Anne of Cleves Cake Recipe | Classic Sweet Treat
Craving a rich, chocolatey cake with a touch of historic charm? My Anne of Cleves Cake Recipe is a decadent treat inspired by the elegance of Tudor feasts but designed for the modern kitchen. With layers of moist chocolate sponge, a hint of coffee for depth, and a luscious chocolate buttercream frosting, this cake is perfect for celebrations, afternoon tea, or whenever you want to indulge in something truly royal.
Whether you’re a fan of history, baking, or both, this dessert will transport you back to the grandeur of Anne of Cleves’ time, yet remain incredibly simple to prepare at home.
Batter Preparation
Making the batter for my Anne of Cleves Cake is where the magic begins. Follow my step-by-step method for a moist, rich, and perfectly balanced chocolate cake.
Step 1: Preheat & Prepare Pans
I start by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, I grease my cake pans with butter or cooking spray, then line them with parchment paper for an effortless release later.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, I combine the flour, baking soda, salt, and baking powder. A gentle whisk ensures everything is evenly distributed and lump-free.
Step 3: Cream the Butter & Cocoa
In another bowl, I cream the butter until smooth, then add the vegetable oil and sifted cocoa powder. I whisk at medium speed until it turns into a rich, chocolatey paste.
Step 4: Add the Sugars
Next, I add both granulated sugar and brown sugar to the butter-cocoa mixture. Using my mixer on high speed, I beat until everything blends into a smooth, fluffy base.
Step 5: Incorporate the Eggs & Vanilla
I crack the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Finally, I add a splash of vanilla extract, which enhances the chocolate flavour beautifully.
Step 6: Combine the Mixtures
Now comes the fun part: I slowly add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, alternating with milk and sour cream. This ensures the batter stays silky and lump-free.
Step 7: Add the Secret Touch
The finishing touch? Hot coffee. I pour it in slowly while mixing on low speed. This deepens the chocolate flavour and creates a smooth, pourable batter.
At this stage, my batter is rich, glossy, and ready to bake.
Baking the Anne of Cleves Cake
Step 1: Pour & Bake
Once my batter is ready, I divide it evenly between the prepared cake pans. I tap each pan lightly on the counter to release any air bubbles. Then, I slide them into the oven and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the centre comes out clean.
Step 2: Cooling the Cake Layers
When the cakes are baked to perfection, I remove them from the oven and let them rest in the pans for about 10 minutes. After that, I carefully turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely. This step is crucial; if the cake is even slightly warm, the frosting will melt and slide off.
Layering and Frosting
Step 1: Prepare the Frosting
For this recipe, I use a rich chocolate buttercream. It’s smooth, silky, and the perfect match for the deep cocoa flavours of the sponge.
Step 2: Slice the Cake Layers
Once cooled, I take a serrated knife and gently slice each cake horizontally into layers. Depending on the height, I usually end up with 3–4 even layers of sponge.
Step 3: Frost Between Layers
I spread a generous amount of chocolate buttercream between each layer, making sure to cover the surface evenly. This gives the cake a creamy richness in every bite.
Step 4: Coat the Outside
After stacking the layers, I frost the entire cake with the remaining buttercream, smoothing it with a spatula for a neat finish. For a rustic Tudor look, I sometimes leave it slightly textured rather than perfectly polished.
Step 5: Optional Decoration
To add a royal flair, I like to garnish the cake with chocolate shavings, gold sprinkles, or even fresh berries. It transforms a simple chocolate cake into a regal centrepiece, worthy of Anne of Cleves herself.
At this point, my cake looks and smells irresistible, but the actual test comes with the first slice.
Serving the Anne of Cleves Cake
This cake is a showstopper on its own, but I love serving it with a few thoughtful touches:
- A dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate for extra elegance.
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for a delightful hot-and-cold contrast.
- Fresh berries or cherries to balance the richness of the chocolate buttercream.
- A cup of freshly brewed coffee or black tea, echoing the Tudor tradition of pairing sweet bakes with warm drinks.
Whether it’s a family gathering, birthday, or themed Tudor-inspired dinner, this cake never fails to impress.
Storage Instructions
Room Temperature
I keep the cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days. A cake dome or an airtight container works perfectly to lock in moisture.
Refrigerator
For longer freshness, I refrigerate the cake for up to 5 days. Before serving, I always let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes so the frosting softens and tastes just right.
Freezer
If I want to save slices for later, I wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and freeze it for up to 2 months. To enjoy, I thaw overnight in the fridge and bring to room temperature before serving.
Anne Of Cleves Cake Recipe
Ingredients
Video
Notes
Required Kitchen Tools
When baking the Anne of Cleves Cake, having the right tools will make your experience smoother and far more enjoyable. Here’s what I always keep on hand:- Mixing Bowls – A couple of large mixing bowls for combining dry and wet ingredients separately.
- Hand or Stand Mixer – To cream the butter, sugar, and cocoa for a light and airy texture.
- Measuring Cups & Spoons – Precision is key to getting the perfect balance of flavors.
- Whisk & Spatula – A whisk for incorporating air and a spatula for folding mixtures together.
- Round Cake Pans – Two 8-inch pans work perfectly for this recipe.
- Parchment Paper – To line the pans and ensure easy release of the cake layers.
- Cooling Rack – Essential for letting your cakes cool evenly before frosting.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who was Anne of Cleves, and why is this cake named after her?
Anne of Cleves was the fourth wife of King Henry VIII of England. While there isn’t a direct historical record of her eating this exact cake, the recipe is inspired by the rich, indulgent flavours enjoyed during Tudor feasts. This cake is a modern interpretation that blends historic inspiration with today’s accessible ingredients.
Can I make this cake without coffee?
Yes! The hot coffee in this recipe is used to enhance the chocolate flavour rather than add a coffee taste. If you prefer, you can substitute it with hot water or hot milk and still achieve a moist, delicious sponge.
What kind of cocoa powder works best?
I recommend using Dutch-processed cocoa powder because it gives the cake a deeper, smoother chocolate flavour. However, natural cocoa powder can also be used, but expect a slightly more intense, acidic chocolate taste.
Can I prepare the cake layers in advance?
Absolutely! You can bake the cake layers a day before, let them cool completely, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and store them at room temperature. Then, frost and assemble the next day for maximum freshness.
How can I make this cake look more authentic to Tudor times?
For a Tudor-inspired presentation, try topping the cake with candied fruits, edible flowers, or a dusting of spiced sugar (cinnamon and nutmeg). These were common in Tudor-era kitchens and give your cake a historical flair.
Can this recipe be made into cupcakes instead? Yes
Yes, pour the batter into lined cupcake tins and bake for about 18–22 minutes at 350°F (175°C). You’ll get mini royal treats perfect for parties or afternoon tea.
Is this cake freezer-friendly?
Yes, it freezes beautifully. Wrap unfrosted cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. For frosted cake, freeze slices individually wrapped. Always thaw at room temperature before serving.
Conclusion
My Anne of Cleves Cake Recipe is more than just a chocolate dessert; it’s a tribute to history, indulgence, and the joy of homemade baking. With its moist chocolate sponge, a hint of coffee, and rich buttercream frosting, this cake is as regal as its namesake.
What I love most is that it’s easy enough for beginner bakers, yet elegant enough to wow at special occasions. So whether you’re baking for family, friends, or simply yourself, this cake promises to deliver a royal experience in every bite.
Now it’s your turn, preheat that oven, gather your ingredients, and let this Tudor-inspired cake bring a little royal magic to your kitchen.
Sophia Smith is a passionate home baker and dessert enthusiast who loves sharing her favorite recipes, baking tips, and kitchen secrets. Through Roses Baking Passion, she inspires others to bake with love and creativity every day.
