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Kcal 449 Fat 26.0g Fat(sats) 14.5g Carbs 53.6g (per single serving)First off I must start by bringing your attention to the Heavenly Cakes competition - as announced on Saturday the deadline has been extended by one week due to the mini heatwave we are experiencing! In the mean time be sure to familiarise yourself with some of my latest Heavenly Cakes reviews: if you have missed out on them be sure to check out my Toffee Crisp, Milk Chocolate Brownie or Lumpy Bumpy Brownie posts HERE. To round off my latest batch of reviews from my most recent sampling package I had this Rocky Road cake to try. On the Heavenly website the Rocky Road is described as 'Belgian chocolate mixed with squishy marshmallows, pistachio nuts, natural cherries and crunchy biscuit' - seemingly the less is more approach was out the window for this one :D
Despite coming in a single serve form this was beastily sized portion. Inside it's plastic wrapper the thick outer coating of chocolate made the cake look innocent enough (if a little on the bumpy deranged side!), however when it was cut in to things got very interesting indeed. Take a look at my photograph and judge for yourself - does that look appetising!? Well I thought so! The cross-section revealed a total mish-mash of colours, ingredients, and smells. The things that stood out aesthetically were of course the cherries, the green pistachios, the huge chunks of biscuit and of course the marshmallows. Compared to some of the brownie products I have eaten recently the aromas radiated weren't half as strong in their chocolatey impact, though they were still relatively tempting nonetheless.
Putting my aesthetic admiration to one side it was time for the taste test. Starting with the quality of the chocolate flavours, the Belgian chocolate was a prominent feature in each bite as it had been generously coated across the whole piece. Compared to some of the chocolate constituents on other Heavenly products this Belgian recipe wasn't quite as sweet and was marginally louder in it's cocoa volume. Given the sweetness delivered by the marshmallow and biscuit elements, this switch to an unsweetened chocolate was a welcome change as it maintained a nice sweetness balance. Speaking of the marshmallow and biscuit pieces, both were nothing short of fantastic in regards to the variation they brought to the experience in terms of textures. The marshmallows had a far grander presence than I was expecting, and were far chewier and dense than I was expecting. The biscuit chunks constituted a large part of the total cake, and contributed nicely with their light, crunchy explosion of salty digestive biscuit flavours. Just as I wrote in the Lumpy Bumpy Brownie review I wasn't all that excited by the presence of the cherries, however they again were pleasant addition and added fine juicy, fruity bursts of red berry flavours when encountered. The only disappointment with this cake for me were the pistachios, as once again yet another nut type failed to cut through in the taste as they weren't as generously portioned as the other elements.
Overall I have never been a great lover of Rocky Road cakes, but I have to say these were very much to my liking. Sometimes in the past with Rocky Road cakes I have found that manufactures have included some of the ingredients as token gestures, with little thought given about how they combine with one another. With the exception of the pistachio nuts, it felt to me like Heavenly were very particular in their selection of ingredients, with the choice of chocolate recipe being a fine example. The Belgian chocolate coating on these wasn't 'dark' chocolate, but it was noticeably less sweet than the milk chocolate used in some of their other cakes. This recipe of chocolate was key in allowing the marshmallows, cherries and biscuit elements have a grander say in the taste - so a big thumbs up there. If I was to improve these Rocky Road cakes, I would again offer similar recommendations to what I said in my Lumpy Bump Review - more nuts please! Rocky Road fans will no doubt love these - I suggest you try eating a slice with a spoonful of ice cream as the biscuit chunks nicely suck up the ice cream as it melts - trust me its really something special!
8.5 out of 10
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35 comments:
Woooo I've been waiting for you to get around to this one. Rocky Road is my favourite cake of all time. I always buy a slice from Starbucks when I am in there. I bet this will beat the pants of there's though. Fantastic review Jim thanks.
Rxxx
Lol that isn't the most pretty looking photograph of their cakes is it? It just looks like they got loads of ingredients and bundles them all together. It sounds like it worked out though judging by your score.
Jim this looks phenomenal. I thought this would have been one of the first cakes you would have asked them for as it is one of the few that sticks out when you look at their site. I think I would leave the cherries out there but then that wouldn't qualify as Rocky road would it lol.
Lol it likes they totally listened to me from last week and took the nuts out of these. I don't mind seeing pistachios in there - I can only see one in your picture. The cherries sound amazing I can't believe you don't like them. Thanks for another brill review.
Where is the chocolate and caramel layer? Lol I thought Heavenly Cakes would have just stuck a layer of both on top for the sake of it :)
Dx
Uh oh Im really confused what to pick now if I was to order something. I would happily go for any of their brownies, shortbreads or things like this rocky road ....... someone help me pick please.
Boy these rocky roads slices aren't half as beautiful as the rest of their cakes. They look pretty ugly when you compare them to their millionaire shortbread don't you think.
Last time I had rocky road I was left really disappointed but that was crappy stuff from tescos bakery. I would estimate that Heavenly Cakes rocky road would be a bajillion times nicer lol. You have made me uber jealous again Jim.
I wish they wouldn't put cherrys in stuff, they would appeal to me far more if they had them without. On the positive side at least they aren't glaicer cherrys. They are the worst of the worst in my book because they taste so fake.
Jim did you get around to asking them about the possibility of them making some different white chocolate and dark cakes? Surely it would be as simple as swapping milk chocolate with either one of the other two in their recipe? How unique would white chocolate rocky road be!!!!!! Tell me you have seen that before.
That is your best picture yet. You can see all the different bits poking out. I think I can even make out a green pistachio poking through at the top. Lol I hope it's a pistachio anyway. If not I'm a little worried :-)
It's hilarious how all these Heavenly cakes look so innocent in the packaging shots, yet when you cut or bite in to them in your next ones they always look insane.
I don't really like marshmallows but I think there is enough other stuff in there to keep my tastebuds distracted. Great post Jim.
These fella continue not to disappoint do they. Great call on your competition extension BTW. It was like 28 degrees here in the south yesterday. Lol I think any cakes going through the post would have been suffocated.
It looks like it is going to rain today mind you :( I might have to console myself with some cake later on lol.
It good to hear that they are clever enough to very their choice of chocolate depending on the cake. It would be good to have the option of a dark chocolate rocky road though. Do you know what type of chocolate they use on all their cakes? I assume they wont make it themselves.
Jim I also forgot to put (I don't know if I'm technically allowed to put this) but if anyone is looking for a cheaper, faster rocky road I would suggest the new rocky road slices you can get from marks and spencer. They probably aren't as nice as these but I had one the other day and thought it was alright. It was better than their brownies anyway.
Sorry I wasn't on the site yesterday Jim. I saw your feelings about spain winning the world cup. I also thought they were worthy winners, the dutch were soooooooo dirty it was unbelievable. They deserved everything they got NOTHING!!!!!
Anyway ... Spain should celebrate by all treating themselves to a slice of this Rocky Road. It looks amazing if a little on the ugly side.
You're a professional at tempting us with these things Jim. I was halfway to ordering some brownies a minute ago but I have decided to see if I have won your competition first. How are you going to be letting people know if they have won?
Hi ya Jim,
Sorry not been around for a while, been manic :S.
Ah so you finally got to these i really like this as its one of the less sweeter cakes i like (yes i class this as a less sweet cake haha), my only wish would be more cherries lol as the cherries HC use are so juicy and goey there lush.
Planning on trying the Cappocinno anytime soon?
Oh also have you tried the new Aus "Milo" bar? the one describe as caramel and brownie :P its AMAZING! my new fav bar lol.
Mat
God dammit there are so many cakes that these guys make I don't know what to try now. Estelle I don't think I would be much help. If you go by Jim's ratings he reckons the billionaire flapjacks are the best.
Rachel have you ever tried the Starbuck granola cake? I find that it is far superior to most of their others. One thing I don't recommend from Sarbucks are their muffins. They are god awful.
Have Heavenly ever thought of making muffins jim? I can just imagine them now with a ton load of caramel and choc on top.
I'm not a lover of Rocky road eitehr so this wouldn't be a first choice. It does look interesting though, shame about the lack of pistachios but at least theyre getting more of a look in than in the past :). I'm not a great cherry fan normally but am quite happy with Glace Cherries, all they are are cherries cooked repeatedly in a strong syrup (you can buy specialty glace fruit as a delicacy), they loose the colour tho hence the red colouring (bright red or 'natural' red).
I imagine these would would be glace cherries aswell but they may not be.
If it wasn't for the pistachios this would be perfect for me. At first I wasn't too sure about it not having milk chocolate in it but I think I understand that it would of been sickly if it had done. I have to say I'm also pretty curious about where Heavenly get their chocolate from? Is it a well known brand they use or is their own chocolate?
Please can I lodge a request for a cappuccino cake review. It looks remarkably different from anything esle that they offer. It is the one cake that could probably tip me over into buying if I was to hear that it was decent.
@Chris are you talking about the Marks and Spencer rocky road that comes in the tubs? They are so yummy.
Oh god I'm going to have to hope neither of my kids see these. They would go head over heels for these cakes Jim.
I can't really comment on these since they contain marshmallow.
It's a long story but ever since I found out what's in marshamallow I won't touch it.
Colin That'll teach you to buy cheap stuff from Tesco's bakery wont it. Lol only joking I like the custard tarts they make but not much else.
They should leave the baking to the likes of these guys.
@joel are you mental? Starbucks muffins are amazing. Have you tried their white chocolate and blueberry one? I swear almost got addicted to them earlier in the year.
It would be great seeing what some Heavenly Cakes muffins would be like. I bet they couldn't help but stick loads of toppings on them you know that they are like lol.
Can you annouce the winners now please. It's raining where I live (south east).
How are going to be announcing winners? Do we have to pay for postage or anything?
Julie - No I meant these new Rocky Road slices that Marks and Spencer make. They sell them by the tills mostly. I'm such a sucker for those sort of things, they should be allowed to put things where you stand to pay. I end up buying all manner of different things because of that.
@ Phil - i'm intrigued now! lol as far as I'm aware all that is in marshmallows is the usual confectionary type ingredients - according to wiki they contain:
sugar or corn syrup, water, gelatin that has been softened in hot water, dextrose, flavourings, and sometimes colouring, whipped to a spongy consistency. Some marshmallow recipes call for eggs.[1]
. I know gelatin might put a few people off but it's in alot of those type of confectionary items.
Interestingly the marshmallow was originally a medicinal substance from the marsh mallow plant! Then it made its way into egyptian candy products as an extracted sap mixed with honey and nuts! :P You'd never guess that going by todays marshmallows would you!
PART 1 - So many comments ... sorry if my replies are short.
Rachel
I don't really ever go to Starbucks. If I do I might well check out their RR next time I'm in there.
David
Haha you right it isn't the best looking one they make. The taste is where it counts though.
Steven
I'm glad you wanted to see the review of it chap. I finally got around to it eh!? I too could probably do without the cherries.
Katie
I don't think you would notice the nuts much to be honest. They blend in to the rest of the ingrdients alot you can hardly taste them.
Daisy
They decided to leave it off this one I think. Probably a wise choice - it would have made it overly busy I think.
Estelle
I'm afraid only you can make that choice :D Why don't you just go for a lucky dip. Its the best way I can think of.
Anon #1
As I said above they aren't the best looking but they taste nice.
Colin
Are you talking about the ones you buy in trays from the shelf? I don't think they are freshly made in the bakery. They get bought in.
Paul
I've never been a fan of cherries of any sort myself. I see what you mean about glace cherrys though. I really don't like them myself.
Chris
I will see what they say about this. When I have an update from them I will post it up.
Justin
Why thanks!? Others seem to think differently. That is a pistachio by the way, dont worry about that.
Marshall
That is true, they do have a certain innocence when you look at them in their packets. Like you say even if you dont like marshmallows I think there is plenty of stuff in there to make the taste lively enough.
Nick
The weather is still hot for you!? Hmmmm it was raining all day where I was. I might have been overly cautious I think. Better safe than sorry I guess.
Bradley
I have no idea to be honest. I will ask them for you.
Chris #2
Cool. I will see if I can find it next time I am in Marks & Spen. Its been a while since I was last in there. Shame on me for moving to an area that doesn't have one.
Nigel
Glad to hear your thoughts about the football were similar to mine. I was really pleased the Spanish won.
I think they will be celebrating with something a little stronger than Heavenly Cakes though haha!
PART 2
Kim
I'm more a bit of an amateur I think :D Results on Saturday so best of luck. Winners announced on the site.
Matt
No plans to review the cappuccino yet but you never know what they might send my way.
I haven't seen that new Milo bar. I didn't even know there was a new one out to be honest. Great hearing from you.
Duncan
As I said to Estelle why don't you do a lucky dip if you are struggling to pick just one.
Joel
Again I have no idea about the possibility of them making muffins. I will ask them and see what they think. Thanks for the suggestions I know they appreciate them.
Alan
Ahhh I really don't like glace cherries myself. I never have done for some reason. I think it is the waxy texture that puts me off.
Out of interest which is the cake that has chuaght your eye the most?
Repsh
When I find out what type of chocolate they use I will be sure to inform you guys. Now you mention it I wouldn't mind knowing myself.
Julie
Request noted. I'm sure Heavenly will pick up on it. They usually do.
Linda
Hey don't stop your kids looking at the site :D The more the merrier :D
Phil
You can't just say that now chap :D You are going to have to inform us all ... if you would rather not say on the review give me a mail :D
Emma
I like the vanilla custard crowns they make. I haven't had one for years mind you. They used to be good from what I rememeber.
Tracey
I wouldn't put it past them. As I said to Joel I will enquire about the possibility of muffins for the future.
Mysterio
Winners posted on Saturday. I will announce them on the site and follow them up with e-mails. No need for you to pay for postage.
Alan #2
Come on Phil you have us both curious now :D You cant let us down without an answer :D
Cheers everyone - I'm feeling all typed out now haha!
JIM
@Alan that's interesting about the origin of marshmallows! Rocky Road was my favorite ice cream as a kid. Although this sounds more interesting with the fruit. @Phil there are vegan marshmallows! if that's what you're referring to -- they are a pain to find but worth it if you like the taste :)
Hehe, I don't mind saying I just didn't want to sound preachy.
Long story short, about 5 years ago I was making a cheesecake that had gelatine in the recipe. When I was melting it the smell was foul, I had never used it before so it was a surprise. Sort of like a rotting animal or something. I looked it up online to find gelatine is made from boiled animal bones and skin. It was this combined with the awful smell that made me never want to touch anything made from gelatine since.
It's frustrating cos I used to love Haribo jellies.
It's amazing how powerful that memory is because just remembering the smell still makes me feel nauseous.
@Thea - I've not tried the vegan marshmallows, I think I saw them to buy online but they were expensive. I just do without now.
Incidentally Haribo now make some vegetarian jellies, so at least I can have cola bottles ;) I really missed those.
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