This white chocolate celebration cake is looks so professional but is surprisingly easy to make.
Inside is a simple, delicate sponge flavoured with orange juice and zest. Outside, it's coated with a smooth layer of chocolate cream which hardens into a set coating - not brittle like pure chocolate, but smooth, glossy and attractive. Part of the appeal is the simpleness of the coating contrasted with the decadent decorations, so don't skimp on the macarons and rose petals. You can change the colour though - try using pale green macarons with blueberries or blackberries and cornflowers or purple pansies for a cooler theme.
Ingredients
- 300g (10½oz) butter
- 300g (10½oz) caster sugar
- 5 large eggs, beaten
- 350g (12oz) plain flour, sifted
- 1½ tsp baking powder
- Grated rind of 1 orange
- 3 tbsp orange juice
To decorate:
- 100ml (3½ fl oz) double cream
- 225g (8oz) good quality white chocolate, chopped
- Crystallised rose petals
- Pink macaroons
- Handful fresh raspberries
- Handful fresh strawberries, halved
WEIGHT CONVERTER
Method
- Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F/gas mark 4 . Grease and line a 20cm (8in) cake tin.
- Cream together the butter and sugar until fluffy. Gradually add the eggs, beating well between each addition.
- Fold in the flour, baking powder, orange rind and juice. Transfer the mixture to the prepared cake tin.
- Bake in the oven for 75-90 mins, or until golden brown and springy. Leave to cool in the tin for about 5 mins before turning on to a wire rack to finish cooling.
- For the coating, heat the cream in a saucepan (but do not boil) and pour over the white chocolate. Mix it gently with a wooden spoon until smooth and glossy. Pour over the cake, and spread on the top and sides with a palette knife.
- Transfer to a serving plate and put in the fridge to set for 15 mins. Decorate with the rose petals, macaroons and fruit just before serving.
Top tip for making white chocolate celebration cake
To crystallise rose petals, wash edible petals and dry with kitchen paper. Dip half of the petal in lightly beaten egg white then dip in sugar. Dry on a wire rack.
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