Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 box of Colin the Caterpillar chocolate sponge cake mix
- 3 eggs
- 150ml vegetable oil
- 150ml water
- 1 can of chocolate fudge frosting
- 100g milk chocolate chips
- 50g dark chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Special equipment needed:
- 2 x 8-inch round cake pans
- Electric mixer
- Spatula
- Cooling rack
- Piping bag (optional)
- Cake stand or plate
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F/Gas Mark 4.
2. Grease and line the cake pans with parchment paper.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and water. Mix with an electric mixer on low speed for 30 seconds, then on medium speed for 2 minutes until smooth.
4. Divide the batter evenly between the two cake pans and bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
5. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
6. Once the cakes are cool, spread a layer of chocolate fudge frosting on top of one cake and place the other cake on top to create a sandwich.
7. Melt the milk chocolate chips and dark chocolate chips with the unsalted butter in a heatproof bowl over a pan of simmering water, stirring occasionally until smooth.
8. Pour the melted chocolate over the cake and spread it evenly with a spatula, allowing it to drip down the sides.
9. Allow the chocolate to set for 10-15 minutes before piping a border of chocolate fudge frosting around the top edge of the cake using a piping bag (optional).
10. Decorate the cake with Colin the Caterpillar sweets or other chocolate decorations as desired.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 25-30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
5. Temperature:
180°C/350°F/Gas Mark 4
Serving size:
8-10 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 450
Fat: 25g
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 4g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use any brand of chocolate sponge cake mix if Colin the Caterpillar is not available.
- You can use any type of frosting instead of chocolate fudge frosting.
- You can use any type of chocolate chips for the topping.
Variations:
- You can add chopped nuts or dried fruit to the cake batter for extra texture.
- You can use white chocolate chips instead of milk and dark chocolate chips for a different flavor.
- You can add a layer of whipped cream or fresh fruit between the cake layers for a lighter version.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to grease and line the cake pans to prevent the cakes from sticking.
- Allow the cakes to cool completely before frosting and decorating.
- Use a piping bag to create a neat border of frosting around the top edge of the cake.
- Decorate the cake with Colin the Caterpillar sweets or other chocolate decorations for a fun and festive touch.
Storage instructions:
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
The cake does not need to be reheated, but you can warm individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds if desired.
Presentation ideas:
Place the cake on a cake stand or plate and decorate with Colin the Caterpillar sweets or other chocolate decorations.
Garnishes:
Colin the Caterpillar sweets, chocolate curls, fresh berries, whipped cream.
Pairings:
Serve the cake with a cup of coffee or tea.
Suggested side dishes:
Fresh fruit salad, vanilla ice cream.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the cake sinks in the middle, it may not have been cooked long enough or the oven temperature may have been too low.
- If the cake is dry, it may have been overcooked or not enough frosting was used to moisten it.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to follow the instructions on the cake mix box and use fresh eggs and oil to ensure food safety.
Food history:
Colin the Caterpillar is a popular chocolate sponge cake sold by Marks & Spencer in the UK.
Flavor profiles:
Rich chocolate cake with a fudgy frosting and a decadent chocolate topping.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the cake as a dessert or for a special occasion such as a birthday party.
Related Categories
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Region: British
Taste: Rich, Chocolatey, Sweet, Creamy, Moist