Are Jaffa Cakes legally a cake or a biscuit?

This is one of Britain’s most iconic food debates. Legally, Jaffa Cakes are classified as a cake. In a 1991 VAT tribunal, the UK ruled that because Jaffa Cakes harden when stale like cakes do, they should be taxed as cakes. So yes, Jaffa Cakes Cake is inspired by a treat that proudly carries the cake title, even though it is often eaten like a biscuit. This quirky slice of culinary history makes the transformation into a full dessert even more fun. It is a cake based on a cake that behaves like a biscuit.

What is a Jaffa Cake made of?

The original Jaffa Cake has three parts: a genoise sponge base, a layer of orange flavored jam, and a dark chocolate topping. Simple and classic. Jaffa Cakes Cake follows the same structure but stretches it into a showstopper. You get soft sponge cake, orange marmalade buttercream, and a rich dark chocolate ganache. The flavor remains faithful while the presentation becomes bold and elevated. Love citrus desserts? You might also enjoy this pecan dump cake for a sweet and salty twist.

Are Jaffa Cakes German or British?

Jaffa Cakes are proudly British. McVitie’s first made them in the UK in 1927, naming them after Jaffa oranges from Israel. While orange and chocolate pairings exist across Europe, this particular treat has strong UK roots. So when you make your own Jaffa Cakes Cake, you are honoring a nearly century old British classic. It is a sweet nod to history with a modern dessert twist.

Why are Jaffa Cakes so addictive?

It is all about balance. Soft sponge, bright citrus, and deep chocolate combine into one perfect bite. It is light, flavorful, and finishes with a chocolate note that lingers. The Jaffa Cakes Cake builds on this harmony by adding layers and texture. Each forkful offers sponge, buttercream, and ganache for a full flavor experience. Want another crowd pleaser? Try this angel food cake shortcake for that same light yet indulgent effect.

Jaffa Cakes Cake – Aaron Recipes

Name: Jaffa Cakes Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 10 servings
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 200 g butter, softened; 200 g caster sugar; Zest of 1 orange; 3 large eggs; 200 g self-raising flour; 1 tsp baking powder; 400 g icing sugar; 200 g butter, softened; 3 tbsp marmalade; 200 g good-quality dark chocolate, chopped; 300 ml double cream; 4 tbsp icing sugar; Curls of orange zest

Description

This Jaffa Cakes Cake takes everything you love about the classic British treat, Orange zest, marmalade, dark chocolate, And transforms it into a stunning layered dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

For the sponge:

200 g butter, softened

200 g caster sugar

Zest of 1 orange

3 large eggs

200 g self-raising flour

1 tsp baking powder

For the marmalade buttercream:

400 g icing sugar

200 g butter, softened

3 tbsp marmalade

For the dark chocolate ganache:

200 g good-quality dark chocolate, chopped

300 ml double cream

4 tbsp icing sugar

To decorate:

Curls of orange zest

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 170°C fan. Grease and line 3 x 15cm cake tins.

2. Whisk butter, sugar, and orange zest until fluffy. Add eggs, flour, and baking powder. Mix until smooth.

Butter, eggs, and orange zest being whipped in a bowl

3. Divide batter evenly among tins. Bake for 20 minutes until golden and skewer comes out clean.

4. Cool 15 minutes in tins, then transfer to wire racks.

5. Make buttercream: Beat softened butter. Gradually add icing sugar. Add marmalade and mix until smooth.

Orange cake batter poured into round tins, ready to bake

6. Make ganache: Heat cream and icing sugar to simmer. Pour over chocolate. Stir until glossy. Let thicken.

7. Assemble cake: Spread buttercream between layers. Pour ganache over top and sides.

8. Decorate with orange zest curls.

Notes

For an extra citrus punch, add a spoon of orange extract to the sponge batter. Cake can be made a day ahead and stored in fridge.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Cake
Method: Baking
Cuisine: British

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 415
Sugar: 35g
Sodium: 140mg
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 85mg