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Sunday, August 8, 2010

(Double) Rainbow Malt Cake

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Double rainbow all the way across the sky!
I think this may be my favourite cake of all time. I will use any excuse to whip up a fun cake, and a friend leaving my work was definitely a very good reason. For those of you unfamiliar with the double rainbow meme that took the internet by storm not too long ago, it all started with this video of a guy tripping out over a double rainbow, which went viral and spawned awesome remixes like the double rainbow song which is even more hilarious than the original video and scarily catchy. You can read more about it here. After finding out about it through Suze & Billy, I had the song stuck in my head and then infected all my friends at work with it. They totally hated me for a couple of days there, hahaha.
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Wowow Omigawwwd...
So what's in this crazy cake? Well I've been seeing a lot of gorgeous Malteser cakes on other blogs recently and was keen to try it out. And then I thought, what if I replace the maltesers with crispy m&ms, the dark chocolate ganache with white chocolate and decorate it like rainbow...a double rainbow? OMIGAWD. I practically ran home to make it. I thought about using Nigella Lawson's recipe but ended up adapting Poires au Chocolat's gorgeous looking recipe. The cake is flavoured with Horlicks (unfortunately I had to use Ovaltine which made it look a bit darker) and has a beautiful rich, malty flavour.
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So intense...
About 5 packets of crispy m&ms went into these cakes, I'm not sure if they're readily available everywhere but for those who dont know, they are just m&ms with a tiny crispy malt centre, which I thought was the perfect colourful substitute for the maltesers. It was a pain to separate all the m&ms into their different colours, but totally worth it! I thought the cakes looked a little plain on their own and was kicking myself for not getting some white marshmallows to use as clouds on the bottom. But I had something even better - vanilla persian fairy floss to make perfect fluffy clouds!
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What does this mean??
Of course my silly captions will make no sense to anyone who hasn't seen the internet meme but as a standalone cake it's still great! I think kids would totally love it. You could probably even try replacing the horlicks with milo if you wanted a more chocolatey flavour. And we know how awesome milo tastes in cake. I reduced the sugar in the cake since the white chocolate ganache is a fair bit sweeter that dark chocolate. I was sooooooooo close to splitting my ganache while I was whipping it so it's slightly grainier than I wanted. But still good.
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Heehee this cake just makes me grin from ear to ear. It's so colourful and fun. If you can't get your hands on crispy m&ms I'm sure regular ones will do, but the crispy ones are the best to match the malt flavour of the cake. I made the cake one night and then made the icing and decorated it the night after, so it was really easy and not too time consuming. However I would probably recommend icing the cake on the same day you bake it, I found my cake went a bit hard from being in the fridge on its own overnight.
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I only wish I had one of those chiffon cake tins (like a flat bottom bundt tin) so that I could haved baked the cake with a hole in the centre rather than cutting out the centre. If I had been less lazy I would have used the leftover m&ms and ganache and made mini rainbow cakes out of the centre piece. Most fun cake ever ♥!!!
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Double Rainbow Malt Cake
(adapted from Poires au Chocolat's Malteser Layer Cake)
195g self-raising flour
195g butter, room temperature
150g caster sugar
105g Horlicks (or Ovaltine)
1 tsp baking powder
3 eggs
60ml milk
60ml boiling water

300g white chocolate
300ml pouring cream
5-6 packets of crispy m&ms (can be replaced with regular or maltesers)
Optional: Marshmallows or persian fairy floss (pashmak) for cloud decoration (available from gourmet supermarkets)
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Preheat oven to 180 degrees C. Grease and line the bottom of a 20cm round springform tin (you can also use a chiffon cake tin or bundt pan if you don't want to waste the middle). Cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Sift flour, baking powder and Horlicks together and then fold gently into the mixture until nearly combined. Add milk and fold again, then add water and fold once more. Quickly spoon mixture into cake tin and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean. Remove and cool in tin for 10 minutes, then place on a wire rack to cool completely.
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Break the chocolate up into small pieces and put into a bowl. Heat the cream then pour over the chocolate. Leave for a few minutes and then mix in. Chill until it just reaches below room temperature and then beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until it thickens and holds its shape (take care not to over beat or mixture will split, if it does, reheat mixture until it melts and then whip again). I've found that it's too easy to split the white chocolate ganache, so I'd probably recommend just chilling the ganache in the fridge until it's thick but still pourable, if it runs off the surface too easily then it is not cool enough.
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Cut a circle out of the centre of the cake using an 7-8cm round cutter and cut the cake in half to form the rainbow shapes. Using a spatula or palette knife, spread ganache over the cakes, covering completely. While icing is still sticky, arrange m&ms over the top of the ganache. Chill for 10 minutes before serving. Can be stored overnight in the fridge.
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SO BRIGHT, SO VIVID...

55 comments:

  1. Seriously. You are a genius. That is all.

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  2. It's so bright and vivid! So intense... what does this mean? *cries*

    Omg you've outdone yourself Steph. Colours are mesmerising...

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  3. IT'S SO BRIGHT AND SO VIVID! wow wow oh my gawd look at dem rainbows! brilliant dude!

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  4. That is one seriously amazing cake OMG where do I start!! Excuse me while I flail over your amazing patience to separate those M&Ms! Everything is wonderful when crispy M&Ms are involved :D

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  5. OMIGAWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD

    Now all we need are gibberish-slurring macarons

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  6. DOUBLE RAINBOW ALL THE WAY ACROSS THE SKY! wowow Steph this is awesome! so intense...

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  7. Oh my god, the cakes are so bright, so intense... what do two rainbow cakes MEAN?!

    I'm sure there's a lot of deliciousness to be had here, and a whole lotta M&Ms =D *double smile*

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  8. I'm so overwhelmed I'm crying right now. Oh my garshh..... it's so intense...

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  9. Shame you did use the centre cut out piece. Otherwise, it could start to look like a triple rainbow! :)

    This would be an awesome farewell cake! Love the cloud. Nice touch.

    Did you have the song in your head while you were making this cake? :P

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  10. Omg! I love this! You are one freaking crazy awesome lady!!

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  11. AMAZING!!! I LOVE it...for real. I wanna make this cake for my b-day =D

    Thanks for the amazing idea =D

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  12. Those cakes look amazing! Oh my gosh I have such a notion to go bake a cake now, but I don't think I have the supplies to make anything as awesome as that :D

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  13. i love it! it's very cute! the persian fairy floss looks so cloud-like :)

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  14. this is a seriously awesome piece of art! so yum and so colorful, pretty, nice looking... not only those rainbows... what about those clouds? wonderful!

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  15. It's so bright and vivid!! What does it mean?!? :)

    great cake!

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  16. Whoa, Oh My God. Oh my God. What does it mean? Oh.... This post is so double rainbow all the way. What does it mean (smile)? Yeah, I've been using 'double rainbow all the way' instead of the word 'awesome' for about 3-4 weeks now. Kind of wish I never saw that video, b/c I can't get it out of my head:)
    Super pretty cake btw!

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  17. i cant help but keeping looking at that panda crochet bowl. how the hell did it stay so stiff and hold things inside?!

    apart from that...
    SO INTENZ!

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  18. That is just AWESOME! Love it, love it, love it *cries with happiness* :)

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  19. Oh Steph you totally rock!!! It's so bright and fun and should bring a smile to anyone's face : )

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  20. I wish we could see the reaction of your colleagues when you revealed the awesomeness of this cake. Truly brilliant. Love it!

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  21. So, I clicked on the links and totally addicted! lol! Love this double rainbow cakes, especially the clever use of pashmak!

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  22. Yumyumyum, the pashmak is a great addition

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  23. Simply the cutest thing i have ever seen. How lovely. Put me in such a good mood just looking at it....

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  24. OMG it's a double rainbow Whoaaaa.. it's a double rainbow. LOL thanks for introducing me to the clip, so funny. What's not so funny is your awesome cake. It looks fan-freaken tastic.

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  25. Oh.my.goodness. This cake is just brilliant, and you know what? It should also be the official Mardi Gras cake!

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  26. You are the crazy/coolest baker around, Steph! All your ideas are just so creative, different and totally awesome!!!! I would probably have no self control and finish off the MnM's before putting them on the cake.

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  27. whoa! its like all my birthday's came at once with this cake... i love pashmak! i could eat a ton of that good stuff!

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  28. This cake is truly spectacular! Absolutely trying that recipe, but I dont think I could get my decorations as immaculate as yours!

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  29. Is there any other substitute for the clouds? I can't find the vanilla thingy anywhere. D:

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  30. Lissa - As mentioned in the recipe, you can use marshmallows, or perhaps regular fairy floss. It doesn't really need the clouds, I served the cake without it!

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  31. Awesome idea, don't believe I've ever seen a double rainbow cake before.

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  32. So amazing and fun! I'm glad my recipe could serve as a starting point - this truly fabulous!

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  33. You win the award for best cake EVER! I totally love it and I'm so happy I have a bday cake to bake next month so I can try it out :)

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  34. Lisa - hahaha thank you, thank you ;)

    Karen @ Citrus and Candy - :D It's starting to look like a triple rainbow!!!

    chocolatesuze - OMIGAWWWWDD!!!!!

    Margaret Tran - Ahahaha yeah separating the colours was a pain but I got super efficient with it! Agreed, love crispy m&ms!

    the ninja - Double rainbow macarons!!!

    Phuoc'n Delicious - :D I aim to please hehe

    Jacq - SO BRIGHT, SO VIVID!

    mademoiselle délicieuse - WOWOW OMG! Hahahah. Yup, ate wayyyyy too many M&Ms

    Helen (Grab Your Fork) - *weeps* What does this mean?!

    Simon @ the heart of food - Yeah that would be a whole lot of rainbow! Haha of course, listened to it while making it and writing this post ;)

    Betty @ The Hungry Girl - Haha more crazy than awesome ;) Thanks twin!!

    Manu Miranda - Make it make it! You don't need to make the malt cake..im sure it would be just as fun with a plain yellow cake :)

    Amy - Haha I'm sure you can come up with something good anyway :)

    satorah - Thanks ! haha yeah it was a last minute addition :) Didn't actually end up eating the fairy floss

    Adriana - teehee thanks! I love how the clouds look with it!

    Anonymous - Hehehe thank you! WHAT DOES IT MEAN?!

    Stella - Hahaha same! And it has to come complete with hand actions when you say it too! Need another catchy meme to come along so I can push it out of my brain

    billy@atablefortwo - Hahaha I got that from urban outfitters, it is super stiff, I love it! SO VIVID!!

    shaz - *Weeps with happiness too* hahaha

    Brenda - :) Thanks so much! Hehe it makes me smile whenever I look at it

    Conor @ Hold the Beef - Hahaha some of them were a bit 'WTF?' but the ones who got it were in stitches. :) Thanks!

    Ellie (Almost Bourdain) - Haha I warned you! Gotta use up all that pashmak somehow right?

    Laura - Thanks!

    Joudie's Mood Food - *giggles* thank youuu! it definitely is a mood brightener with all those colours :)

    linda - LOL I'm sharing the double rainbow love. <3

    Honey @ honeyandsoy - Hahaha yes I was waiting for someone to mention that! Why not?!

    Trisha - Haha thanks! I had to hide the M&Ms to stop me and the boy from snacking on them!

    Gianna - Hahaha make it! I struggle to come up with ways to use up my pashmak!

    Katie - Thank you! Aww I'm sure you could, it was easy! I'm a messy baker!

    Lissa- See comment above

    Anna Johnston - I haven't...but I've seen a double rainbow! I saw one not long before the meme came out :D

    Poires au Chocolat - It's a great recipe! I just wanted to eat the cake on its own! Thank you!

    kirsty - :D thank you! OOh happy birthday for next month, I hope you do make and and I hope you like it!

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  35. These are so fun - I think double rainbow guy would LOVE them!

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  36. This is ADORABLE! I love this!! Just found your blog and soooo happy I did!

    Mary xo
    Delightful Bitefuls

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  37. That is absolutely amazing! I want one of these cakes for myself!

    bittersweetsugarandsarcasm.blogspot.com

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  38. Wow, I love this! The rainbow is fantastic! Thanks for the how-to, I'll be linking.

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  39. What a gorgeous cake Steph! Love how the m&ms are even so well aligned that you can cut a slice without needing to cut through any m&ms - now that's planning!

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  40. This is so cute! I've done the rainbow cupcakes, can't wait to give this a try!

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  41. Love it. I now know what to make for dessert for our house warming party this weekend. And my lucky kids get the job of sorting colours (or I'll go to the bulk barn and buy them separated already if they have them.)
    Thanks for sharing - saw you on One Pretty Thing

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  42. That is the cutest cake I've ever seen!! I want one!! (or 2) :P

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  43. Gorgeous cake!! I just came across your site and am now going to snoop around a bit ;)

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  44. Patty - Hahah i hope so! Thanks!

    Mary - Yay, i'm happy you did too :D Thanks for stopping by!

    Rick - Thanks, it's really easy to make actually!

    Rachel@oneprettything.com - Whee thanks so much for the link love :)

    Forager @ The Gourmet Forager - Hahaha yes, I only realised that after I put them on but it was a definitely plus

    AmandaRose - Rainbow cupcakes are always fun! I thought about doing a rainbow coloured cake too but couldn't be bothered in the end!

    Vone - Awesome! I hope you & your kids enjoyed the cake :)

    the dainty baker - Hehe you gotta have two! Thanks :)

    cookies and cups - haha thanks! snoop away :D

    Swee San - so intense! thanks :)

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  45. oh wow - i love your blog and these are just gorgeous :)
    thanks for such great ideas :)

    Betty Bake Blog

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  46. Betty Bake - :) Aww shucks! Thanks so much!

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  47. Hi, just wanted to thank you for the idea, I prepared it for my 1 year old son, with different recipes! Best regards!

    http://larecetadelafelicidad.blogspot.com/2011/03/tarta-arcoiris.html

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  48. Hey! Can I use a normal cake pan instead of a springform pan?

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  49. Hi~I just found your blog and your rainbow cakes are amazing! What a great idea, using the pretzel m & m's~ Can't wait to make this! Instead of using persian fairy floss, I thought I would use yellow cotton candy~What do you think?

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    Replies
    1. Regular cotton candy will work great! Go for it!

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