The Jaffa Cake is a popular confectionary treat. It is a popular treat to be enjoyed with a cup of tea and is also commonly used as an ingredient in many desserts.
Brief History and Origin
The origin of Jaffa Cakes has been debated for many years. Some believe they were invented in the late 19th century by a pastry chef in Austria, while others claim that they were first created in the UK in 1927. The first printed mention of Jaffa Cakes appears in a recipe book published in 1929.
Jaffa Cake – The Recipe
- Preparation Time: 35 mins
- Cooking Time: 9 mins
- Total time: 44 mins
- Servings: 12
Ingredients
- butter for greasing
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp. self-rising flour
- 2 tbsp. white sugar
- 125g dark chocolate, melted
- 1 orange zest
For the orange jelly
- 135g pack orange jelly, slice into cubes
- 1 tbsp. orange marmalade
- 50ml freshly squeezed orange juiced
Instructions
- Add marmalade and jelly cubes in a medium bowl, pour in orange juice and 100ml of boiling water, and mix until jelly cubes dissolve.
- Pour in a shallow baking tray and line with plastic wrap, transfer to a refrigerator and allow to chill for at least 2 hours.
- Prepare the oven and preheat it to 160 degrees C. Also, prepare 12-hole cupcake tin by greasing it with butter.
- In a bowl, add sugar and egg, and beat for 5 minutes using an electric mixer until fluffy and pale. Then add orange zest and flour, and mix until consistent and smooth.
- Add 1 tbsp. of batter in every hole of the cupcake tin, spread using the back of a spoon and place in the preheated oven. Bake for 8 to 9 minutes or until the sponge color changes to brown and inserted toothpick comes out clean.
- When ready, remove from oven and allow to cool for 2 minutes, then place on the wire rack until cool.
- When the jelly is set, remove it from the refrigerator, remove it from the dish and make 5cm discs using a cutter. Add the jelly pieces to the flat side of the sponge.
- Now add 1 or 2 tsp. of melted chocolate on top of the jelly and spread to cover; leave for 2 to 3 minutes, then create a wavy pattern on top of the chocolate using a fork.
- Place in the refrigerator for 1 hour until set, then serve chilled.
Popular variations
Here are a few ways you can change this basic recipe to adjust it to your liking:
- Giant jaffa cake: If you love to serve giant Jaffa cakes instead of small ones, then you should try this recipe. It has all the yummy flavors of chocolate and orange; we love it texture-wise.
- Strawberry Jaffa Cakes: This version has strawberry filling instead of the traditional orange. Strawberry and chocolate are other classic combinations, and with the texture of the Jaffa cake, it is perfect.
- Mixed Berry Jaffa Cakes: The homemade berry jam over the soft yet dense jaffa cake and topped with chocolate will become your new favorite. The best part is this recipe is gluten-free.
- Liam Charles’s Strawberry & Custard Jaffa Cakes: This strawberry Jaffa Cake version has a custard glaze. You will be surprised to see them; they are so beautifully prepared, and the taste is to die for.
- Vegan Jaffa Cake: Jaffa cake can easily be enjoyed by vegans, too; this recipe makes the traditional jaffa cake with all vegan ingredients. It is easy to make and super delicious too.
