Mary Berry Malteser Cake Recipe

Mary Berry’s Malteser Cake is a true crowd-pleaser that combines light chocolate sponge layers with a creamy malted filling and a crunchy Malteser topping. This cake is indulgent, fun, and perfect for birthdays, family gatherings, or weekend treats. With its rich chocolate flavour and delightful crunch, it’s a dessert that appeals to both kids and adults. The best part? It’s surprisingly simple to prepare while still looking impressive when served.

What is Mary Berry Malteser Cake?

Mary Berry’s Malteser Cake is a chocolate sponge cake infused with malt powder and sandwiched together with a light buttercream frosting. The star of the show is the topping of crushed and whole Maltesers, which adds both crunch and extra chocolatey sweetness. It’s a playful twist on a classic chocolate cake and a guaranteed hit for celebrations.

Try Other Mary Berry Recipes

• Mary Berry Apple and Almond Cake
• Mary Berry Twice Cooked Roast Potatoes
• Mary Berry Roast Potatoes with Semolina
• Mary Berry Make Ahead Roast Potatoes

Why This Recipe is Worth Trying

• Fun and nostalgic – Brings back childhood memories with Maltesers.
• Perfect for parties – A showstopper dessert that looks beautiful on the table.
• Light but indulgent – Soft sponge with crunchy topping.
• Easy to prepare – No complicated techniques required.
• Customisable – Can be decorated in different creative ways.

Essential Ingredients to Make Mary Berry Malteser Cake

• 175g self-raising flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 175g caster sugar
• 175g butter, softened
• 3 large eggs
• 2 tbsp cocoa powder
• 2 tbsp malted milk powder (like Horlicks)
• 2 tbsp milk

For the buttercream filling and topping:

• 100g butter, softened
• 200g icing sugar
• 2 tbsp cocoa powder
• 1 tbsp malted milk powder
• 2 tbsp milk
• 100g Maltesers (whole and crushed, for decoration)

Handy Kitchen Tools for Best Results

• Two 20cm round cake tins
• Mixing bowls
• Electric whisk or stand mixer
• Spatula
• Cooling rack
• Offset spatula or palette knife

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Mary Berry Malteser Cake

Step 1: Prepare the tins

Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan). Grease and line two 20cm round cake tins with baking paper.

Step 2: Make the sponge batter

In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until pale and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then sift in flour, baking powder, cocoa, and malt powder. Add milk and mix until smooth.

Step 3: Bake the sponges

Divide the batter evenly between the tins and smooth the tops. Bake for 20–25 minutes until risen and a skewer comes out clean. Cool in tins for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Step 4: Prepare the buttercream

Beat butter until creamy, then gradually add icing sugar, cocoa powder, and malt powder. Mix in milk until smooth and fluffy.

Step 5: Assemble the cake

Spread half the buttercream over one sponge layer, place the second sponge on top, and cover the cake with the remaining buttercream.

Step 6: Decorate with Maltesers

Top with whole and crushed Maltesers for a crunchy finish. Arrange creatively for the best presentation.

What I Got Wrong (And How I Fixed It)

• Overmixed batter – Made the cake dense. Folding gently kept the sponge light.
• Added Maltesers inside the sponge – They melted and disappeared. Best to use them as a topping.
• Didn’t chill buttercream – Made spreading messy. Cooling it slightly made it easier.

Healthier Ways to Make Mary Berry Malteser Cake

• Reduce sugar slightly for a less sweet sponge.
• Use low-fat cocoa powder for a lighter flavour.
• Swap buttercream with whipped cream for a lighter filling.
• Add fresh fruit slices between layers for balance.

Ingredient Substitutions for Mary Berry Malteser Cake

• Malted milk powder → Skip or replace with hot chocolate powder.
• Self-raising flour → Plain flour plus 1 tsp baking powder.
• Butter → Dairy-free spread for a vegan version.
• Maltesers → Crunchie pieces or Aero Bubbles for variation.

Pairing Ideas: What to Serve With Malteser Cake

• Fresh strawberries – Add colour and freshness.
• Vanilla ice cream – A cooling contrast to the chocolate richness.
• Cappuccino or latte – Complements the malt flavour perfectly.
• Chocolate sauce drizzle – For an extra indulgent touch.
• Light fruit salad – Balances the sweetness.

Expert Tips for Malteser Cake Success

• Cream butter and sugar well – Gives the sponge its light texture.
• Weigh ingredients accurately – Keeps cakes even and balanced.
• Cool cakes fully before icing – Prevents buttercream from melting.
• Decorate just before serving – Keeps Maltesers crisp.
• Double up recipe – For a larger celebration cake.
• Use a palette knife – Ensures smooth buttercream coverage.

Creative Ways to Customize Malteser Cake

• Add a layer of Nutella between the sponges.
• Decorate with chocolate curls alongside Maltesers.
• Make it a tiered cake for birthdays.
• Add a salted caramel drizzle for contrast.
• Create a Malteser dome effect by piling them high on top.

Storing Malteser Cake the Right Way

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days.
• Refrigerate if very warm, but bring to room temperature before serving.
• Freeze sponge layers (without buttercream) for up to 1 month.

How to Reheat Malteser Cake

This cake is not usually reheated. If serving slightly warm, microwave individual slices for 10–15 seconds, but avoid heating the decorated cake as Maltesers can melt.

Nutritional Breakdown (per serving)

• Calories: ~420 kcal
• Protein: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 52g
• Fat: 21g
• Fibre: 2g
• Sugar: 34g

FAQs

How do you stop Maltesers from melting on a cake?

To stop Maltesers from melting, decorate the cake only after it has completely cooled and just before serving. Storing the cake in a cool place rather than the fridge also helps keep them crisp.

Can Malteser cake be made in advance?

Yes, Malteser cake sponges can be baked a day ahead and stored in an airtight container. Add the buttercream and Malteser decoration on the day of serving for the best texture.

Why did my chocolate sponge turn dense instead of light?

A dense sponge usually means the batter was overmixed or the butter and sugar were not creamed enough. Mixing gently and beating butter and sugar until pale and fluffy ensures a lighter sponge.

Can I use drinking chocolate instead of malted milk powder?

Yes, drinking chocolate can be used instead of malted milk powder, but it will give a sweeter, less malty flavour. For the classic taste, malted milk powder like Horlicks works best.

Wrapping It Up

Mary Berry’s Malteser Cake is a fun, nostalgic bake that brings together soft chocolate sponge, creamy malted buttercream, and the crunch of Maltesers in every bite. Simple to make yet impressive to serve, it’s the perfect cake for birthdays, gatherings, or anytime you want to treat your family to something special.

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