Classic Madeira Cake is a delightful treat known for its light and buttery texture, making it the perfect accompaniment to a cup of tea or coffee. With its simple ingredients, this cake is not only easy to make but also incredibly satisfying. It stands out with its subtly sweet flavor, and the addition of lemon zest adds a refreshing twist. This traditional recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to create a classic dessert that’s sure to impress friends and family.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Servings: 10 slices
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 300
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fat: 14g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
Why Make This Classic Madeira Cake
Classic Madeira Cake is beloved for its simplicity and elegance. Not only does it have a delightful texture that melts in your mouth, but its mild sweetness makes it versatile for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting an afternoon tea or celebrating a special event, this cake serves as a perfect canvas for your creativity. You can enjoy it plain or dress it up with fresh fruits, whipped cream, or a light dusting of powdered sugar. Baking this cake fills your kitchen with a warm, buttery aroma that invites everyone to gather ’round.
How to Make Classic Madeira Cake
Ingredients:
- 225g unsalted butter, softened
- 225g caster sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 225g all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
Preheat your oven to 170°C (340°F) and grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper. Proper preparation ensures your cake won’t stick and will bake evenly, making it easy to remove once it’s done.
Step 2: Mixing
In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and caster sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving a wonderful airy texture. It usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and lemon zest to give the batter a lovely depth of flavor.
Step 3: Combining
In another bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps to aerate the flour, yielding a lighter cake. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want your cake to remain light and fluffy.
Step 4: Baking
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top. Bake in the preheated oven for about 50-60 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it towards the end of the baking time, as ovens may vary.
Step 5: Cooling
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps the cake maintain its structure while cooling.
How to Serve Classic Madeira Cake
Classic Madeira Cake can be served in slices during tea time, paired alongside fresh fruits like strawberries or blueberries. It also makes a magnificent base for layer cakes if you want to go that route. A sprinkle of powdered sugar or a simple lemon glaze can elevate its look and taste while remaining delightfully simple.
How to Store Classic Madeira Cake
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’d like to keep it longer, it can be wrapped and frozen for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving.
Expert Tips for Perfect Classic Madeira Cake
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results, especially the butter and eggs.
- Consider using a food processor to blend the butter and sugar if you desire a super smooth consistency.
- For a more pronounced lemon flavor, increase the zest or add a few drops of lemon juice to the batter.
- After baking, making sure the cake is completely cooled will help maintain its moist texture.
Delicious Variations
- Chocolate Madeira Cake: Swap out some of the flour for cocoa powder for a chocolatey twist.
- Fruit-Studded Cake: Add dried fruits like raisins or apricots for extra flavor and texture.
- Nutty Delight: Fold in chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts for a delightful crunch.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, you can use salted butter, but reduce the added salt in the recipe to balance the flavors.
2. What can I use instead of caster sugar?
You can substitute caster sugar with granulated sugar; however, the texture might be slightly less smooth.
3. How can I make my Madeira cake more flavorful?
Adding more lemon zest or incorporating spices like nutmeg can enhance the flavor significantly.
4. Can I bake this in something other than a loaf pan?
Absolutely! You can use round cake pans or even muffin tins, adjusting the baking time as necessary.
5. Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, you can try using a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. The texture may vary slightly, but it should still be delicious.
Conclusion
Classic Madeira Cake is a timeless recipe that brings warmth and comfort to any gathering. With its simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, it’s perfect for both novice and experienced bakers. Whether enjoyed on its own or dressed with toppings, this cake is sure to become a favorite in your home. Grab your ingredients and start baking; you won’t regret it!
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Classic Madeira Cake
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 10 slices 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful treat known for its light and buttery texture, perfect for tea time or as a versatile dessert.
Ingredients
- 225g unsalted butter, softened
- 225g caster sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 225g all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 170°C (340°F) and grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Cream together the softened butter and caster sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and lemon zest.
- Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for about 50-60 minutes, or until a skewer inserted comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature. Consider using a food processor for a smoother consistency. For enhanced lemon flavor, add more zest.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
