Madeira Cake Recipe Kerrygold Ireland from kerrygold.com
Introduction
Madeira cake is a classic British cake that originated from the Madeira Islands in Portugal. It is a simple and delicious cake that is perfect for any occasion. The cake is light and moist with a slightly crunchy crust. It is traditionally served with a cup of tea or coffee. In this article, we will share with you a traditional Madeira cake recipe that you can easily make at home.
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you will need to make a traditional Madeira cake:
250g unsalted butter, softened
250g caster sugar
4 large eggs
300g self-raising flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 lemon, zested
1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Follow these simple instructions to make a traditional Madeira cake:
Preheat your oven to 160°C/fan 140°C/gas mark 3. Grease and line a 20cm round cake tin.
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Sift in the flour and baking powder, then fold them in gently until just combined.
Add the lemon zest and vanilla extract, then mix until well combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared cake tin and smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the tin for 10 minutes.
Transfer the cake to a wire rack and let it cool completely.
Serve the cake with a cup of tea or coffee.
Nutrition
Here is the nutritional information for a traditional Madeira cake:
Serving size: 1 slice (1/10th of the cake)
Calories: 354
Total fat: 19g
Saturated fat: 11g
Cholesterol: 119mg
Sodium: 19mg
Total carbohydrates: 41g
Dietary fiber: 1g
Sugars: 24g
Protein: 5g
Tips
Here are some tips to help you make the perfect traditional Madeira cake:
Make sure your butter is softened before you start making the cake. This will make it easier to cream with the sugar.
Use room temperature eggs. This will help the cake batter to emulsify and rise properly.
Don't overmix the batter. Once you add the flour, fold it in gently until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake.
Zest the lemon before you juice it. It's easier to zest a whole lemon than a half lemon.
Let the cake cool completely before slicing it. This will help it to hold its shape and prevent it from crumbling.
Variations
If you want to switch things up a bit, here are some variations on the traditional Madeira cake recipe:
Add chopped nuts or dried fruit to the batter for extra texture and flavor.
Replace the lemon zest with orange or lime zest for a different citrus flavor.
Drizzle the cake with a simple syrup or glaze for extra sweetness.
Serve the cake with whipped cream, fresh berries, or a fruit compote.
Conclusion
Making a traditional Madeira cake is easy and the result is delicious. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a classic British cake that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you serve it with a cup of tea or coffee, or dress it up with some whipped cream and fresh berries, this cake is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. So why not give it a try and see for yourself how tasty it can be?