Chocolate School Cake Recipe UK
Rated 5.0 stars by 1 users
Category
Chocolate
Servings
15
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
30 minutes
Calories
300
Step back in time with this classic Old School Chocolate Cake! 🍫✨
Soft, fluffy, and topped with sweet chocolate icing and colourful sprinkles, this nostalgic bake is just like the one from school dinners... Only better! 😋
This easy recipe is perfect for reliving childhood memories or sharing a fun treat with family and friends. 🎉
So, grab your apron, preheat that oven, and let’s get baking!
👩🍳👨🍳
Ingredients
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200g self-raising flour
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200g caster sugar
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50g cocoa powder
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200g unsalted butter (softened)
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4 large eggs
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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2 tbsp milk
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200g icing sugar
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2 tbsp cocoa powder
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3-4 tbsp water (adjust for consistency)
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1 tbsp unsalted butter (optional for extra richness)
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Sprinkles (hundreds and thousands, or colorful sugar strands)
For the Chocolate Sponge Cake
For the Chocolate Topping
Directions
For the Sponge
Preheat your oven to 160°C (fan)/180°C/350°F.
Grease and line a rectangular baking tin (approx. 9x13 inches) with parchment paper.
Mix the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and caster sugar.
Cream together until pale and fluffy.
Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Sift in the flour and cocoa powder, then gently fold into the mixture.
Add the vanilla extract and milk to loosen the batter.
Bake the Sponge
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking tin.
Smooth the surface with a spatula.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the sponge to cool slightly in the tin before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
For the Chocolate Topping - Make the Icing
In a bowl, sift together the icing sugar and cocoa powder.
Gradually add water, one tablespoon at a time, stirring until you get a smooth, thick, pourable consistency.
(Optional) Stir in the melted butter for a silkier finish.
Decorate
Pour the chocolate icing evenly over the cooled sponge cake.
Immediately scatter sprinkles generously over the top before the icing sets.
Set and Slice
Allow the icing to set for about 20-30 minutes at room temperature.
Slice into squares or rectangles and serve.
Recipe Notes
If you have any questions about how to make this simple chocolate school cake using this recipe, please post a comment below and we will get back to you.
Servings: The recipe typically yields about 15 delicious servings.
Calories per serving: 300 calories.
Remember: Please tag #whitakerschocolates with photos of your chocolate school cake.
Storage Advice
✅ At Room Temperature: Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
✅ In the Fridge: If you prefer a firmer texture, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best taste!
✅ Freezing: Slice the cake into portions, wrap each piece in cling film, and place in a freezer-safe container.
Freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost at room temperature before enjoying.
Top Tip! For extra indulgence, warm a slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds and serve with custard or ice cream! 😍
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 300 kcal |
| Total Fat | 15 g |
| Saturated Fat | 9 g |
| Total Carbohydrate | 35 g |
| Sugars | 25 g |
| Fibre | 2 g |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Salt | 0.2 g |
A Brief History of Old School Chocolate Cakes
Old school chocolate cake is a British classic. It stems from school dinner traditions.
The plain version links to Tottenham cake. Tottenham cake was made in the early 20th century.
Henry Chalkley created it as a Quaker baker. He gave it to schoolchildren for free at times.
School cakes became popular after World War II. The School Meals Act of 1944 helped this.
Chocolate versions added cocoa to sponge and icing. These cakes evoke memories of 1950s and 1960s school meals.
They often came with custard. Today, they are baked for nostalgia.
School Chocolate Cake Recipe Serving Suggestions
Classic & Nostalgic 🍽️
✅ Just as it is – Simple, chocolatey perfection!
✅ With warm custard – The ultimate school dinner throwback! Try classic vanilla or even chocolate custard for double the indulgence. 😍
Extra Indulgence 🍦
✅ With a scoop of ice cream – Vanilla, chocolate, or even salted caramel for a modern twist.
✅ Drizzle with chocolate sauce – Because you can never have too much chocolate! 🍫
Fun & Fancy 🎉
✅ Add whipped cream & berries – A touch of freshness balances the richness. 🍓
✅ Dust with icing sugar – A simple yet elegant finish.
No matter how you serve it, this cake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! 🎂✨
Enjoy! 😊
1 comment
I have good and bad memories of school dinners from when I was a kid!