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Mary Poppins Chocolate Zodiac Cake

A recipe for chocolate Zodiac Cake from a little-known cookbook written by P.L. Travers - Mary Poppins in the Kitchen: A Cookbook with a Story.

Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Total Time
45 mins
Servings: 12 servings
Calories: 401 kcal
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Cake Ingredients
  • 2 squares semi-sweet chocolate
  • 1 large egg (separated)
  • 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup milk
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup ground nuts (walnuts, pecans or hazelnuts - I used hazelnuts)
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Silver sprinkles (optional)
Chocolate Frosting Ingredients
  • 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 5 tablespoons butter, room temperature
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
  • 3 1/2-4 tablespoons milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch salt

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Grease the cake pan with butter and flour it. Shake out the excess flour. You can also use non-stick cooking spray if you’d prefer.Melt the chocolate in a small bowl standing in hot water. This can also be done in the microwave by heating the chocolate in 15 second intervals, stirring in between.
  2. Sift together the flour, baking powder and salt and set aside.
  3. In a stand mixer fit with the paddle attachment, beat together the butter and sugar till well combined.Add the egg yolk and beat harder.
  4. Add the melted chocolate and ground nuts and mix until just combined.Stir the vanilla into the milk.
  5. Add some of the flour mixture to the chocolate mixture.
  6. Pour in some of the milk mixture, a little more flour and then some more milk, till both have been used up. Beat very thoroughly.
  7. Beat very thoroughly.
  8. In a separate mixing bowl, beat the egg white till stiff.
  9. Fold gently into the batter.
  10. Pour batter into prepared pan.
  11. Bake for 25 -30 minutes, or until a cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean. Do not overbake or it will become dry.
  12. To make chocolate frosting: In a medium bowl, sift together the confectioners' sugar and cocoa, set aside. In a standing mixer fit with the paddle attachment, cream butter until smooth, then beat in the cream cheese. Blend in vanilla. Gradually beat in sugar mixture alternately with milk, starting with 3 ½ tbsp of milk. Beat until light, fluffy and spreadable. If necessary, adjust consistency with more milk or sugar (I usually use about 4 tbsp milk).Once your cake has had time to cool, you can frost it. Start by placing the frosting onto the center of the cake and spreading evenly outward using a spatula or butter knife.
  13. Once your cake has been frosted, it's time to decorate! Mary Poppins decorates this cake with silver stars. I did this by using a star cookie cutter and some silver sprinkles. Set the cookie cutter onto the frosting, wherever you'd like. Then fill in by spooning in the sprinkles with a small measuring spoon. Gently lift the cookie cutter away and you'll be left with a perfect silver star shape. Decorate your cake with as many stars as you'd like.

Notes

  • You will also need: Mixing bowls, stand mixer, hand mixer, sifter, 10-11 inch round cake pan, mixing bowls, nonstick cooking spray
  • Adapted from Mary Poppins in the Kitchen by P.L. Travers
  • Serve with tea or coffee. Due to the milk and cream cheese in the frosting, if you do not plan to eat your cake within 3 hours, refrigerate to prevent spoilage.
  • Serve with tea or coffee. Due to the milk and cream cheese in the frosting, if you do not plan to eat your cake within 3 hours, refrigerate to prevent spoilage.

Nutrition Information

Calories 401kcal (20%) Carbohydrates 56g (19%) Protein 5g (10%) Fat 18g (28%) Saturated Fat 9g (45%) Cholesterol 51mg (17%) Sodium 173mg (7%) Potassium 271mg (8%) Fiber 2g (8%) Sugar 40g (80%) Vitamin A 445IU (9%) Calcium 89mg (9%) Iron 1.9mg (11%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 12servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 401

% Daily Value*

Calories 401kcal 20%
Carbohydrates 56g 19%
Protein 5g 10%
Fat 18g 28%
Saturated Fat 9g 45%
Cholesterol 51mg 17%
Sodium 173mg 7%
Potassium 271mg 6%
Fiber 2g 8%
Sugar 40g 80%
Vitamin A 445IU 9%
Calcium 89mg 9%
Iron 1.9mg 11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.