Mary Berry Malted Chocolate Cake

Mary Berry Malted Chocolate Cake is a soft, rich chocolate sponge made with malted milk powder and layered with creamy chocolate icing. It serves 8 to 10 and takes about 1 hour from start to finish. Perfect for birthdays, tea time, or any chocolate lover’s celebration.

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🤎 Why You’ll Love Mary Berry Malted Chocolate Cake:

Rich chocolate flavor with a subtle malted twist.
Soft, moist sponge and creamy frosting make a perfect pair.
Easy to follow and comes out beautifully every time.
Great for celebrations, parties, or Sunday dessert.
Kids and adults both love the smooth, chocolatey taste.

🍫 Ingredients

For the cake:

1 cup (225g) butter, softened
1 cup (225g) light brown sugar
4 large eggs
1 ¾ cups (225g) self-raising flour
1 tsp baking powder
2 tbsp cocoa powder
3 tbsp Horlicks or malted milk powder
2 tbsp milk

For the icing:

¾ cup (150g) dark chocolate, chopped
½ cup (100g) butter
2 tbsp milk
1 cup (125g) icing sugar, sifted
2 tbsp Horlicks or malted milk powder

🥮 Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake tins.
Cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Sift in flour, cocoa, and baking powder. Stir in Horlicks and milk. Mix until smooth.
Divide the mixture evenly between the tins and smooth the tops.
Bake for 20–25 minutes or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool the cakes in the tins for 5 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the icing: Melt the chocolate, butter, and milk in a pan over low heat. Remove from heat, stir in icing sugar and Horlicks until smooth. Let it thicken slightly.
Assemble the cake: Sandwich the two cakes together with some icing, then spread the rest on top and around the sides. Decorate as desired.

💡 Recipe Tips

Don’t skip the malted milk powder—it adds flavor and moisture.
Let icing cool slightly before spreading to avoid it sliding off the cake.
Add a pinch of salt to the batter to deepen the chocolate flavor.
Decorate with chocolate curls, Maltesers, or dusting of cocoa.
Use a serrated knife to level the cakes if needed before icing.

🍦 What To Serve With Malted Chocolate Cake?

Serve Malted Chocolate Cake with whipped cream, fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It also pairs beautifully with a cup of hot tea, coffee or malted milk for a comforting and indulgent treat.

🧊 How To Store Leftovers Malted Chocolate Cake?

At room temperature: Store in a covered cake tin or airtight container leftovers malted chocolate cake for up to 3 days.
In the fridge: Keep chilled for up to 5 days but let it come to room temperature before serving for best texture.

🔥 How To Reheat Leftovers Malted Chocolate Cake?

In The Microwave: Warm slices leftovers malted chocolate cake for 10–15 seconds. Don’t overheat or the icing may melt too much.
In The Oven: Wrap slice leftovers malted chocolate cake in foil and heat at 300°F (150°C) for about 5–7 minutes.

❓FAQs

What is malted milk powder in Malted Chocolate Cake?

Malted milk powder in Malted Chocolate Cake is a blend of malted barley, wheat flour, and milk. It adds a subtle sweetness and warm, nutty flavor that makes the cake unique.

Can I use Ovaltine instead of Horlicks in Malted Chocolate Cake?

Yes, you can use Ovaltine as a substitute for Horlicks in Malted Chocolate Cake. Both are malted milk powders, and while Ovaltine may have a slightly different flavor, it still adds that creamy malted taste to the sponge and icing.

Can I make Malted Chocolate Cake gluten-free?

Yes, Malted Chocolate Cake can be made gluten-free by using a gluten-free self-raising flour blend. Make sure the blend includes xanthan gum or a similar binding agent to help with structure.

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of self-raising in Malted Chocolate Cake?

If you don’t have self-raising flour, you can use all-purpose flour in Malted Chocolate Cake by adding 1½ teaspoons of baking powder per cup of flour. This gives the cake the rise it needs. Make sure to mix the flour and baking powder well before adding it to the Malted Chocolate Cake batter.

How long does the icing take to set on Malted Chocolate Cake?

The icing for Malted Chocolate Cake begins to set within 10–15 minutes as it cools. It thickens to a spreadable consistency that’s perfect for layering and decorating.

How do I prevent Malted Chocolate Cake from drying out?

To keep Malted Chocolate Cake moist, avoid overbaking and always check for doneness with a skewer. Once baked, let it cool and store it in an airtight container. The malted milk powder in the batter already helps with moisture retention.

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