A deliciously unique and eye-catching sponge cake with a distinctive checkerboard pattern, wrapped in a layer of marzipan. Perfect for special occasions or a delightful afternoon tea treat.
Preparation time
45min
Cooking time
30min
Ingredients
8 Servings
- 4 tbsp apricot jam
- 175 g caster sugar
- 3 eggs
- 65 g ground almonds
- icing sugar
- 400 g marzipan
- 2 tbsp milk
- 0.5 tsp pink food coloring
- 175 g self-raising flour
- 175 g unsalted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Directions
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and line an 8-inch square baking tin with baking paper, creating a divider in the center using foil or additional baking paper to separate the two different colored batters.
Step 2
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually beat in the eggs one at a time.
Step 3
Fold in the flour and ground almonds, then add the milk and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
Step 4
Divide the batter evenly into two bowls. Add the pink food coloring to one bowl and mix until the color is evenly distributed.
Step 5
Pour the plain batter into one side of the prepared tin and the pink batter into the other side. Smooth the surfaces with a spatula.
Step 6
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 7
Once cooled, trim the edges of the cakes to create straight sides. Cut each cake in half lengthwise to create four long strips.
Step 8
Warm the apricot jam in a small saucepan or microwave until smooth. Brush the long sides of the strips with the jam and stick them together in a checkerboard pattern.
Step 9
Dust a clean surface with icing sugar and roll out the marzipan into a large rectangle. Brush the top of the assembled cake with more apricot jam.
Step 10
Place the cake upside down on the marzipan and brush the remaining sides with jam. Carefully wrap the marzipan around the cake, pressing gently to secure.
Step 11
Trim any excess marzipan and smooth the seams. Serve in slices and enjoy!