As a Friday treat, we decided to visit Mama Bears Cake Bar in Ipswich to try its much desired 11-layer chocolate cake and see what all the fuss was about – and we were not disappointed!

When I arrived at the bakery in The Walk, it was 10.30am, with half an hour to go before the doors opened to the public.

Already, there was a mum outside trying to prise her little girl away from the window, promising that they would come back when the ‘cake lady’ had opened the shop.

So, my expectations were already pretty high. Owner Rebecca Cockett opened her Ipswich premises in November last year, having already been running her bakery in Saxmundham for a few years.

The 11-layer chocolate cake - ‘the Bruce’ - was inspired by creations Mrs Cockett had admired online, having been originally sold by Get Baked UK, based in Leeds.

Mrs Cockett posted a photograph of the cake online – and within an hour, it had sold out.

Ipswich Star: Rebecca Cockett was inspired to try her hand at 'the Bruce' after multi-layered chocolate cakes went viral online.Rebecca Cockett was inspired to try her hand at 'the Bruce' after multi-layered chocolate cakes went viral online. (Image: Newsquest)Ipswich Star: There were all manner of sweet treats begging to be sampled on Friday.There were all manner of sweet treats begging to be sampled on Friday. (Image: Newsquest)Ipswich Star: Sweet treats for sale at Mama Bears Cake Bar in Ipswich. Sweet treats for sale at Mama Bears Cake Bar in Ipswich. (Image: Newsquest)Ipswich Star: The Matilda, left, is the white chocolate version of the Bruce, keeping with the Roald Dahl theme.The Matilda, left, is the white chocolate version of the Bruce, keeping with the Roald Dahl theme. (Image: Newsquest)

“This week, I’ve made four,” Mrs Cockett explained proudly. “They take around an hour each to make. That doesn’t include baking time, that’s just assembling.”

Looking at this whopping slab of chocolatey goodness, it’s not surprising that it takes so long to construct.

Measuring at nearly 8 inches tall (it could have been more; I found my ruler post-tasting), each piece could easily satisfy three or four people, depending on how willing you are to share.

But what did it taste like?

Ipswich Star: The whopping slab of chocolate cake could easily satisfy three to four people. The whopping slab of chocolate cake could easily satisfy three to four people. (Image: Newsquest)

In a word, delicious. I was worried it might be too sickly-sweet, but the ganache was made with dark chocolate, giving a subtle and moreish flavour. The layers of sponge were light and fluffy, balancing out the richness of the ganache.

At £10 a slice, which is intended to be shared, I considered it worth it. Next time, I might try the Bruce’s sister-cake, the Matilda, which is made with white chocolate.