Description
Bring the magic of the swamp to your kitchen with this moist chocolate and almond sponge cake. Topped with a vibrant homemade marzipan, this playful themed dessert is as delicious as it is impressive for fans of all ages.
Ingredients
- 200g Dark Chocolate, chopped
- 150g Unsalted Butter or Margarine, softened
- 150g Granulated Sugar
- 4 Large Eggs, separated
- 150g Almond Powder (for the cake)
- 150g Powdered Sugar
- 150g Almond Powder (for the marzipan)
- 1 Egg White
- Bitter Almond Essence
- Yellow and Blue food coloring
- Cocoa powder (for decoration)
- Linseeds (for eyelashes)
Instructions
- Melt the dark chocolate using a double boiler or in the microwave in 20-second intervals; let cool slightly.
- Cream the softened butter and sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy.
- Stir the almond powder, melted chocolate, and four egg yolks into the butter mixture until well combined.
- In a separate clean bowl, whisk the egg whites until they form firm peaks.
- Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the chocolate batter using a spatula until no white streaks remain.
- Pour the batter into a greased and floured mold and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 25 minutes.
- Allow the cake to cool in the mold briefly before transferring to a wire rack to set completely.
- Pulse the marzipan almond powder and powdered sugar in a blender, then mix with an egg white and almond essence to form a dough.
- Color the marzipan green using the food coloring and roll it out between sheets of parchment paper.
- Carve the cooled cake into the shape of Shrek’s head, using scraps to form the ears and eyebrows.
- Drape the marzipan over the cake, smooth the edges, and add the hand-modeled nose, ears, and linseed eyelashes.
Notes
For the smoothest finish, ensure your cake is completely cold before carving, as the almond-rich sponge can be fragile when warm. If the marzipan feels too sticky while rolling, lightly dust your parchment paper with extra powdered sugar to prevent tearing.
- Prep Time: 35 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Themed