Mary Berry American Chocolate Cake Recipe [Tips & Tricks]

If you’ve been searching for the ultimate chocolate cake recipe, Mary Berry’s American Chocolate Cake is a must-try. With its rich, velvety layers of moist chocolate sponge and decadent buttercream, this recipe is a real crowd-pleaser.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in something sweet, Mary Berry’s version perfectly balances that indulgent, nostalgic chocolate flavor without being overwhelming. Plus, it’s relatively easy to make, so you don’t have to be a professional baker to create a stunning dessert that looks as good as it tastes!.

Mary Berry American Chocolate Cake Recipe

Ingredients Needed

To bake Mary Berry’s American Chocolate Cake, you’ll need a selection of ingredients that come together to create a rich, moist, and indulgent dessert. Each component serves a specific purpose, contributing to the texture, flavor, and overall success of the cake. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:

  1. For The Cake

    • Plain Flour (All-Purpose Flour): This is the base of the cake and provides the structure. Using plain flour keeps the texture soft and light without being too dense.
    • Baking Powder: This helps the cake rise by releasing gas when combined with wet ingredients, ensuring the cake is fluffy and airy.
    • Cocoa Powder: Essential for that deep, rich chocolate flavor. Opt for good-quality unsweetened cocoa powder for a balanced taste.
    • Caster Sugar: This is a fine sugar that dissolves quickly, helping to create a smooth batter. It also ensures the cake has the right level of sweetness.
    • Eggs: These act as the binding agents, holding the cake together and giving it a lovely, moist texture.
    • Butter: Adds richness and moisture to the cake. Make sure to use softened butter for ease of mixing.
    • Whole Milk: Helps to thin the batter and adds moisture, ensuring a tender crumb in the finished cake.
    • Vanilla Extract: A subtle flavor enhancer that balances the richness of the cocoa.
    • Hot Water: This is added to the batter to activate the cocoa powder, making the flavor more intense and smooth.
  2. For The Frosting

    • Butter: Again, butter plays a key role in the frosting, contributing to its creamy texture and rich flavor.
    • Icing Sugar (Powdered Sugar): This finely ground sugar dissolves easily and creates the smooth, thick consistency needed for the frosting.
    • Cocoa Powder: Just like in the cake, cocoa powder is a critical ingredient for the frosting, providing that essential chocolate flavor.
    • Whole Milk: The milk thins the frosting to the perfect consistency for spreading, ensuring it’s smooth and easy to work with.
    • Vanilla Extract: Just a dash of this helps to round out the flavors of the frosting.
    • Boiling Water: Used to help dissolve the cocoa powder and ensure a silky texture for the frosting.

Equipment Needed

To make Mary Berry’s American Chocolate Cake, you’ll need a few key tools to help you along the way. These will make your baking process smoother and ensure the cake comes out perfectly.

  1. Two 20 cm (8-inch) Round Cake Pans: These are the ideal size for creating the layers of the cake. You’ll need two to bake the cake in separate layers. If you only have one, you can bake the layers one at a time, but this might increase your baking time.

  2. Electric Mixer (Handheld or Stand Mixer): An electric mixer will save you time and effort while mixing the cake batter and the frosting. It ensures that all ingredients are incorporated evenly, which is essential for a smooth texture and consistent rise.

  3. Mixing Bowls: You’ll need at least two medium-sized mixing bowls-one for the wet ingredients and one for the dry. This keeps things organized and ensures an even distribution of ingredients.

  4. Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key to baking, so having a good set of measuring cups and spoons is essential for precision, especially when it comes to flour, sugar, and cocoa powder.

  5. Spatula: A flexible spatula will come in handy for scraping the batter into the cake pans and for mixing the frosting. It’s also great for spreading the frosting smoothly on top of the cake.

  6. Cooling Rack: Once your cakes are baked, it’s crucial to let them cool on a cooling rack. This prevents them from becoming soggy by allowing air to circulate around them, cooling them evenly and quickly.

  7. Sieve: For sifting the dry ingredients like flour and cocoa powder, a fine sieve ensures that everything is lump-free and evenly incorporated, which contributes to a smooth batter.

How To Make Mary Berry’s American Chocolate Cake

mary berry american chocolate cake

Now, let’s dive into the process of making this American Chocolate Cake. It’s a relatively straightforward recipe, but the results are nothing short of spectacular. Follow these steps to create a moist, decadent chocolate cake that’s bound to impress:

1. Prepare The Cake Pans

Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) or 350°F. Grease and line two 20 cm (8-inch) round cake pans with parchment paper. This will ensure that your cakes come out easily after baking, without sticking to the pans.

2. Mix The Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, sift together the plain flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder. This will remove any lumps and help to evenly distribute the dry ingredients, ensuring that your cake rises evenly.

3. Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, caster sugar, melted butter, whole milk, and vanilla extract. Make sure the butter is softened and not too hot, as it could curdle the mixture. The goal is to achieve a smooth, uniform liquid mixture.

4. Combine Wet And Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing until the batter is smooth and well combined. Don’t overmix, as this can lead to a denser cake.

Once the batter is smooth, slowly pour in the hot water. This will make the batter thinner but will intensify the chocolate flavor.

5. Bake The Cake

Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans. Place them in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.

6. Make The Frosting

While the cakes cool, you can start on the frosting. In a bowl, sift the cocoa powder, then beat together the butter, icing sugar, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract.

Gradually add the milk, a little at a time, until the frosting reaches a spreadable consistency. If the frosting is too thick, add more milk; if it’s too thin, add more icing sugar.

7. Assemble The Cake

Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a generous layer of frosting on top.

Then place the second cake layer on top and use the remaining frosting to cover the top and sides of the cake. Smooth the frosting using a spatula, making sure to cover all edges for a polished look.

Expert Tips

  1. Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best texture, make sure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature before you begin. Cold ingredients can cause the batter to curdle and affect the texture of the cake.

  2. Don’t Overmix the Batter: When mixing the dry and wet ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can result in a dense, rubbery cake. The batter should be smooth, but it’s okay if there are a few small lumps.

  3. Sift Your Dry Ingredients: Sifting the cocoa powder, flour, and baking powder ensures they are evenly distributed, which helps the cake rise evenly. It also removes any lumps, creating a smoother batter.

  4. Use Good-Quality Cocoa Powder: Since cocoa powder is a key ingredient in this cake, using high-quality cocoa will make a big difference in the flavor. Look for a rich, dark cocoa powder that’s unsweetened for the best result.

  5. Let the Cake Cool Completely: It’s essential to let the cakes cool fully before frosting them. If you frost a warm cake, the frosting will melt and slide off, ruining the smooth, glossy finish.

Mary Berry’s American Chocolate Cake is a show-stopping dessert that combines a moist, tender chocolate cake with a rich, creamy frosting. The balance of flavors is perfect, and the cake’s texture is light yet indulgent.

Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because you have a craving for something sweet, this cake is sure to impress. With its deep chocolate flavor, smooth frosting, and simple yet effective recipe, this cake will quickly become a family favorite. Follow the steps and tips carefully, and you’ll have a delicious, bakery-quality chocolate cake to enjoy.

Easy Recipe Variations For Mary Berry’s American Chocolate Cake

Mary Berry’s American Chocolate Cake is a beloved classic, with its rich and decadent flavor, fluffy texture, and indulgent frosting. While the original recipe is already fantastic, there are countless ways to make it your own or put a unique spin on it. Whether you’re looking to switch up the flavor, make it more festive, or cater to specific dietary needs, these variations can elevate the cake and suit different preferences.

  1. Add Flavored Layers: One simple yet effective way to enhance the cake is by adding layers of flavor. You can mix ingredients like instant coffee powder or espresso to the batter for a delightful mocha flavor that complements the richness of the chocolate. Alternatively, a dash of cinnamon or chili powder can provide a warm, spicy kick to the cake, giving it a Mexican-inspired twist. For a more citrusy variation, add a bit of orange zest to the batter and replace the vanilla extract with orange extract to introduce a zesty contrast to the chocolate.

  2. Swap the Frosting: While the original buttercream frosting is creamy and smooth, there are other options you can explore. A cream cheese frosting adds a tangy dimension that balances out the sweetness of the chocolate cake. If you’re a fan of the salted caramel craze, try making a salted caramel frosting, which will pair wonderfully with the rich chocolate. For a lighter version, opt for a whipped ganache or marshmallow frosting, which will give the cake a softer, fluffier texture.

  3. Incorporate Add-Ins: Add texture and extra flavor by incorporating ingredients like chocolate chips, chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or hazelnuts), or shredded coconut into the batter. This not only makes the cake more interesting but also adds a bit of crunch to complement the softness of the sponge. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even fold in some crushed-up candy bars for extra sweetness and crunch.

  4. Make it Gluten-Free: For those who are gluten intolerant, it’s easy to adapt the recipe. Simply replace the regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend and make sure to use a gluten-free baking powder. The texture of the cake may be slightly different, but with the rich chocolate flavor and a creamy frosting, it will still be incredibly satisfying.

  5. Vegan Version: For a dairy-free and egg-free alternative, you can create a vegan version of Mary Berry’s American Chocolate Cake by replacing the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg). Substitute the butter with a plant-based option like coconut oil or vegan margarine. For the frosting, use coconut cream or vegan butter to create a rich, dairy-free alternative that will still give you a luscious finish.

Best Practices To Store Leftovers

american chocolate cake

If you’ve managed to make Mary Berry’s American Chocolate Cake but find yourself with some leftovers, don’t worry-this cake can stay fresh for a few days with the proper storage. Here’s how to ensure it stays moist, delicious, and safe to eat for as long as possible.

  1. Room Temperature Storage: If you plan on eating the leftovers within 2 to 3 days, you can store the cake at room temperature. Place the cake in an airtight container to keep it from drying out. Make sure to cover the cake with a sheet of wax paper or plastic wrap before sealing it in the container. This will prevent the cake from absorbing any surrounding odors and help retain its moisture.

  2. Refrigeration: For longer storage, particularly if the cake has been frosted with cream cheese or buttercream, refrigeration is necessary to prevent spoilage. Before refrigerating, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap to avoid it becoming too hard or dry in the fridge. It’s also a good idea to place the wrapped cake in an airtight container to prevent it from absorbing any smells from other foods in the fridge.

  3. Freezing: If you want to extend the life of your leftover cake even further, freezing is an excellent option. To freeze, first ensure the cake is fully cooled. You can freeze individual slices or the whole cake. Wrap each slice (or the whole cake) in a layer of plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. For extra protection, place the wrapped cake in a ziplock bag or an airtight container. When you’re ready to eat it, let the cake thaw at room temperature for a few hours or in the refrigerator overnight.

  4. Reheating: If you prefer your cake a little warm, you can microwave individual slices for about 10-20 seconds. For a more even reheat, you can place the slices in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes. Just be sure not to overheat the cake, as this can dry it out.

What Goes Well With American Chocolate Cake

While Mary Berry’s American Chocolate Cake is delicious on its own, pairing it with complementary sides or beverages can elevate the experience. Here are a few ideas for what goes well with this rich, indulgent dessert:

  1. Coffee and Tea: A cup of strong coffee or a rich espresso pairs beautifully with chocolate cake, as the bitterness of the coffee balances out the sweetness of the cake. For a lighter option, a black tea like Earl Grey or Darjeeling provides a subtle flavor that won’t overpower the chocolate. If you prefer something sweeter, a hot chocolate with a dash of cinnamon or chili can complement the richness of the cake while adding a little extra warmth.

  2. Ice Cream: You can’t go wrong with a scoop of ice cream to go with your slice of chocolate cake. Classic choices like vanilla, chocolate, or coffee ice cream work especially well, but if you’re looking to try something a bit different, pistachio or salted caramel ice cream can offer an interesting contrast to the dense chocolate cake. For a festive touch, top the cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce.

  3. Berries and Fruit: Fresh fruits like raspberries, strawberries, or cherries pair wonderfully with chocolate cake. The natural acidity and freshness of the fruit cut through the richness of the cake, adding a light, refreshing element. You can also make a quick berry compote to serve alongside, adding a layer of sweetness and tang that enhances the flavor of the cake.

  4. Nuts and Crumbles: Chopped toasted nuts, such as almonds, walnuts, or pecans, can bring an extra crunch and a nutty flavor that contrasts the smooth texture of the cake. You can sprinkle them on top or serve them on the side for added texture. Alternatively, crumble some shortbread or biscuits and scatter them around the plate for a delightful crunch.

  5. Liqueurs and Cocktails: If you’re hosting a dinner party or just looking to indulge, a chocolate cake pairs beautifully with certain alcoholic drinks. A rich, velvety red wine like a Merlot or Zinfandel complements the deep flavors of the chocolate. If you’re in the mood for a cocktail, try a chocolate martini or an Irish coffee. The creamy, boozy nature of these drinks enhances the dessert’s richness while providing a delightful contrast.

Conclusion

Mary Berry’s American Chocolate Cake is a timeless dessert that captivates with its moist texture, luscious frosting, and indulgent chocolate flavor. Whether you’re sticking to the original recipe or experimenting with creative variations, there’s no limit to the ways you can enjoy this cake.

From adding flavors and textures to accommodating dietary needs, the possibilities are endless. When it comes to storing leftovers, proper techniques can help maintain the cake’s freshness, whether you keep it at room temperature, refrigerate it, or freeze it for later enjoyment.

Pairing the cake with the right sides-such as coffee, ice cream, fresh fruit, or a well-chosen cocktail-can further elevate your dessert experience. Ultimately, Mary Berry’s American Chocolate Cake is the perfect treat for any occasion, and with a bit of creativity, it can always be customized to suit your taste and preferences. Whether you’re savoring a slice with a cup of tea or serving it at a special event, this cake is sure to bring joy and delight to everyone who tastes it.

FAQs

What Are The Key Ingredients For Mary Berry’s American Chocolate Cake?

The key ingredients for Mary Berry’s American chocolate cake include plain flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, unsalted butter, caster sugar, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract. For the frosting, you’ll need butter, icing sugar, cocoa powder, and milk, along with some extra vanilla extract.

How Long Does It Take To Bake Mary Berry’s American Chocolate Cake?

It typically takes around 25-30 minutes to bake Mary Berry’s American chocolate cake at 180°C (160°C for fan ovens) or 350°F (325°F for fan ovens). However, the exact time may vary depending on your oven, so it’s best to check with a skewer or cake tester.

Can I Make Mary Berry’s American Chocolate Cake In Advance?

Yes, you can make Mary Berry’s American chocolate cake in advance. The cake itself can be baked a day or two before serving and stored in an airtight container. If you want to make the frosting ahead of time, store it separately in the fridge and allow it to come to room temperature before spreading it on the cake.

What Size Cake Pans Are Used In Mary Berry’s American Chocolate Cake Recipe?

Mary Berry’s American chocolate cake recipe uses two 20 cm (8-inch) round cake pans. These pans help achieve a nice, even rise and allow for a tall and visually appealing layered cake.

How Can I Make Mary Berry’s American Chocolate Cake Gluten-free?

To make Mary Berry’s American chocolate cake gluten-free, you can substitute the plain flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check the specific flour blend for any additional ingredients or binding agents that may need to be added. Also, ensure that the baking powder is certified gluten-free.

Can I Use Dark Chocolate Instead Of Cocoa Powder In Mary Berry’s American Chocolate Cake?

It’s not recommended to substitute dark chocolate for cocoa powder in Mary Berry’s American chocolate cake, as the recipe relies on cocoa powder for both flavor and texture. Dark chocolate would alter the cake’s consistency and might not provide the same balance of flavor.

What Type Of Frosting Is Used In Mary Berry’s American Chocolate Cake?

Mary Berry’s American chocolate cake is topped with a smooth, rich chocolate frosting made from butter, cocoa powder, icing sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. This frosting is typically spread generously over the cake’s layers and on top.

Can I Use A Different Type Of Sugar In Mary Berry’s American Chocolate Cake Recipe?

While Mary Berry’s recipe calls for caster sugar, you can substitute it with granulated sugar if needed. However, caster sugar dissolves more easily, creating a smoother batter and fluffier cake. If you’re looking for a more natural sweetener, you could also try using coconut sugar, but this might alter the flavor slightly.

Why Is My Mary Berry American Chocolate Cake Too Dry?

If your cake turned out too dry, it could be due to overbaking, measuring the ingredients incorrectly, or not having enough moisture in the batter. Be sure to check the cake a few minutes before the suggested baking time to ensure it doesn’t dry out. Adding a bit more milk can also help to keep the cake moist.

How Can I Store Mary Berry’s American Chocolate Cake?

To store Mary Berry’s American chocolate cake, keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to extend its shelf life, you can refrigerate it, but be sure to let it come to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.