Mary Berry Tunis Cake Recipe is a delightful British dessert that brings together the rich flavors of a moist Madeira sponge and a luxurious chocolate ganache topping. Often enjoyed during the holiday season, this cake is beautifully decorated with marzipan fruits, making it as eye-catching as it is delicious. While the origins of the name “Tunis” remain a bit of a mystery, the cake’s combination of simple sponge and decadent toppings has made it a cherished classic in many households.
Mary Berry’s Tunis Cake is a perfect balance of lightness and indulgence. The subtle almond flavor in the sponge pairs wonderfully with the smooth chocolate topping, creating a cake that’s both comforting and elegant. Whether you’re serving it for Christmas or as a special treat, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Let’s dive into the details to get this cake just right!
Recipe at a Glance
Here’s a quick overview of what you can expect when making this Tunis Cake:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Servings: 8-10 slices
- Difficulty Level: Easy to moderate
- Dietary Suitability: Nut-free (if marzipan is omitted), vegetarian
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the sponge:
- 225g (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened
- 225g (1 cup) caster sugar
- 275g (2 ¼ cups) self-raising flour
- 100g (¾ cup) ground almonds
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tsp almond extract
- 2 tbsp milk
For the topping:
- 200g (7 oz) dark chocolate (70% cocoa)
- 150ml (⅔ cup) double cream
- Marzipan fruits for decoration (optional)
Substitutes and Optional Ingredients
- Ground almonds: You can replace ground almonds with more self-raising flour if you prefer a purely sponge texture.
- Almond extract: Vanilla extract can be used for a more neutral flavor.
- Marzipan fruits: Swap for candied fruits or omit entirely if you prefer a simpler presentation.
Equipment You’ll Need for Tunis Cake
To make this recipe smoothly, gather the following equipment:
- 20cm (8-inch) round cake tin
- Mixing bowls
- Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
- Spatula
- Saucepan (for melting chocolate)
- Wire cooling rack
How to Make Tunis Cake Step-by-Step
Time needed: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Follow these steps to create the perfect Tunis Cake:
- Preheat and prepare
Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F). Grease and line the base of a 20cm round cake tin with parchment paper.
- Cream the butter and sugar
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and caster sugar together until light and fluffy. This will help create a soft sponge.
- Add the eggs
Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to prevent curdling.
- Incorporate dry ingredients
Gently fold in the self-raising flour and ground almonds, then stir in the almond extract and milk until the batter is smooth.
- Bake the cake
Pour the mixture into the prepared tin and smooth the top. Bake for 1 hour, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the topping
Melt the dark chocolate and double cream together in a saucepan over low heat, stirring until smooth. Let the mixture cool slightly before pouring it over the cooled cake.
- Decorate
Once the ganache is set but still soft, decorate with marzipan fruits for a festive touch.
Step-Specific Tips or Notes
- Avoid overmixing the batter after adding the flour to keep the sponge light and airy.
- Use high-quality chocolate for the topping to achieve a rich, smooth finish.
Nutrition Facts & Dietary Info
Each recipe yields 8-10 slices, with each serving offering the following nutrition profile:
Nutrient | Per Serving |
Calories | 450 kcal |
Fat | 28g |
Protein | 7g |
Carbohydrates | 42g |
Sugars | 25g |
Fiber | 3g |
Allergens: Contains eggs, dairy, and nuts (if using ground almonds and marzipan). To make nut-free, omit almonds and marzipan.
Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try
- Rich and indulgent. The combination of moist sponge and chocolate ganache creates a luxurious dessert.
- Festive and versatile. Perfect for Christmas, but equally suited for birthdays or afternoon tea.
- Simple ingredients. Most of the ingredients are pantry staples, making this an easy go-to recipe.
Pro Tips for Perfect Tunis Cake
- Room temperature ingredients. Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for a smoother batter and even bake.
- Cool before topping. Let the cake cool completely before adding the chocolate ganache to prevent it from melting off.
Fun Variations & Ingredient Swaps
- Citrus twist: Add the zest of an orange or lemon to the sponge for a fresh, zesty flavor.
- Different toppings: Swap the dark chocolate for white chocolate or a simple icing sugar glaze for a lighter version.
Avoid These Common Mistakes
- Overbaking: Check your cake at the 50-minute mark to prevent it from drying out. A skewer should come out clean but moist.
- Rushing the ganache: Let the ganache cool slightly before pouring, or it might run off the cake instead of setting nicely.
How to Store & Serve Tunis Cake
Storing
Keep your Tunis Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you prefer to store it longer, refrigerate for up to a week. To freeze, wrap the cake (without ganache) tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before adding the topping.
Serving
This cake is best served at room temperature to allow the flavors to shine. Pair with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful treat. If serving during the holidays, the marzipan fruits add a festive touch, but it’s just as delicious without them.
Related Recipe: How to make Mary Berry Mars Bar Cake Recipe
Mary Berry Tunis Cake FAQs
Can I make Tunis Cake ahead of time?
Yes, Tunis Cake can be made 1-2 days in advance. Simply store it in an airtight container at room temperature. Add the chocolate ganache topping closer to serving time for the best texture.
What’s the best chocolate to use for the topping?
Dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content works best. It gives a rich, smooth flavor that balances the sweetness of the sponge and marzipan decorations.
Can I make this recipe nut-free?
Absolutely! Just omit the ground almonds and replace them with additional self-raising flour. Skip the marzipan decorations or use nut-free alternatives for a completely nut-free version.
Conclusion
Mary Berry’s Tunis Cake is a simple yet elegant dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Its moist almond sponge, rich chocolate topping, and optional marzipan fruits create a delightful balance of flavors and textures. Whether you’re baking for the holidays or just craving a comforting treat, this cake delivers on taste and presentation. Give it a try, and it might just become your new favorite!