The Perfect Chocolate Sponge

To make the perfect chocolate sponge, start by creaming together 250 grams of butter and 250 grams of icing sugar. You can use a food processor or mix by hand with a spatula and whisk.

Next, add four eggs and continue mixing until well combined. Then, add 250 grams of self-raising flour, two teaspoons of baking powder, a pinch of salt, and 50 grams of cocoa powder. Mix until just combined.

Pour the batter into a lined baking tray and bake at 180 degrees Celsius for 20-25 minutes. Once baked, let the sponge cool completely before assembling the cake.

Creaming together butter and icing sugar

Adding eggs to the mixture

Mixing in self-raising flour, baking powder, salt, and cocoa powder

Pouring the batter into a lined baking tray

Cutting the chocolate sponge in half

Creamy Chocolate Buttercream

To make the creamy chocolate buttercream, start by mixing 200 grams of butter and 150 grams of cream cheese until smooth. Then, add 400 grams of icing sugar and 25 grams of cocoa powder. Mix until well combined.

For an extra burst of freshness, add some Mandarin segments and a splash of their juice to the buttercream. This will give it a unique flavor and a silky texture.

Spread a generous layer of the chocolate buttercream on one half of the chocolate sponge. Place the other half on top and press gently to secure. Your chocolate party cake is now ready to be enjoyed!

Mixing butter, cream cheese, icing sugar, and cocoa powder

Adding Mandarin segments and juice to the buttercream

Spreading the chocolate buttercream on the sponge

Cutting a slice of the finished chocolate party cake