Since it was first launched in 1967, Mr Kipling has been Britain’s best-loved cake brand. From Cherry Bakewell to Angel Slices, their exceedingly good cakes have become a staple in kitchen cupboards.
The idea behind Mr Kipling was simple: to sell cakes of a local baker’s standard to supermarkets, although the namesake ‘Mr Kipling’ never actually existed. This was at a time when supermarkets weren’t as popular, and so cakes were more often bought from local bakers. It wasn’t until the 1970s when supermarkets started to revolutionise the way people shopped, with chains having a national store network to cover the whole of the UK.
Today, Mr Kipling is the largest cake manufacturer and remains a firm family favourite. In honour of tea party month here at British Corner Shop, we decided to dive into our systems and see which Mr Kipling’s cakes are your favourites. So here are the results and our top 5 Mr Kipling Cakes:
1. Mr Kipling Cherry Bakewell
The ultimate afternoon tea treat, there’s something sweet and homely about cherry bakewell tarts. Developed as an alternative to the Bakewell Pudding in the 20th century, this classic tart consists of buttery short crust pastry and sweet almond sponge, with a hidden layer of jam, and topped with icing and the all important glazed cherry. Always a crowd pleaser, no tea party would be complete without a cherry bakewell tart.
2. Mr Kipling French Fancies
Possibly one of Mr Kipling’s most famous cakes, French Fancies were actually among the 20 varieties of cake that were part of the initial launch in 1967. These small sponge cakes, which resemble petit fours, are topped with delicious butter cream and coated with fondant icing. There have been many different varieties, from spooky Halloween fancies to patriotic fancies for the Queen’s jubilee in 2012. The perfect accompaniment to a cup of tea, we guarantee these delicious cakes won’t be around for long.
3. Mr Kipling Battenberg Cake
The classic chequerboard cake, Battenberg is a delicious sponge cake covered in jam and hidden in sweet marzipan icing. The cake is traditionally made by making the yellow and pink sponge cakes separately, and then cutting and combining the pieces in a chequered pattern. But if you don’t fancy slaving away in the kitchen, thankfully Mr Kipling’s Battenberg is just as good as homemade.
4. Mr Kipling Bramley Apple Pies
Warm apple pie is a delightfully comforting dessert that will warm the hearts of even the most dessert-sceptic person. Made with melt-in-your-mouth butter pastry and chunks of juicy Bramley apples, these little pies are incredibly moreish. We think they are best served warm with lashing of custard, cream or ice cream, or all three if you prefer!
5. Mr Kipling Angel Slices
Another Great British Cake from Mr Kipling, Angel Slices consist of two heavenly layers of pink and yellow sponge with a creamy, vanilla filling and smothered in fondant icing. Pretty as a picture, these slices always look delicious on any cake stand for afternoon tea.
What’s your favourite Mr Kipling cake? Share your favourites and what you like to serve for afternoon tea below.
As someone deeply passionate about the culinary world, especially baked goods and confectionery, I've delved extensively into the history and intricacies of various iconic brands and their products. Let's unpack the concepts related to the article about Mr Kipling and their renowned cakes.
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Mr Kipling Brand Origins: The article touches on the inception of Mr Kipling in 1967, emphasizing its goal of providing cakes of local baker standards to supermarkets. This period indeed saw a shift in consumer habits, moving from local bakeries to supermarket purchases. This change mirrored broader societal shifts in shopping behavior and retail landscape evolution.
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Product Offerings:
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Cherry Bakewell: This cake encapsulates the essence of an afternoon tea treat, with its buttery crust, almond sponge, jam layer, icing, and the iconic glazed cherry. The history of this cake variant reflects the evolution of traditional Bakewell Pudding into the popular tart form.
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French Fancies: These small sponge cakes resembling petit fours gained immense popularity, particularly since the initial launch in 1967. Their variations for special occasions, like the Queen's jubilee or Halloween, demonstrate the brand's adaptability and marketing strategies.
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Battenberg Cake: This chequerboard-patterned cake, traditionally made with separate pink and yellow sponges and marzipan icing, represents a classic that Mr Kipling successfully replicated, capturing the essence of homemade baking.
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Bramley Apple Pies: A comforting dessert, these pies showcase the appeal of warm, buttery pastry combined with chunks of juicy Bramley apples, appealing to a broad audience and aligning perfectly with the nostalgic aura of homemade treats.
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Angel Slices: Comprising pink and yellow sponge layers with a creamy vanilla filling and fondant icing, these slices embody the quintessential British cake aesthetic and remain an enticing addition to any afternoon tea spread.
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Consumer Engagement: The article concludes by inviting readers to share their favorite Mr Kipling cakes, fostering engagement and interaction within the community, thereby reinforcing the brand's connection with its consumers.
The article adeptly weaves together the history of Mr Kipling, the evolution of British cake culture, and the enduring appeal of these iconic cakes, showcasing their significance in contemporary culinary traditions.
