Marmalade Loaf Cake Recipe

Delightful Marmalade Loaf Cake Recipe: Sweet Citrus Comfort

Sweet citrusy marmalade loaf cake beckons with its vibrant, sunshine-packed essence.

Aromatic zest dances through each tender crumb, promising a delightful sensory adventure.

Orange-infused batter promises comfort in every slice.

Homemade warmth radiates from this simple yet elegant treat.

Subtle hints of bitter and sweet intermingle, creating a sophisticated flavor profile.

Each bite tells a story of traditional baking with a modern twist.

You’ll want to slice into this golden-hued delight and savor every memorable moment.

Mary Berry Marmalade Loaf Cake Ingredient List

Cake Base:
  • Plain Flour: A key ingredient that provides structure and texture to the loaf cake.
  • Caster Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a light, tender crumb.
  • Butter: Provides richness and moisture to the cake.
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cake's soft texture.
Flavoring Ingredients:
  • Orange Marmalade: Brings a distinctive citrusy flavor and adds moisture to the cake.
  • Orange Zest: Enhances the citrus notes and provides a bright, aromatic element.
  • Orange Juice: Adds a fresh, tangy flavor to complement the marmalade.
Finishing Ingredients:
  • Baking Powder, Salt: Help the cake rise and balance the flavors.
  • Extra Sugar: Sprinkled on top for a sweet, crisp crust.

How To Make Mary Berry Marmalade Loaf Cake Easily

How To Make Mary Berry Marmalade Loaf Cake Easily

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Tin

Set your oven to 190°C (170°C fan) or 375°F. Grease a loaf tin thoroughly and line it with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage for easy cake removal.

Step 2: Prepare Orange Zest and Juice

Carefully zest the entire orange, collecting all the fragrant outer skin. Juice half the orange, making sure to extract about 1 tablespoon of fresh juice.

Step 3: Combine Cake Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl or food processor, combine all ingredients:
  • Orange zest
  • Orange juice
  • Flour
  • Sugar
  • Butter
  • Eggs
  • Marmalade
  • Baking powder

Mix the ingredients gently until just combined, avoiding overmixing to maintain a tender texture.

Step 4: Fill and Decorate the Cake Tin

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf tin, smoothing the top with a spatula. Use a knife to create a shallow slit down the center of the cake. Sprinkle additional sugar on top for a delightful crispy crust.

Step 5: Bake the Marmalade Loaf

Place the tin in the preheated oven and bake for 45-60 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a skewer into the center – it should come out clean when the cake is fully baked.

Step 6: Cool and Release the Cake

Allow the cake to cool in the tin for 10 minutes. Carefully turn out the loaf onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Serve and Store

Once fully cooled, slice the marmalade loaf cake. Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness for several days.

Top Tips For Mary Berry Marmalade Loaf Cake Bakers

  • Zest with Care: Gently grate only the orange's bright outer layer, avoiding the bitter white pith underneath for a sweeter marmalade flavor.
  • Perfect Mixing Technique: Combine ingredients just until blended, stopping when no dry flour remains to keep the cake tender and light.
  • Sugar Sprinkle Trick: Dust extra sugar on top before baking for a delightful crispy, caramelized crust that adds textural contrast.
  • Storage Wisdom: Keep the loaf cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days to maintain its soft, moist texture.
  • Skewer Test Secret: Insert a thin skewer into the cake's center – when it comes out clean with no wet batter, your cake is perfectly baked.

Try These Twists On Mary Berry Marmalade Loaf Cake

  • Lemon Zest Swap: Replace orange zest with lemon zest for a bright, tangy flavor profile that brightens the cake's overall taste.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour blend instead of regular flour, ensuring those with wheat sensitivities can enjoy the cake.
  • Vegan Version: Substitute eggs with mashed banana or applesauce, and use plant-based butter or oil to create a dairy-free alternative.
  • Low-Sugar Alternative: Replace some sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining moisture and sweetness.

What Goes Well With Mary Berry Marmalade Loaf Cake

  • Pair with Citrusy Tea: Brew a delicate Earl Grey or orange-infused black tea to complement the marmalade's zesty notes and enhance the cake's fruity undertones.
  • Enhance with Vanilla Cream: Serve a dollop of lightly whipped vanilla cream alongside each slice, creating a smooth contrast to the cake's dense texture and bright citrus flavor.
  • Match with Sweet Dessert Wine: Select a light, sweet Moscato or Sauternes to harmonize with the cake's sweetness and highlight its orange marmalade essence.
  • Combine with Cream Cheese Spread: Prepare a light, tangy cream cheese spread with a hint of orange zest to provide a creamy accompaniment that balances the cake's richness.

Smart Storage For Mary Berry Marmalade Loaf Cake

  • Wrap the cooled marmalade loaf cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Keep in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the refrigerator, maintaining its moisture and freshness.
  • Slice the cake before freezing for easier portioning. Place individual slices or the whole cake in a freezer-safe container or wrap securely with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.
  • Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources to prevent drying out.
  • Warm refrigerated or frozen slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.

FAQs About Mary Berry Marmalade Loaf Cake

  • Why use marmalade in this cake recipe?

Marmalade adds a rich, tangy citrus flavor and natural sweetness that enhances the overall taste of the loaf cake, creating a more complex and interesting dessert.

  • Can I use different types of marmalade?

Yes, you can experiment with different marmalade varieties like orange, lemon, or grapefruit. Each will bring a unique citrus profile to the cake, allowing you to customize the flavor.

  • Is this cake difficult to make?

Not at all! This recipe is simple and straightforward, requiring just mixing ingredients in one bowl and minimal preparation. Even beginner bakers can successfully make this marmalade loaf cake.

  • What makes this cake moist?

The combination of marmalade, butter, and eggs creates a naturally moist texture. The marmalade helps retain moisture and adds a tender crumb to the cake.

Why Mary Berry Marmalade Loaf Cake Is A Sweet Pick

Why Mary Berry Marmalade Loaf Cake Is A Sweet Pick
  • Boost Flavor with Minimal Effort: This marmalade loaf cake packs a punch of citrusy goodness without complicated techniques, making it a dream for home bakers seeking maximum taste with minimal work.
  • One-Bowl Wonder: Combine all ingredients in a single bowl or food processor, reducing cleanup and making this recipe perfect for busy cooks who want delicious results without multiple dirty dishes.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for afternoon tea, breakfast, or casual dessert, this cake adapts to various occasions and pleases different palates with its bright orange marmalade notes and simple sweet profile.
  • Beginner Baker's Delight: Straightforward steps and basic ingredients make this recipe an excellent starting point for novice bakers wanting to build confidence in the kitchen without feeling overwhelmed.
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Marmalade Loaf Cake Recipe

Marmalade Loaf Cake Recipe


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4.7 from 24 reviews

  • Total Time: 55-70 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Citrus-infused marmalade loaf cake delivers a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors. Orange zest and homemade marmalade create a moist, irresistible treat that brings warmth to your kitchen with each delightful slice.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 250 g (8.8 ounces) plain/all-purpose flour
  • 110 g (3.9 ounces) castor sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 125 g (4.4 ounces) butter at room temperature

Flavor and Moisture Ingredients:

  • 3 heaped tablespoons (135 milliliters) marmalade
  • 1 orange
  • 60 milliliters (2 fluid ounces) milk

Leavening and Spice Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) baking powder
  • Castor sugar (extra)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven at 190C (170C fan) / 375F and prepare the loaf tin by greasing and lining with parchment paper.
  2. Carefully extract the orange zest and squeeze half the orange to obtain 1 tablespoon of fresh juice.
  3. Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl or food processor, gently blending until the mixture is just incorporated, avoiding overmixing.
  4. Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf tin, smoothing the surface evenly and creating a shallow diagonal slit using a knife. Generously dust the top with additional sugar for a crisp, caramelized finish.
  5. Place the tin in the preheated oven and bake for 45-60 minutes, periodically checking the cake’s doneness by inserting a skewer into the center – it should emerge clean when the cake is fully baked.
  6. After removing from the oven, allow the cake to rest in the tin for 10 minutes, enabling it to settle and prevent crumbling.
  7. Carefully remove the loaf from the tin and transfer to a wire rack, letting it cool completely to room temperature.
  8. Once thoroughly cooled, slice the marmalade loaf cake into delectable portions and store in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Notes

  • Switch citrus for a flavor twist by using lemon or tangerine zest, which adds bright, zesty notes to the cake.
  • Create a gluten-free version by substituting regular flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the same tender texture.
  • Enhance moisture by adding a tablespoon of Greek yogurt or sour cream, preventing the cake from becoming dry during baking.
  • Elevate the marmalade intensity by folding in extra chopped marmalade pieces into the batter for bursts of citrusy goodness.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45-60 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: British

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 282 kcal
  • Sugar: 23 g
  • Sodium: 120 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fiber: 1.2 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg
Jackson Reid

Jackson Reid

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Single-serving recipe development
  • Global flavor fusion
  • Minimalist cooking techniques
  • Food photography and styling

Education

Holyoke Community College – HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Farm-to-table cuisine, sustainable cooking practices, and hands-on kitchen training


Jackson’s love for cooking began one dish at a time. After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Holyoke Community College’s HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute, he focused on what mattered most: creating recipes that are simple to follow and full of flavor.
At 10 Below Ice Cream, Jackson brings together global influences and a less-is-more approach. His recipes reflect his belief that good food doesn’t need to be complicated; it just needs to make sense, taste great, and feel right.
When he’s not testing ingredients or adjusting seasonings, you’ll find him hiking near Asheville, exploring local markets, or chasing the best light for food photos.

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