I hadn't realised exactly how much I'm inspired by nostalgia. My memories of school tuck shop treats, and my sister bribing me with naughty chocolate bars to stop me from taddle-telling. In Kuwait, I grew up with Twix, Kit Kats, Snickers, and Maltesers. So creating cakes to celebrate these iconic chocolate bars has been mega fun. When I got to the UK, I was in a confectionary-culture-shock. There were SO MANY different types on chocolate bars! You folks here are SO SPOILT for choice. Saying that, I do think it's a matter of quality of quantity, because some of these bars really aren't it.

The Chocolate Bars We Love as Cakes

Maltesers

I CANNOT stop at popping just one Malteser in my mouth. I need them ALL. AT ONCE. Maltesers are elite. The thin layer of chocolate, with a malty middle that's crisp and airy and so addictive. Maybe my addiction to Maltesers is down to my memories of hot mugs of Horlicks and Ovaltine. This Chocolate Malt Milkshake cake is layers of chocolate hero sponge with Ovaltine Swiss meringue buttercream, and loaded cupcakes with Maltesers. It's one of our most popular cakes, so I'm clearly not the only one that's bonkers for the malty bubbles.

Twix

My sister gave me my very first taste of Twix when I was around 9 or 10. I remember it as being one of her favourite chocolate bars. Now, bearing in mind she's ten years older than me, I can't believe she kept them from me for THAT LONG. They're delightful. I love the biscuity bite of the shortbread with the stretchy, gooey, caramel. It's a total texture treat. Our Twix cake has layers and loaded cupcakes of vanilla hero sponge, with chocolate Swiss meringue buttercream and salted caramel ganache. I love the cute bubble finish combed decor.

Snickers 

This is a bit of a weird one for me. Snickers bars? Meh, I'd never pick one. But Snickers Ice Cream bars?! I COULD INHALE THEM. Normally, I'm all over a peanut-chocolate combo, but the bars don't hit it for me. I'm still going to include it in the Love List because a) the ice cream bangs and b) this Snickers cake slaps! Layers and loaded cupcakes of peanut butter and chocolate hero sponge, peanut butter Swiss meringue buttercream, chocolate and salted caramel ganaches. 

Kinder

I have not met a single person that doesn't like Kinder. The egg and the little bars, they're okay, I wouldn't say no as such. But Bueno and hippos?! YES PLEASE! That lovely gorgeous creamy hazelnut filling in between light wafer layers...it's a bite of heaven. As is this Kinder vs Nutella cake featuring all of that and more.

The Chocolate Bars We Loathe

Crunchie

I'll say it - I don't get it. The stingiest amount of chocolate coating...around a hunk of crunchy sugar filled with air?? I just don't get it. However, It would seem I'm in the minority with my opinion. There are plenty who love this non-entity of a choc bar. Hence, a cake had to be made. And considering how much contempt I have for this crime against confectionary, I think this Crunchie cake is a beaut.

 

Bounty

A chocolate bar SO abhorrent, scientific studies have proven that it is always the last one left in the box of Celebrations. Hence, it's also the chocolate bar I am going to leave without a cake.

What are your thoughts on the love and loathe lists of chocolate? Are there any that tantalise or trigger you? Which one reminds you of your sweet childhood memories? Let me know in comments!

Love,

Reshmi xoxo