Unwrap Sweet Delight: Battenberg Cake without Marzipan – Perfect for those who don’t like Almond!

Ingredients for Battenberg Cake without Marzipan:

For the cake:
– 225g unsalted butter, softened
– 225g caster sugar
– 4 free-range eggs
– 225g self-raising flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 2 tbsp milk
– Red and yellow food coloring

For the filling:
– 175g strawberry jam
– 200g cream cheese, softened
– 100g icing sugar
– 1 tsp vanilla extract

Alternative ingredients to use when making Battenberg cake without Marzipan:
If you don’t want to use cream cheese for the filling, you can use whipped cream instead. You can also add different flavors to the jam or even use a different fruit jam altogether like raspberry or blackberry. For the cake itself, you can also add different food colorings or leave it plain.

How to make Battenberg Cake without Marzipan:
1. Preheat the oven to 180°C/160°C fan/gas mark 4. Grease and line an 8-inch square baking tin.

2. In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.

3. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, adding a tablespoon of flour with each addition.

4. Sift in the remaining flour and baking powder and fold gently until everything is combined.

5. Add the milk and mix until smooth.

6. Divide the mixture into two equal portions and add red food coloring to one half and yellow to the other. Mix well until the desired colors are achieved.

7. Spoon the mixture alternately into the tin, creating a checkerboard pattern.

8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.

9. Leave the cake to cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

For the filling:

10. In a mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese, icing sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.

11. Spread the strawberry jam over one half of the cake and the cream cheese mixture over the other half.

12. Carefully sandwich the two halves together and trim the edges to create a neat, square shape.

Decorating Ideas for Battenberg Cake without Marzipan:
– Dust with icing sugar
– Top with berries or candied fruit
– Decorate with colorful fondant shapes
– Drizzle with melted chocolate
– Pipe whipped cream around the edges
– Top with fresh flowers

FAQs:
– What is the origin of Battenberg cake?
Battenberg cake was created in 1884 to celebrate the marriage of Princess Victoria, granddaughter of Queen Victoria, to Prince Louis of Battenberg. It was said to have been inspired by the colors of the coat of arms of the prince’s home in Germany.

– Are there variations to Battenberg cake besides the traditional checkered pattern?
Yes, some variations include a round Battenberg cake and adding different flavors to the cake or filling.

– What is the history of the Battenberg cake?
The Battenberg cake was originally created as a celebration cake for a royal wedding in 1884. It became popular in Victorian times and has remained a beloved classic ever since.

– Is there a specific baking tin for Battenberg cake?
Yes, there is a specific baking tin that creates the classic checkerboard pattern. However, you can also bake the cake in a regular square or round tin and cut it into the desired shape.

– Can I buy a Battenberg cake at Tesco?
Yes, Tesco sells pre-made Battenberg cakes in their bakery section.

– What occasions are Battenberg cakes typically served at?
Battenberg cakes are a popular choice for birthdays, afternoon teas, and any special occasion where a classic British treat is desired.