1. Waitrose- £30
Sophisticated palates should steer clear of this treasure trove of sicklysweet icing and jam-laced sponge, but kids will explode with excitement at the mere sight of it. Serves 20-30.
www.waitrosedeliver.com
|
2. Fortnum & Mason - £35
Studded with boozy truffles, the extravagant icing on this cake from Fortnums covers delicious chocolate sponge – perfect with an espresso.
www.fortnumandmason.com; 020-7734 8040
|
|
| |
|
3. Bettys of Harrogate - £9.95
Made by the family-run Yorkshire bakers, this four-inch fruit cake, decorated with marzipan, royal icing and a gold candle, is perfectly proportioned for a grown-up birthday tea.
www.bettysbypost.com; 01423 814 008
|
|
| |
|
4. Magic Cakes - £2.80 each (£46 for 16)
Decorated with fondant icing and glitter, these succulent miniature lemon-sponge squares come in a 3ftlong box and can be customised to spell out any message.
www.konditor andcook.com; 0845 262 3030
|
|
| |
|
5. Patisserie Valerie - £18.50
A layer of chocolate mousse is set on rum-laced chocolate sponge and finished with a chocolate glaze. Available with a message of your choice.
www.patisserie-valerie.co.uk; 020-7935 6240
|
|
| |
|
6. Sainsbury’s - £8.99
Covered in chocolate fudge icing and decorated with Belgian chocolates, this modestly proportioned chocolate sponge cake is perfect for a girly party or as an indulgent treat for one.
www.sainsburys.co.uk; 0845 301 2020
|
|
| |
|
7. Marks & Spencer - £39.50
This celebration of all things pink and sugary is for girlie-girls of any age. A trio of iced Madeira cakes is finished with sugar stars, flowers and ribbons.
www.marksandspencer.com; 0845 609 0200
|
|
| |
|
8. Healthy Cake Co - From £20
Calorie-counters, diabetics or those with allergies will love this range of bespoke organic cakes, including this wheat-free handbag shape (£50).
www.healthycakecompany.co.uk; 0845 392 115
|
|
| |
|
9. Konditor & Cook - £22.75
This gloriously camp glitter-sprinkled cake surprises with its vanilla icing and indulgent, melt-in-the-mouth chocolate sponge. Serves eight to 12.
www.konditorandcook.com; 0845 262 3030
|
|
| |
|
10. Lola’s Cupcakes - From £1.50 each
Lola’s Kitchen specialises in fluffy little mounds of delightfully light sponge, smothered in rich butter icing. Their cupcakes can be decorated for any occasion.
www.lolas-kitchen.co.uk; 020-7483 3394
|
|
| |
12 September 2007, Chosen by: Simon Usborne
