Dream Party Squares
MAKES ABOUT 20 CAKES
75g cocoa
¾ tsp bicarbonate of soda
4 medium eggs
375 light muscovado sugar
175ml groundnut oil
200g self-raising flour, sifted
ICING
150g dark chocolate, broken into pieces
3 tbsp milk
Smarties and hundreds and thousands to decorate
Whisk the cocoa with 200ml boiling water, then whisk in the bicarbonate of soda and leave to cool for about 20 minutes
Preheat the oven to 180C/160C fan/gas mark 4.
Butter or oil a 23cm x 30cm x 4cm tray bak tin – there is no need to line it unless you are planning on turning the cake out whole.
Whisk together the eggs, sugar and oil in a large bowl, then stir in the flour and the cocoa solution.
Pour the mixture into the prepared tin and bake for 30-40 minutes until risen and firm and a skewer inserted in the centre comes out clean. Run a knife around the edge of the cake and leave it to cool.
To make the icing, gently melt the chocolate with the milk in a heatproof bowl set over a pan containing 2.5cm simmering water, stirring until smooth. Using the back of a spoon or palette knife, coat the surface of the cake with the chocolate. Scatter over some Smarties and hundreds and thousands and leave for a couple of hours to set. Cut into about 20 squares before serving.
This cake will keep well in an airtight container for several days and is also great for taking into class or on a picnic.
