Mary Berry’s Grown-Up Chocolate Birthday Cake

Mary Berry’s Grown-Up Chocolate Birthday Cake is a delightful and decadent cake, perfect for special occasions. It features a rich and moist chocolate sponge with a luxurious chocolate ganache. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients:

For the cake:

200g (7oz) plain (all-purpose) flour
200g (7oz) caster sugar (superfine sugar)
200g (7oz) unsalted butter, softened
4 large eggs
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda (baking soda)
3 tablespoons cocoa powder
100g (3 1/2 oz) milk chocolate, melted
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
200ml (7 fl oz) full-fat milk

For the chocolate ganache:

200g (7oz) dark chocolate (70% cocoa), chopped
200ml (7 fl oz) double cream (heavy cream)
2 tablespoons golden syrup or light corn syrup (optional, for extra shine)

For decoration:

Chocolate shavings or curls
A dusting of cocoa powder (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the cake:

Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F), and grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, cocoa powder, and a pinch of salt.
Add the softened butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and milk to the dry ingredients. Mix together until smooth using an electric mixer on medium speed.
Stir in the melted milk chocolate and continue mixing until the batter is well combined and smooth.
Divide the batter equally between the two prepared cake pans.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

2. Make the chocolate ganache:

While the cakes are cooling, make the ganache. In a saucepan, gently heat the double cream over low heat until it begins to simmer (but not boil).
Remove from the heat and add the chopped dark chocolate. Stir until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
If you’re using golden syrup or corn syrup, stir it in now to give the ganache a lovely glossy finish.
Allow the ganache to cool and thicken slightly before frosting the cake.

3. Assemble the cake:

Once the cakes are fully cooled, place one layer of the cake onto a serving platter or cake stand.
Spread a layer of the chocolate ganache over the top of the first cake layer.
Place the second cake layer on top and gently press down.
Use the remaining ganache to cover the top and sides of the cake, smoothing it out with a spatula.

4. Decorate:

Decorate the cake with chocolate shavings or curls, or dust with cocoa powder for a classic touch.
Slice and serve this indulgent cake that’s rich in flavor and perfect for celebrating any occasion!

Tips:

For a more intense chocolate flavor, you can add a pinch of instant coffee or espresso powder to the dry ingredients.
This cake can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container for a couple of days, or frozen for longer storage.

Mary Berry’s Grown-Up Chocolate Birthday Cake is perfect for any celebration, combining a rich chocolate flavor with a silky ganache. It’s sure to be a showstopper at your next event!