AFTER EIGHT DELIGHT

Check this bad boy out! I'm not normally one for going mad with cake decorations but my creative juices were really flowing yesterday when I created this delicious mint chocolate cake filled with delicious mint and lime curd and smothered with "After Eight" icing. Then by simply decorating with some left over mints and a few chocolate buttons you have yourself a masterpiece that is going to wow at any party or dinner table. If you a fan of chocolate (who isn't!) and mint then this is the celebration cake for you.

For the lime and mint filling I have used this incredible curd from the good people at Scarlett and Mustard. Its deliciously fresh and zingy and adds a little bite to the cake. They have many a delicious curds and other fab products so go and check them out and get yourself a jar or two, it will be well worth it. If you don't have time to wait for a jammy delivery then try and hunt yourself out a lime curd or jam in your local supermarket or you could always fill the centre with some whipped cream or make yourself some extra mint chocolate icing to fill the centre to really ramp up the chocolate fest! Whatever filling you choose your still going to be in cake heaven.

As for your mints, of course there is nothing better than a good old "After Eight". They can be quite pricey though so if you want to push the boat out then go for it but you can find cheaper alternatives in supermarkets. I also used chocolate buttons to decorate the top but again use what you like. Crumble over a flake or whack on some little truffles. Remember to use a chocolate with over 75% cocoa for the icing and the finest cocoa for the cake too for the yummiest results.

Here comes the recipe. Prepare for a true mint chocolate delight;

After Eight Cake

170g Unsalted Butter
100g Dark Chocolate
240g Plain Flour
280g Golden Caster Sugar
6 Tbsp Cocoa Powder
1 Tsp Bicarb
2 Whole Eggs
284ml Buttermilk
400g After Eights

50ml Double Cream
1 Jar Lime And Mint Curd
Chocolate Buttons To Decorate

1. Get your oven on to 180 degrees (160 fan) and grease and line two 22cm circular cake tins. 
2. On a low heat, melt the butter and dark chocolate in a pan until smooth and well combined. Whilst that all melts, mix together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder and bi carb in a bowl until well combined and in a separate bowl or jug beat together the eggs and butter milk until well combined.
3.  Once the chocolate and butter has melted, remove from the heat and leave to cool slightly before adding into the bowl with the dry flour mix along with the egg and buttermilk mix. Add in 200ml of boiling water and then whisk until a smooth batter has formed.
4. Divide the mixture between the two cake tins and then place in the oven (same shelf if possible) for 20-25 minutes until that little skewer comes out nice and clean when inserted. Remove from the oven and leave to cool completely.
5. Whilst the cake cools, melt 300g of the "After Eights" in a pan on a low heat with the double cream until smooth and well combined. Remove from the heat and leave to cool until thick, roughly around 1 hour.
6. Once the cake and icing has cooled, turn one cake upside down so you have a nice smooth base to spread over the curd, leaving a centimetre space from the edge. Use as much as you like to cover the whole of the cake but don't go overboard as it will squirt out the side when you place the second cake on top.
7. Speaking of which, place the second cake on top of the curd topped cake (flat side down). Take the icing and spread it all over the top and sides of the cake. Lick your spatula once done, you deserve it.
8. Use the remaining mints and buttons to decorate the top of the cake as you see fit.

You might want to stick the cake in the fridge for a bit too allow any decoration to set but once you are ready to stick your face into it, cut yourself a big massive slab and prepare to be to lose yourself in the oozy curd filling and fudgey cake and icing.

 Top that off with the crunch and bite of the mints and button decorations and you have every level of chocolate amazingness you could think of. For me it's the definition of a pure chocolate delight which can be enjoyed not just "After Eight" but any time of the day!