05/04/2026
This might be the start of a new tradition… Easter cake 🍰
We just felt like doing things a little differently this year—skipped the chocolate eggs and went for a homemade cake instead, and honestly… loved it.
My go-to chocolate cake from first book ‘Apricots & Apron Strings’, pastel frosting, a handful of sprinkles, done. Cut it into an egg shape (improvised, obviously), and the offcuts didn’t get wasted!
Low-key, no fuss—just good food at home. Happy Easter everyone!
Chocolate Cake with Vanilla Frosting
Ingredients
Cake
• ½ cup cocoa powder
• 1½ cups warm water
• 200g butter
• 2 cups sugar
• ½ teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
• 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
• 3 eggs
• 2 cups self-raising flour, sifted
Vanilla Frosting
• 150g butter, softened
• 2 1/4 cups icing sugar mixture, sifted
• 2-3 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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Method
1. Prepare the cake
1. Preheat oven to 170°C. Grease and line a 22cm round cake tin (or tray if cutting shapes).
2. In a large saucepan, blend cocoa with a little of the warm water to form a smooth paste.
3. Add remaining water, butter, sugar and bicarbonate of soda.
4. Stir over medium-low heat until butter melts, then bring gently to the boil.
5. Remove from heat and allow to cool for about 30 minutes (until lukewarm).
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2. Mix and bake
6. Whisk in vanilla, eggs and flour until smooth.
7. Pour into prepared tin.
8. Bake for 40-50 minutes (depends a bit on pan you choose), or until a skewer inserted comes out mostly clean (a little sticky is fine).
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3. Make the vanilla frosting
1. Place butter, icing sugar, milk and vanilla into a bowl.
2. Beat with an electric mixer until light, smooth and fluffy.
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4. Assemble
1. Once the cake is completely cool, spread frosting evenly over the top.
2. Decorate as you like (sprinkles, pastel colours, or cut into an egg shape 🐣).
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💡 Notes
• Super moist cake—don’t overbake.
• Perfect for shaping (like your Easter egg).
• Keeps well for a few days (if it lasts 😄)
Current cookbook ‘The Shared Apron’ is full of easy baking and meals to get your family cooking!
