The Golden Secret: Your Foolproof Madeira Cake Recipe

Baking a delightful madeira cake brings pure joy to any kitchen adventure.

Sweet aromas will drift through your home as butter and flour blend perfectly.

Portuguese culinary traditions inspire this classic treat with remarkable simplicity.

Soft crumb and delicate flavor characterize this beloved British-style cake.

Light and tender, each slice promises comfort and nostalgia.

Minimal ingredients create maximum satisfaction for home bakers seeking something special.

You’ll fall in love with this straightforward yet elegant dessert that celebrates timeless baking magic.

Slice into this cake and let deliciousness sweep you away.

Why James Martin Madeira Cake Is A Classic Favorite

• Bake with Ease: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this Madeira cake perfect for bakers of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced home cooks.
• Create Versatile Delights: Enjoy this classic cake as a delectable breakfast treat, afternoon tea companion, or elegant dessert that pairs wonderfully with coffee or tea.
• Celebrate Family Traditions: A nostalgic recipe that brings generations together, offering a comforting and familiar taste that reminds you of home-baked goodness.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: Minimal preparation and simple mixing technique allow you to transform basic pantry ingredients into a beautiful, zesty cake in no time.

Ingredients Needed For James Martin Madeira Cake

• Butter: A rich, creamy ingredient that provides moisture and helps create a tender cake texture.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a light, golden-brown crust on the cake.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cake's structure and richness.
• Flour: The primary dry ingredient that gives the cake its basic structure and texture.

• Lemon Zest: Adds a bright, citrusy aroma and subtle tangy flavor to the cake.
• Milk: Provides additional moisture and helps create a softer crumb.

• Candied Peel: Offers a decorative and slightly sweet citrus accent to the top of the cake.

How To Bake James Martin Madeira Cake

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Heat your oven to a toasty 180°C (350°F). Prepare an 18cm round baking tin by greasing the sides and lining the bottom with parchment paper.

Step 2: Whip Up Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until the mixture becomes light, airy, and looks like fluffy clouds.

Step 3: Incorporate Eggs

Crack the eggs one at a time into the butter-sugar mixture. Blend each egg thoroughly before adding the next. When you add the final egg, gently mix in some of the flour.

Step 4: Create Smooth Batter

Carefully fold in the remaining flour, adding milk and freshly grated lemon zest. Stir until the batter becomes silky and well combined, with no lumpy patches.

Step 5: Prepare for Baking

Pour the batter into the prepared tin, using a spatula to spread it evenly and create a smooth surface.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the tin into the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes. The cake is ready when it turns a beautiful golden brown and a skewer inserted into the center comes out completely clean.

Step 7: Cool and Finish

Let the cake rest in the tin for 10 minutes to settle. Carefully transfer to a cooling rack. Optional: Sprinkle some candied citrus peel on top for an extra touch of elegance.

Tips To Perfect James Martin Madeira Cake

• Zest It Up: Add extra lemon zest for a brighter, more intense citrus flavor that elevates the cake's taste profile.
• Room Temperature Magic: Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better cake texture.
• Test for Doneness: Insert a skewer or toothpick in the center – if it comes out clean with no wet batter, your cake is perfectly baked.
• Prevent Dry Edges: Cover the cake with foil halfway through baking to stop edges from becoming too dark or crispy.
• Storing Smartly: Wrap the cooled cake in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to maintain moisture for 3-4 days at room temperature.

Try These Variations Of James Martin Madeira Cake

• Gluten-Free Madeira Cake: Replace wheat flour with almond or rice flour for a celiac-friendly version.
• Citrus Swap: Substitute lemon zest with orange or lime zest for a different aromatic profile.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut oil instead of butter and almond milk in place of regular milk.
• Low-Sugar Adaptation: Replace sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener for a reduced-calorie alternative.

What Goes Well With James Martin Madeira Cake

• Pair Citrusy Tea: Brew a fragrant Earl Grey or lemon-infused tea to complement the cake's zesty lemon notes, creating a refreshing and elegant afternoon treat.
• Match Sweet Dessert Wine: Select a light Moscato or sweet Sauternes to enhance the cake's delicate flavor, bringing out its subtle sweetness and citrus undertones.
• Create Cream Cheese Spread: Whip softened cream cheese with a touch of honey and lemon zest to serve alongside the cake, adding a creamy and tangy dimension to each bite.
• Explore Fresh Berry Garnish: Scatter fresh raspberries or blueberries around the cake plate, providing a bright, juicy contrast to the cake's buttery texture and adding a pop of color.

How To Store James Martin Madeira Cake Easily

• Store cake in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out.
• Slice cake, wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bag. Keeps well for 2-3 months.
• Keep covered with cake dome or container at room temperature for 2-3 days if house is cool and dry.
• Warm individual slices in microwave for 10-15 seconds. Alternatively, let frozen slice thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.

James Martin Madeira Cake FAQ Guide

• What makes Madeira cake different from other cakes?

Madeira cake is a classic British sponge known for its dense, firm texture and subtle lemon flavor, traditionally served with Madeira wine during afternoon tea.

• Is Madeira cake difficult to make for beginners?

No, it’s quite simple. The recipe uses basic ingredients and straightforward mixing techniques, making it an excellent cake for novice bakers to try.

• Why does the recipe include lemon zest?

Lemon zest adds a bright, subtle citrus note that enhances the cake’s flavor and provides a traditional taste characteristic of authentic Madeira cake.

• Can I substitute ingredients in this recipe?

You can swap milk with alternatives like almond milk, and use gluten-free flour for a similar texture. However, keep proportions consistent for best results.

Madeira Cake Recipe

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4.7 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 45-55 mins
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Madeira cake brings classic British charm to your dessert table with its delicate crumb and subtle citrus notes. Perfected generations ago, this elegant treat delivers simple sophistication perfect for afternoon tea or quiet moments of sweet indulgence you’ll savor completely.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 250 grams (8.8 ounces) self-raising flour
• 175 grams (6.2 ounces) butter, room temperature
• 175 grams (6.2 ounces) caster sugar
• 3 free-range eggs

Liquid and Flavoring:

• 23 tablespoons (1.44 cups) milk
• Zest of 1 lemon

Topping:

• Candied lemon peel (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare an 18cm round cake tin by greasing and lining with parchment paper. Set oven temperature to 180°C (350°F).
2. Using an electric mixer, thoroughly combine butter and sugar until the mixture becomes pale and airy, creating a smooth consistency.
3. Incorporate eggs individually, mixing thoroughly after each addition. When adding the final egg, gently fold in the flour to maintain the mixture’s lightness.
4. Delicately blend remaining flour, introducing milk and fresh lemon zest to enhance the batter’s flavor and texture.
5. Transfer the batter into the prepared tin, using a spatula to distribute evenly and create a smooth surface.
6. Place the tin in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. The cake is ready when it develops a golden exterior and a inserted skewer emerges clean without wet batter.
7. Allow the cake to rest in the tin for 10 minutes, enabling it to set and cool slightly. Carefully remove and transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.
8. Optional: Garnish the top with candied citrus peel for an elegant finishing touch.

Notes

• Adjust baking time based on your oven’s performance, as some ovens run hotter or cooler than others.
• Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth mixing and even baking.
• Avoid overmixing the batter after adding flour to prevent a tough, dense cake texture.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute regular flour with a high-quality gluten-free flour blend, ensuring it contains xanthan gum for better structure.

• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 30-40 mins
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 329 kcal
• Sugar: 19 g
• Sodium: 98 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg