Decadent Chocolate Almond Battenberg Cake Recipe

Chocolate Almond Battenberg Cake is a sophisticated twist on the beloved British classic, marrying the flavors of rich cocoa and aromatic almond for a memorable dessert centerpiece. This recipe takes you step by step through baking, assembling, and decorating a stunning checkerboard cake wrapped in homemade marzipan.

Unlike standard Battenberg cakes, the addition of chocolate layers and nutty marzipan makes every bite irresistible. With detailed guidance on texture, flavor, assembly, and storage, this comprehensive guide ensures impressive results, whether for special occasions or an elegant afternoon tea.

Ingredients Checklist

Gathering all the necessary ingredients before you begin guarantees a smooth baking experience and authentic flavor. Here’s what you’ll need for every component of the Chocolate Almond Battenberg Cake:

• For the Cakes:

  • 200g unsalted butter, softened

  • 200g caster sugar

  • 4 large eggs, at room temperature

  • 175g self-raising flour

  • 75g ground almonds

  • 1 teaspoon baking powder

  • ½ teaspoon fine salt

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 2 tablespoons whole milk

  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted

  • 1 tablespoon boiling water (for cocoa paste)

• For Assembly:

  • 100g smooth apricot jam, sieved and gently warmed

• For Marzipan:

  • 250g ground almonds

  • 250g icing sugar

  • 2 large egg whites

  • ½ teaspoon almond extract

• For Decoration (Optional):

  • 40g dark chocolate, melted, for drizzling

  • Toasted flaked almonds, for garnish

  • Edible gold leaf or flowers for special occasions

Step-by-Step Instructions

Thorough preparation and careful assembly make all the difference in achieving a flawless Chocolate Almond Battenberg Cake. Follow each step for professional results.

1. Prepare Pans and Oven
   Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and line a 20cm (8-inch) square cake tin with parchment, creating a foil divider down the center to bake two batters side by side.

2. Mix Base Batter
   In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar together until pale and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in vanilla extract.

3. Combine Dry Ingredients
   In another bowl, whisk together flour, ground almonds, baking powder, and salt. Fold half of this dry mixture into the creamed mixture, then add milk, and finally the remaining dry ingredients, mixing just until smooth.

4. Divide and Flavor Batters
   Halve the batter evenly into two bowls. For the almond layer, leave as is. For the chocolate layer, mix cocoa powder with boiling water to form a paste, then fold it into the other half of the batter.

5. Fill and Bake
   Spoon each batter into one side of the divided tin, smoothing tops for even layers. Bake for 28–32 minutes, or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

6. Trim and Cut
   Once cooled, trim any browned edges for neatness. Cut each cake in half lengthwise to yield four long rectangles—two almond, two chocolate.

7. Make the Marzipan
   In a bowl, combine ground almonds and icing sugar. Add egg whites and almond extract, mixing until a smooth, pliable dough forms. Dust work surface with icing sugar and roll marzipan into a rectangle large enough to wrap around the assembled cake.

8. Assemble Cake with Jam
   Brush all cut surfaces with warmed apricot jam. Arrange rectangles in a checkerboard: one almond and one chocolate side by side, topped with alternating layers. Press gently to secure.

9. Wrap in Marzipan
   Spread a thin layer of jam over the surface. Place cake on the rolled marzipan and wrap, trimming excess. Press edges to seal and place seam side down.

10. Decorate
    Drizzle with melted dark chocolate, sprinkle with toasted flaked almonds, or add edible flowers for an elegant finish.

Tips for Perfect Results

Achieving a flawless Battenberg cake involves more than just following a recipe. These expert pointers help avoid common pitfalls:

• Divide the Tin Securely:
  Use a sturdy divider (such as thick foil folded several times) to prevent batters from merging.

• Even Layers:
  Weigh each batter to guarantee uniform layer height for a precise checkerboard.

• Room Temperature Ingredients:
  Butter, eggs, and milk should be at room temperature for a smooth, lump-free batter.

• Neat Edges:
  Trim cake layers once cooled for sharp lines and a clean finish.

• Marzipan Consistency:
  Knead marzipan until smooth and flexible; if sticky, add icing sugar, if dry, add a drop of water.

• Apricot Jam:
  Sieve jam for a smooth glaze and warm slightly to spread evenly—this helps marzipan adhere and adds a subtle fruitiness.

• Assembly:
  Brush all cut surfaces with jam to keep cake moist and prevent the layers from sliding.

• Storage:
  Keep the finished cake well-wrapped in parchment inside an airtight container to maintain softness.

Serving Suggestions

Enhance the enjoyment of your Chocolate Almond Battenberg Cake with thoughtful presentation and pairings:

• Afternoon Tea:
  Serve thin slices on a tiered stand alongside classic scones and tea sandwiches.

• Coffee Pairing:
  The cake’s richness is beautifully balanced with freshly brewed espresso or cappuccino.

• Plated Dessert:
  Add a quenelle of whipped cream, a drizzle of melted chocolate, or a few fresh raspberries for a plated dessert.

• Special Occasions:
  Garnish with edible gold leaf or flowers for a festive table centerpiece.

• Gift Idea:
  Wrap slices in waxed paper and place in a decorative box for a charming homemade gift.

Final Thoughts

Chocolate Almond Battenberg Cake brings together tradition and indulgence, resulting in a striking centerpiece with layers of flavor and texture. With the detailed steps, expert tips, and serving inspiration provided, you’ll be able to master this cake with confidence, delivering impressive results for any celebration. From careful batter preparation to flawless assembly and creative garnishes, every detail in this guide ensures success and elevates your home baking. Savor every bite of this stunning treat and enjoy sharing a slice of edible artistry with those you love.