Description
A dense, chocolatey sponge layered with tart cherry jam and finished with a pixel-perfect marzipan topping. This structurally sound cake captures the iconic video game aesthetic without compromising on rich, almond-infused flavor.
Ingredients
- Flour
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Unsalted butter, softened
- Sugar
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- Whole milk
- Cherry jam
- Chocolate buttercream
- Marzipan
- Red food coloring
- Confectioners’ sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour two 9-inch square cake pans.
- Sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt into a large bowl.
- Cream the softened butter and sugar on medium-high speed for 4 minutes until pale, then beat in eggs one at a time followed by the vanilla.
- On low speed, add the flour mixture in three parts alternating with the milk in two parts, mixing just until streaks disappear.
- Divide the batter between pans and bake for 30 to 40 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 200°F–205°F.
- Cool in pans for 10 minutes before inverting onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Level the cake tops with a serrated knife, stack with a layer of cherry jam in between, and coat the exterior with chocolate buttercream.
- Roll out natural marzipan to a 9-inch square for the top and use red-dyed marzipan to create the signature pixelated accents and drips.
Notes
For the cleanest pixel edges, ensure your cake is completely chilled before trimming and applying the marzipan. If the marzipan starts to crack while rolling, knead it briefly with the warmth of your hands to restore its elasticity before trying again.
- Prep Time: 30 mins
- Cook Time: 40 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American