Manor House Cake Recipe: A Charming Classic Made Simple

Nestled in the heart of british culinary traditions, this manor house cake whispers tales of elegant afternoon teas and cozy kitchen gatherings.

Generations have cherished its rich, comforting flavors passed down through quiet country kitchens.

Soft crumbs melt with a delicate sweetness that captures nostalgic memories of home.

Delightful layers promise a dessert that feels both familiar and extraordinary.

Butter, eggs, and carefully measured ingredients dance together to create something truly special.

Each slice tells a story of warmth and connection.

You’ll want to savor every tender morsel of this classic treat.

Ingredients Needed For Mary Berry Manor House Cake Recipe

• Flour: A key dry ingredient that provides structure to the cake.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a tender cake texture.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with the cake's golden color.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cake's structure.

• Sultanas: Add natural sweetness and chewy texture to the cake.
• Marmalade: Brings a deep citrus flavor and additional moisture.
• Orange Zest: Provides a bright, citrusy aroma and flavor.

• Milk: Helps to moisten the cake and create a smooth batter.
• Demerara Sugar: Sprinkled on top for a crunchy, caramelized finish.

How To Bake Mary Berry Manor House Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

Warm up your oven to a cozy temperature of 180C (160C fan)/Gas Mark 4. Grab your 20cm round cake tin and lovingly line it with smooth baking paper, making sure every corner is covered.

Step 2: Create Crumbly Base

Use your fingertips to gently rub butter into flour. Work the mixture until it looks like soft, delicate breadcrumbs. Let your hands feel the texture as you blend.

Step 3: Sweeten the Mix

Sprinkle sugar into the crumbly mixture, stirring it evenly throughout to distribute sweetness in every bite.

Step 4: Bind with Liquid Goodness

Pour in beaten eggs and milk, mixing thoroughly until everything comes together in a silky, smooth batter.

Step 5: Add Flavor Boosters

• Sultanas
• Marmalade
• Orange zest

Blend these ingredients gently to create a rich, fragrant mixture.

Step 6: Transfer to Baking Tin

Spoon the cake mixture into your prepared tin, carefully leveling the top with a spatula to ensure an even bake.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place the tin in the preheated oven and bake until the cake turns a beautiful golden color. Check doneness by inserting a skewer – it should come out clean.

Step 8: Initial Cooling

Let the cake rest in the tin for 5 minutes, allowing it to settle and stabilize.

Step 9: Remove and Finish

Gently turn the cake out onto a wire rack, letting it cool completely.

Step 10: Final Touch

While the cake is still warm, sprinkle Demerara sugar on top for a delightful crunchy finish.

Step 11: Serve and Enjoy

Once completely cooled, slice the cake and serve with a smile.

Tips To Make Mary Berry Manor House Cake Recipe Shine

• Measure Precisely: Use exact ingredient measurements for consistent cake texture and flavor every time.
• Soften Ingredients: Bring butter, eggs, and milk to room temperature before mixing to ensure smooth batter incorporation.
• Check Doneness Carefully: Insert a skewer in the center and look for clean removal to confirm the cake is fully baked.
• Zest Technique: Grate orange zest lightly to avoid bitter white pith, releasing maximum citrus flavor.
• Sugar Sprinkle Timing: Dust Demerara sugar immediately after removing from oven while cake is still warm for better sugar adherence.

Creative Twists On Mary Berry Manor House Cake Recipe

• Gluten-Free Manor Cake: Replace wheat flour with almond or rice flour for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Orange Cake: Substitute eggs with mashed banana, use plant-based milk, and swap butter for coconut oil.
• Low-Sugar Alternative: Replace sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener, reduce quantity for diabetic-friendly option.
• Fruit Fusion Variation: Swap sultanas with dried cranberries or chopped apricots for a different fruity profile.

What Goes Well With Mary Berry Manor House Cake Recipe

• Pair with Citrusy White Wine: Select a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that complements the cake's orange zest and marmalade notes, enhancing the bright citrus flavors.
• Elevate with Orange Liqueur: Drizzle a small glass of Grand Marnier or Cointreau alongside the cake, which beautifully mirrors the orange undertones and adds sophisticated warmth.
• Serve with Clotted Cream: Dollop rich, velvety Cornish clotted cream next to each slice, creating a luxurious contrast to the cake's rustic texture and adding a delightful creamy element.
• Match with Earl Grey Tea: Brew a fragrant cup of Earl Grey tea, whose bergamot notes will wonderfully echo the cake's citrusy profile and provide a classic British afternoon tea experience.

Storage Help For Mary Berry Manor House Cake Recipe

• Store cake in an airtight container wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 5 days. Keep in the coolest part of the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
• Wrap cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Place in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Keep cake in a sealed container at room temperature for 2-3 days. Place a piece of bread in the container to help retain moisture.
• Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. Alternatively, warm in a preheated oven at 150°C for 5-7 minutes to restore softness and bring out the cake's flavors.

Your FAQs About Mary Berry Manor House Cake Recipe

• What are sultanas, and can I substitute them?

Sultanas are dried white grapes, similar to raisins. You can replace them with raisins or currants if needed.

• Why add marmalade to this cake?

Marmalade adds a deep citrusy flavor and helps keep the cake moist, enhancing the orange zest’s taste.

• What is Demerara sugar, and why use it?

Demerara sugar is a raw, golden-brown sugar with large crystals that adds a caramel-like crunch and slight molasses flavor to the cake’s topping.

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

Insert a skewer into the center – if it comes out clean without wet batter, the cake is done. The top should also be golden brown.

Why Mary Berry Manor House Cake Recipe Feels Like Home

• Blast Through Baking: Minimal steps make this Manor House Cake a breeze for bakers of all skill levels, from novice to experienced.
• Customize Your Comfort: Flexible recipe allows personal touches like adjusting sultanas or exploring different citrus zests to match your taste preferences.
• Rustic Weekend Delight: Perfect for casual family gatherings, afternoon tea, or enjoying a slice with your favorite hot beverage, creating warm and nostalgic moments.
• Heritage Kitchen Magic: Traditional British-style cake that brings classic baking techniques and rich flavors directly to your home, connecting you with generations of home cooks.

Manor House Cake Recipe

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4.7 from 19 reviews

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

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Description

Delightful Manor House Cake brings British countryside charm to dessert tables with its rich, moist layers and elegant crumb. Delicate vanilla sponge and smooth buttercream create a classic teatime treat perfect for afternoon indulgence.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 250 grams (8.8 ounces) self-raising flour
• 150 grams (5.3 ounces) butter or margarine (cubed)
• 125 grams (4.4 ounces) white caster sugar
• 2 large free-range eggs
• 100 grams (3.5 ounces) sultanas

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon milk
• 2 tablespoons orange marmalade
• Zest of 1 Seville orange

Topping:

• 2 tablespoons Demerara sugar

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 180°C (160°C fan)/Gas Mark 4 and line a 20cm round cake tin with parchment paper.
2. Using fingertips, delicately crumble butter into flour until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.
3. Incorporate sugar thoroughly into the crumbly mixture.
4. Gently blend beaten eggs and milk until a smooth, uniform batter forms.
5. Carefully fold sultanas, marmalade, and vibrant orange zest into the batter, distributing ingredients evenly.
6. Transfer the cake mixture into the prepared tin, smoothing the surface with a spatula for an even finish.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, monitoring until the cake turns a rich golden color and a inserted skewer emerges clean.
8. Allow the cake to rest in the tin for 5 minutes, then gently transfer to a wire cooling rack.
9. While the cake is still warm, generously scatter Demerara sugar across the top, creating a sweet, crystalline crust.
10. Permit the cake to cool completely before slicing into delectable portions.

Notes

• Adjust baking time carefully since ovens vary, checking cake’s doneness around 50 minutes to prevent over-browning.
• Use room temperature eggs and milk for smoother, more consistent cake texture that blends easily.
• Replace sultanas with alternative dried fruits like currants or chopped apricots for personalized flavor variations.
• Ensure orange zest is finely grated to distribute flavor evenly throughout the cake without creating large bitter pieces.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 332 kcal
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 4.5 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg