The Perfect Cherry Madeira Cake Recipe for Sweet Bliss

Baking a delightful cherry madeira cake brings pure joy to your kitchen.

Sweet cherries nestled in a tender, buttery crumb create a classic British treat.

Soft and moist, this traditional dessert carries delicate flavors that dance across your palate.

Each slice promises a perfect balance between fruity brightness and rich cake texture.

Simple ingredients combine to create something magical and comforting.

Home bakers will find this recipe approachable and rewarding.

A slice of this cake makes any afternoon feel special and indulgent.

You can’t wait to slice into this delectable masterpiece.

Why Mary Berry Cherry Madeira Cake Is So Loved

• Bake with Simplicity: This cherry Madeira cake offers a straightforward baking process perfect for novice and experienced bakers alike, requiring minimal technical skills and basic kitchen equipment.
• Customize Your Delight: Tossing cherries in flour and layering them creates a delightful texture variation, allowing personal touch and visual appeal that makes each cake unique.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Packed with sweet glace cherries and almonds, this cake appeals to all ages, making it ideal for family gatherings, afternoon tea, or casual weekend treats.
• Versatile Serving Option: Enjoy as a standalone snack, breakfast companion, or elegant dessert – this cake transitions beautifully between different meal occasions with its rich, moist texture.

What You’ll Need For Mary Berry Cherry Madeira Cake

• Butter: A rich, creamy ingredient that provides moisture and tender texture to the cake.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a light, soft crumb.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cake's structure.
• Flour: The primary dry ingredient that forms the cake's foundation.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and become light and fluffy.

• Vanilla: Adds a warm, classic flavor to the cake.
• Almonds: Provides a nutty crunch and complementary taste.

• Glace Cherries: Sweet, preserved cherries that add vibrant color and fruity burst to the cake.

How To Bake Mary Berry Cherry Madeira Cake

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank your oven to 180°C (350°F) for standard ovens or 160°C (320°F) for fan-forced ovens. Prepare your loaf pan by greasing its interior and lining with parchment paper for easy cake removal.

Step 2: Prepare Vibrant Cherries

Carefully slice glace cherries in half, then rinse them under cool water. Pat the cherries completely dry using paper towels to prevent excess moisture in your cake.

Step 3: Whip Creamy Base

In a spacious mixing bowl, blend softened butter and sugar until the mixture transforms into a light, airy, and fluffy texture. Add a splash of vanilla extract for rich, aromatic flavor.

Step 4: Incorporate Eggs

Introduce eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. This technique ensures a smooth, well-integrated batter without curdling.

Step 5: Coat Cherries

Sprinkle a small amount of flour over the halved cherries, gently tossing to create a light coating. This helps prevent cherries from sinking during baking.

Step 6: Blend Dry Ingredients

Softly fold flour, baking powder, and ground almonds into the creamy mixture. Use a gentle hand to maintain the batter’s delicate airiness.

Step 7: Create Layered Wonder

Pour half the batter into the prepared loaf pan, strategically scatter cherry halves, then cover with remaining batter. This creates a beautiful, surprise-filled cake slice.

Step 8: Bake To Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. The cake is ready when a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing to maintain its delicate structure.

Best Tips For Mary Berry Cherry Madeira Cake

• Prevent Cherry Sinking: Coat glace cherries lightly in flour before adding to batter to stop them from dropping to the bottom of the cake.
• Check Cake Doneness: Insert a skewer into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean with no wet batter, the cake is perfectly baked.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter, eggs, and other ingredients are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better cake texture.
• Gentle Folding Technique: Use a spatula to fold flour and almonds gently, avoiding overmixing to keep the cake light and tender.
• Store Smartly: Wrap the cooled cake in parchment paper and store in an airtight container to maintain moisture for up to 5 days.

Variations Of Mary Berry Cherry Madeira Cake To Try

• Lemon Zest Madeira: Replace vanilla with lemon zest and add extra zest on top for a citrusy flavor profile.
• Almond-Free Version: Swap ground almonds with extra flour or ground sunflower seeds for nut allergy sufferers.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour blend and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for celiac-friendly cake.
• Berry Burst Variation: Substitute glace cherries with mixed berries like raspberries or blueberries for a fruity alternative.

Top Pairings With Mary Berry Cherry Madeira Cake

• Pair with Velvety Madeira Wine: Enhance the cake's rich flavor by serving a glass of smooth, amber-colored Madeira wine that complements the cherry's sweetness and the cake's buttery texture.
• Elevate with Vanilla Bean Cream: Serve a dollop of homemade vanilla bean whipped cream alongside the cake, creating a luxurious contrast to the dense, fruity cake and adding a silky, light touch.
• Boost with Almond Liqueur: Drizzle a small amount of amaretto or almond liqueur over each slice, intensifying the nutty almond notes already present in the cake and adding a sophisticated adult twist.
• Complement with Fresh Berries: Garnish the plate with a small cluster of fresh raspberries or strawberries, providing a bright, tangy counterpoint to the cake's rich and sweet profile.

Storage Tips For Mary Berry Cherry Madeira Cake

• Wrap cake tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. Keeps fresh for 4-5 days when stored in the refrigerator's cool section.
• Slice cake completely, wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freezes perfectly for up to 3 months without losing texture or flavor.
• Store cake in a sealed container at room temperature for 2-3 days. Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources to maintain moisture.
• Warm individual slices in microwave for 10-15 seconds or bring to room temperature naturally before serving. Avoid overheating to prevent dryness.

Your Questions On Mary Berry Cherry Madeira Cake

• Why do I need to toss cherries in flour before adding to the batter?

Coating cherries in flour prevents them from sinking to the bottom of the cake during baking, ensuring an even distribution throughout the cake.

• Can I use fresh cherries instead of glace cherries?

Fresh cherries have more moisture and might affect the cake’s texture. Glace cherries are recommended for their sweetness and consistent texture.

• What does adding almonds do to the cake?

Almonds provide a subtle nutty flavor and add extra texture and richness to the cake, complementing the sweet cherries.

• How do I know if the cake is fully baked?

Insert a skewer or toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean with no wet batter, the cake is done baking.

Cherry Madeira Cake Recipe

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4.7 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 65-75 mins
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Delightful Cherry Madeira Cake brings classic British baking charm to your kitchen with its tender crumb and sweet cherry surprises. Rich butter notes and delicate fruit create a perfect afternoon tea companion for cherished moments with friends.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 175 grams (6.2 ounces) butter, softened
• 175 grams (6.2 ounces) caster sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 200 grams (7.1 ounces) self-raising flour
• 200 grams (7.1 ounces) glace cherries

Supplementary Ingredients:

• 50 grams (1.8 ounces) ground almonds
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking powder

Greasing Ingredient:

• 1 teaspoon butter

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 180°C (160°C fan) and prepare a loaf tin by greasing and lining with parchment paper.
2. Carefully slice glace cherries in half, then rinse and thoroughly pat dry with paper towels.
3. Using an electric mixer, combine butter and sugar until light and creamy, then incorporate vanilla extract.
4. Introduce eggs individually, mixing thoroughly after each addition to ensure a smooth batter.
5. Dust the halved cherries lightly with flour to prevent sinking during baking.
6. Gently fold flour, baking powder, and ground almonds into the mixture, maintaining a soft, even consistency.
7. Create alternating layers of cake batter and floured cherries within the prepared loaf tin, ensuring even distribution.
8. Transfer the tin to the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center emerges clean.
9. Remove from oven and allow the cake to cool completely in the tin before carefully transferring to a wire rack.
10. Once entirely cooled, slice the Madeira cake and serve.

Notes

• Rinse glace cherries thoroughly to remove excess syrup, preventing color bleeding into the cake batter.
• Dust cherries with flour before adding to prevent sinking during baking, ensuring even distribution throughout the cake.
• Allow cake to cool completely to maintain structural integrity and enhance flavor development, making slicing easier and more precise.
• Customize the recipe by substituting glace cherries with fresh or dried cherries for a different texture and less sweetness.

• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 50-60 mins
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 337 kcal
• Sugar: 29 g
• Sodium: 120 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg