If you’re looking for a fun and tasty baking project to do with your kids, making Jaffa cakes is an excellent choice.
This easy recipe combines a few simple ingredients to create the iconic treat with a perfect balance of sponge, chocolate, and tangy orange jelly. It’s a great way to spend quality time together in the kitchen while teaching kids basic baking skills.
Here’s everything you need to know about making Jaffa cakes with kids.
Jaffa Cakes: What are they?
Jaffa cakes are a popular British snack that consists of three main layers: a light, spongy biscuit base, a sweet orange-flavored jelly, and a smooth layer of dark chocolate on top. Their combination of textures and flavors makes them a favorite treat for many.
While you can buy Jaffa cakes from the store, making them at home with your kids is a fun way to create a more personalized version of this delicious snack.
Java Cake Recipe
Servings
12 minutes
Preparing Time
20 minutes
Cooking Time
15 minutes
Calories
180 kcal
INGREDIENTS
1 packet of digestive biscuits (or any simple plain biscuits)
50g butter (melted)
1 packet of orange jelly (or flavored jelly mix)
200ml hot water
100g milk or dark chocolate (whichever you prefer)
1 teaspoon vegetable oil or cocoa butter (optional, helps chocolate stay smooth)
DIRECTION
- Prepare the Biscuit Base:
– Crush the biscuits into fine crumbs (you can put them in a bag and crush them with a rolling pin or use a food processor).
– In a bowl, mix the crushed biscuits with melted butter. Stir until well combined.
– Press the mixture into a muffin tin or silicone molds to form small bases (about 1-2 tablespoons of mixture per mold).
– Place the tin in the fridge for about 20 minutes to set while you prepare the jelly. - Make the Jelly:
– Follow the instructions on the packet of jelly, usually dissolving the jelly mix in 200ml of hot water, then stirring until fully dissolved.
– Let the jelly cool down to room temperature, but not set yet. You want it to be thick but still pourable. - Assemble the Jaffa Cakes:
– Once the biscuit bases are set, spoon about 1 tablespoon of the cooled jelly on top of each base. Don’t overfill — just enough to cover the biscuit.
– Place the tray back in the fridge to let the jelly set for about 1 hour. - Top with Chocolate:
– While the jelly sets, melt the chocolate. You can melt it in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, or melt it over a pot of simmering water (double boiler).
– Once melted, stir in 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil or melted cocoa butter to make the chocolate smooth and glossy.
– Spoon a small amount of chocolate on top of the set jelly, just enough to cover it. Use the back of the spoon to smooth it out. - Chill and Enjoy:
– Place the Jaffa cakes back in the fridge to let the chocolate set for at least 30 minutes.
– Once set, they’re ready to eat!
NOTES
Get Creative: Kids can experiment with different fruit flavors for the jelly, like strawberry or raspberry.
Smaller Portions: If your kids want to make bite-sized versions, use a mini muffin tin for smaller Jaffa cakes.
Use a Piping Bag: If you have a piping bag, it makes adding the jelly to the sponges a lot easier and less messy!
Why This Jaffa Cake Recipe is Great for Kids:
- Simple Steps: No need to bake or make anything from scratch — just mix, chill, and top with chocolate!
- Fun for Kids: Kids can easily help with crushing the biscuits, mixing, pouring the jelly, and spreading the chocolate.
- Quick & Easy: With just a bit of waiting time for the jelly and chocolate to set, it’s a straightforward and quick treat for little ones to make.
This version skips the sponge-making and gelatin preparation, focusing instead on simple steps that kids can actively participate in.
Conclusion
Making Jaffa cakes with kids is a delightful activity that combines fun and learning in the kitchen. The process of mixing, measuring, and decorating is a great way to engage your little ones while creating a delicious treat they’ll be proud of. Whether you’re baking on a rainy afternoon or preparing for a family gathering, these homemade Jaffa cakes will be a hit!
Remember to enjoy the process and savor the fruits of your labor together as a family. Happy baking!
