I feel sick, I’ve eaten too much, only two small pieces but it probably equates to 10 Jaffa Cakes – I’m not complaining because I love a Jaffa Cake but it just tasted too good. I’ve got a ‘Big One’ (no euphemism there, thankfully) launched today by McVities. This is a Jaffa Cake of epic proportions, combining three layers of the light sponge from the original, sandwiched together with that unmistakable tangy orange filling, topped off with a thick layer of chocolate, there’s even a little ganache going on somewhere at its base. The chocolate is that thick and crumbly you have to dip your knife in hot water first to penetrate the surface. Although I followed the instructions on the box, the knife entered the cake like a jack-hammer head into tarmac and so I decimated the thick chocolate top without really meaning to.
There’s always been some debate whether Jaffa Cakes are in fact a cake or a biscuit and if Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs had their way they’d be biscuit, because ‘half or more is covered in chocolate’ would mean their eligible for tax. In 1991 the argument went to court and a judge ruled that Jaffa Cakes can be officially recognised as chocolate-covered cakes.
So back to the newsroom, “Take a slice by all means but you’ll need to give me your feedback.” So, anonymously, and in no particular order, here they are.
“It’s quite messy to eat, the chocolate shell is thick – attempt to slice it and it cracks and melts very easily in your hands. The orange/marmalade layer is also quite thick. The new cake is more like a gateaux – you’d be safest in terms of protecting your clothes by eating it with a fork – and those sort of desserts tend to be served at more formal occasions – in that respect the ‘cake-cake’ does not make the cut, but the cake consistency is moister than the traditional product.”
“I liked it – it’s like a big Jaffa Cake and I love Jaffa Cakes – could eat the whole thing – £7 is a little steep.”
“Surprisingly better than expected. I enjoyed the lightness of the sponge and having it in cake form allows for more of that wonderful orangey bit in the middle!
It’s sweet – so less is more but fans of the biscuit will consider it a blessed indulgence!”
“I think that it was as tangy and tasty as a Jaffa Cake but somehow tasted very artifical and synthetic. At £7 too, it’s a bit pricey.”
“The thick chocolate covering was a bit much which overpowered the orangey tangy taste – which is the best part of a jaffa cake. I would say I prefer the smaller version as it is perfectly balanced – sweet and soft with a kick.”
“Amazing! I’m a big Jaffa Cake fan. It was very light and fluffy. And the chocolate base is a nice touch. I’d love to know the recipe for the ‘Jaffa’ part! Delicious.”
“I am an avid fan of Jaffa Cakes but this Jaffa cake CAKE simply doesn’t work. I really enjoy the crunch you get when biting through all three layers of a Jaffa Cake biscuit but you don’t get that with this cake as it’s too thick and the layers don’t bind well together. The marmalade is too sweet and tastes more jammy than the one you get from a jaffa biccie – it’s also lacking in that jelly texture. The choc on top is also not quite thick enough and not firm enough either. Over all – I was disappointed and would not recommend it. I’ll be sticking to the biccie version which I stil love.”
“Ooooh… it’s a chocolate-y, zingy, taste sensation. Can’t believe they’ve never done a Jaffa Cake Cake before! Long overdue. This really is some’in else! Especially enjoyed the double jam and extra chocolate ganache! Yum.”
I loved everything about the cake, and thought it was worth every single penny of its RRP of £7. The comments about price were made by men and I’d take an odds on gamble that they’ve not bought a shop cake in a while. If they had, then I doubt they’d be complaining about the price. At the moment you can buy it at Morrisons and Asda.
