Serving Details
Servings: 8-10 slices
Portion Size: 1 slice per person
Recipe Description
The Peek-a-boo Battenberg Cake is a delightful twist on the classic Battenberg, featuring hidden layers of colorful sponge cake wrapped in a marzipan shell. With its fun checkered pattern and vibrant appearance, this cake is a showstopper, perfect for parties or afternoon tea. The moist sponge and sweet almond flavor of the marzipan make it both visually impressive and delicious.
Cooking Time
- Preparation Time: 40 minutes
- Baking Time: 25-30 minutes
- Assembly & Decoration Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour, 40 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup caster sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup self-raising flour
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- Red and yellow food coloring
- 1/2 cup apricot jam, warmed
- 250g marzipan
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and line an 8-inch square cake tin with parchment paper, creating a divider in the center with foil or parchment to make two separate compartments.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the almond extract.
- Gently fold in the flour until just combined.
- Divide the batter evenly into two bowls. Add red food coloring to one bowl and yellow to the other, mixing until colors are uniform.
- Spoon each colored batter into one side of the divided tin and smooth the tops.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cakes cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, trim the edges and cut each colored cake in half lengthwise to create four strips (two red and two yellow).
- Brush the sides of the strips with warmed apricot jam and arrange them in a checkered pattern.
- Roll out the marzipan on a surface dusted with powdered sugar to fit around the cake.
- Brush the outside of the cake with more apricot jam and wrap it with the marzipan, pressing gently to secure.
- Trim any excess marzipan, and slice to serve.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Sugar: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 120mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the cake layers in advance?
Yes, you can bake the cake layers a day ahead. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store at room temperature until ready to assemble.
Can I use other colors?
Absolutely! You can customize the colors to match any theme or occasion, just be sure to use food coloring gels for vibrant hues.
How should I store the cake?
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
