 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, combine 350g of softened unsalted butter with 350g of caster sugar, beating them together until the mixture turns light and fluffy. Gradually add six large eggs, one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. To this creamy mixture, add 350g of self-raising flour and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, gently folding everything together until you have a smooth cake batter.
Now comes the artistic part. Divide the cake batter evenly into three separate bowls. In two of these bowls, add a few drops of your chosen food coloring to create two different-colored batters. Leave the third portion uncolored. Once you’ve achieved your desired colors, it’s time to assemble the checkerboard layers. In each of the prepared cake pans, spoon alternating spoonfuls of the colored batters to create a checkerboard pattern. Use a spatula to smooth the surfaces for even layers.
Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean. After baking, allow the cakes to cool in their pans for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, level the tops of the cakes if necessary. To assemble the checkerboard pattern, spread a layer of jam, such as raspberry or strawberry, between each cake layer, creating a visually appealing stack.
Then, cover the entire cake with a generous layer of buttercream frosting. For a polished finish, you can roll out fondant and cover the cake entirely. Decorate your checkerboard cake as desired, perhaps with fondant shapes or other creative embellishments. Finally, slice and serve your masterpiece to delight your family and friends with both its stunning appearance and its delicious taste. Enjoy your Mary Berry-inspired Chequerboard Cake!
Tips:
- For a sharper checkerboard pattern, use a sharp knife to cut the cake rings.
- If the cake rings are too soft to handle, chill them in the freezer for 15-20 minutes before assembling.
- To make the buttercream extra smooth, sieve the icing sugar before adding it to the butter.
- If you don’t have a piping bag, you can simply spread the buttercream on top of the cake with a knife.
Serving Suggestion
When serving your Mary Berry-inspired Chequerboard Cake, consider presenting it as the centerpiece of your dessert table for a truly impressive display. To enhance the visual appeal, you can dust the top of the cake lightly with powdered sugar or cocoa powder, creating an elegant finish that complements the checkerboard pattern.
For added flair, garnish each slice with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of premium vanilla ice cream. You can also sprinkle some colorful sprinkles or edible glitter for a touch of whimsy. To elevate the experience further, pair the cake with a pot of freshly brewed tea or a rich cup of coffee. The combination of the cake’s moist layers, sweet filling, and creamy frosting will be perfectly balanced with the warmth of your beverage.
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a sweet treat, this Mary Berry-inspired Chequerboard Cake is sure to be a hit. Don’t forget to capture the moment with a photograph to cherish the memory of your culinary masterpiece!
Conclusion
Crafting a Mary Berry-inspired Chequerboard Cake is not only a delightful baking endeavor but also a captivating work of edible art. With its mesmerizing checkerboard pattern, delectable layers, and exquisite presentation, this cake is bound to be a showstopper at any gathering or celebration. The process of creating this masterpiece allows you to channel your inner baker, bringing together colors, flavors, and textures in a harmonious symphony.
As you savor each delicious slice, you’ll not only enjoy the taste but also appreciate the effort and creativity that went into making it. This Chequerboard Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a testament to your culinary skills and a delightful treat for all your senses.
So, the next time you’re looking for a dessert that’s as impressive as it is scrumptious, consider embarking on this baking adventure. With Mary Berry as your inspiration, you’re sure to create a Chequerboard Cake that leaves a lasting impression and a sweet taste of success. Happy baking.
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