Description
Madeira cake offers a classic British delight with its tender crumb and citrusy charm. Bakers craving a simple yet elegant dessert will love this traditional treat that pairs perfectly with afternoon tea or a quiet moment of indulgence.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 240 grams (8.5 ounces) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 200 grams (7 ounces) caster sugar
Flour:
- 210 grams (7.4 ounces) self-raising flour
- 90 grams (3.2 ounces) plain flour
Flavoring:
- Zest of 1 unwaxed lemon
- Juice of 1 unwaxed lemon
- Extra caster sugar for topping
Instructions
- Whip butter, sugar, and fragrant lemon zest in a mixing bowl until light and airy, creating a smooth, pale mixture.
- Incorporate eggs individually, carefully mixing after each addition, and sprinkle a touch of flour if the batter appears curdled to maintain smooth consistency.
- Gently fold flour and flour mixture into the creamy base, drizzling lemon juice to enhance flavor, ensuring minimal stirring to preserve the cake’s delicate texture.
- Transfer the silky batter into a parchment-lined loaf pan, creating an even surface and generously sprinkling granulated sugar across the top for a delightful caramelized crust.
- Position the cake in a preheated oven at 170°C (150°C fan), allowing it to bake for approximately 60 minutes until a golden-brown exterior develops and a skewer inserted emerges clean.
- Allow the freshly baked cake to rest within the tin, gradually cooling and stabilizing its structure for easier removal.
- Carefully release the cake from the pan, revealing its perfectly risen form, and slice into elegant portions ready to be enjoyed alongside fresh berries, whipped cream, or simply savored on its own.
Notes
- Use room temperature butter and eggs for smoother mixing and better texture.
- Add flour gradually when beating eggs to prevent curdling and maintain a silky batter consistency.
- Sift dry ingredients before folding to eliminate lumps and ensure even distribution of flour.
- Modify the recipe for gluten-free diets by substituting regular flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 385
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 65mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0.2g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 85mg