In the 1970s and 80s, many people enjoyed eating Tunis cakes – a madeira sponge with a layer of chocolate and marzipan fruit decorations – which have been spotted on shelves
Delighted Tesco shoppers shared their joy online when they spotted an 80s staple back on the supermarket’s shelves.
Shoppers saw the delicious Tunis cakes in some of the chain’s supermarkets. The treat, not seen for around four decades, has a Madeira sponge and a generous layer of chocolate icing.
Placed daintily on top are marzipan fruit decorations and people online shared their memories of enjoying the treats while watching telly in the 1980s. Tesco’s version is made by Sat it With Cake and is available for £10.
The creator of the Facebook page McVities Tunis Cake Campaign said: “ Christmas in the 70s and 80s was never complete without the obligatory McVitie’s Tunis Cake.
“With its exotic sounding name, yummy moist Madeira sponge and just slathered with inch-deep quality chocolate, colourful frilly marzipan icing which looked like a flamenco dancer’s dress and topped with a few delicate marzipan fruits. While I don’t mind Christmas pud and Christmas cake, for people who prefer chocolate to dried fruit, the Tunis cake is the perfect post-Xmas dinner dessert.
“No messing about with brandy butter, cream and custard either – there’s telly to be watched. Sadly, McVities stopped making them a while ago, maybe Brussels told them it was a giant chocolate biscuit and not really a cake at all.”
However, despite their joy at the cake’s return, they lamented Tesco’s version. They added: “Tesco, who seem to be the only supermarket selling them now, in typical Tesco fashion took a great product and spoilt it by putting their name on it.
“They started skimping on the ingredients, most importantly the chocolate, both the thickness and quality, and to be frank they are a bit crap compared to the originals.
“I have always asked when shopping at Sainsbury’s or Waitrose around Christmas time and the staff never seemed to have any idea what a Tunis cake is, never mind if they might have them in stock.”
One person said on Facebook: “I found the last two in a Tesco at Heanor so I’m a very happy bunny right now and will probably eat them both all by myself.” Another added: “I have a brilliant plan! I shall buy one from Tesco now, eat it and if it’s no good I’ll make my own for Christmas.”
