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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- Prepare an 18cm round cake tin by greasing and lining with parchment paper. Set oven temperature to 180°C (350°F).
- Using an electric mixer, thoroughly combine butter and sugar until the mixture becomes pale and airy, creating a smooth consistency.
- Incorporate eggs individually, mixing thoroughly after each addition. When adding the final egg, gently fold in the flour to maintain the mixture’s lightness.
- Delicately blend remaining flour, introducing milk and fresh lemon zest to enhance the batter’s flavor and texture.
- Transfer the batter into the prepared tin, using a spatula to distribute evenly and create a smooth surface.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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