We spoke to NickiSwift.com about how the Queen might spend her 95th birthday today. While still in mourning, we understand that Queen Elizabeth will likely cancel the majority of her birthday traditions but one we are uncertain of… Queen Victoria‘s chocolate cake. “Historically the kitchen has made her the same birthday cake passed on for generations, originated by Queen Victoria’s chef,” we told Nicki Swift. The cake only says HAPPY BIRTHDAY and is supposed to be identical no matter who the monarch is.
According to former royal chef Darren McGrady and Women’s World Food, the Queen thoroughly enjoys the treat. Prep time is 30 minutes and cooking is 40.
The ingredients you will need are 2 cup heavy cream, 454 gram Ghirardelli dark chocolate, 6 egg yolks, 2 eggs, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup flour, 1/8 cup dutch cocoa powder, and 1/4 cup melted butter.
1. Topping and filling first! 2 cup heavy cream, 454 gram Ghirardelli dark chocolate. Six hours before baking the cake, prepare the filling. Melt half the chocolate (227g). Bring to boil 1 cup of the cream.
2. Chef McGrady says to pour the cream onto the chocolate and whisk it until smooth, then refrigerate until set.
3. Turn on the oven to 177°C. Line an 8 inch sponge (cake) tin with parchment paper and grease.
4. Set a pan (large enough to hold a mixing bowl) half full of hot water on the stove; bring the water to a boil.
5. In a mixing bowl, add the eggs, yolks, and sugar and whisk together. Place over the bowl of hot water to allow the mixture to heat up.
6. Sieve the flour and cocoa and set aside.
7. Whisk the egg mixture until it doubles in volume and then fold in the butter and flour mixture. Spoon the mix into the cake tin; bake about 20 minutes, or until the sponge springs back when pressed.
8. Remove from the oven onto a cooling wire and make the topping while the sponge cools.
9. Melt remaining chocolate. Bring to a boil the remaining cream. Pour the cream onto the chocolate and whisk it until smooth and then set aside off the heat.
10. Slice the sponge (cake) into three discs and spread the filling onto the bottom two discs and reassemble. Add the remaining chocolate mix to the hot topping and whisk in.
11. Place the sponge (cake) back onto the cooling wire and ladle the topping over the sponge allowing it to run down the sides. Cool the cake for at least two hours before decorating and serving.
We know this is a tough birthday for Queen Elizabeth. We wish we could give her a hug. We will celebrate our favorite sovereign with cupcakes and puppy cuddles. In bed by 9! An evening we think the Queen could get behind. Happy Birthday Queen Elizabeth.
Kinsey Schofield is the Founder of To Di For Daily and you can follow her on Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook.