Description
Bring the wild to your dessert table with this stunning Jungle Theme Cake, featuring an airy butter-free chocolate sponge and vibrant orange whipped cream. Adorned with chocolate chips and handcrafted fondant animals, it is as delicious as it is adventurous.
Ingredients
- Eggs (Room Temperature)
- Caster Sugar (Superfine Sugar)
- All-Purpose Flour (Maida)
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
- Baking Powder
- Vanilla or Chocolate Essence
- Whipping Cream (at least 35% fat)
- Orange Gel Food Coloring
- Chocolate Chips
- Milk (for soaking)
- Readymade Fondant
Instructions
- In a large bowl, beat the eggs and caster sugar with an electric mixer until the mixture is pale, thick, and reaches the ribbon stage.
- Sift the flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder together in a separate bowl to ensure there are no lumps.
- Gently fold the dry ingredients into the whipped egg mixture in three batches using a spatula, being careful not to deflate the air.
- Pour the batter into a greased and lined cake mold and bake at 350°F (180°C) for 15 to 20 minutes until a skewer comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool completely on a wire rack before using a serrated knife to slice it horizontally into two layers.
- Brush the cut sides of both cake layers generously with milk to ensure a moist, tender crumb.
- Whip the chilled heavy cream with orange food coloring in a cold bowl until stiff peaks form.
- Place the bottom layer on a board, spread a thick layer of orange cream, and sprinkle with chocolate chips before placing the second layer on top.
- Frost the top and sides with the remaining orange cream and decorate with hand-sculpted fondant leaves and jungle animals.
Notes
For the best results, ensure your eggs are truly at room temperature to achieve maximum volume during whipping. When working with fondant, apply decorations just before serving if the cake is being refrigerated, as moisture from the fridge can cause the sugar paste to soften or bleed color. Using a gel-based food coloring is essential to keep the whipped cream stable and vibrant without changing its consistency.
- Prep Time: 45 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: International