If you’re looking for a cake that’s simple, delicious, and perfect for any occasion, Mary Berry’s Madeira cake is the answer. This classic recipe is easy to follow and will give you a moist and buttery cake that’s perfect for tea time, picnics or as a dessert. In this article, we’ll walk you through the ingredients, instructions, and everything else you need to know to make the perfect Mary Berry Madeira Cake.
Ingredients:
- 225g unsalted butter, softened
- 225g caster sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 225g self-raising flour
- 100g ground almonds
- 1 tsp baking powder
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp milk
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 160°C/140°C fan/gas mark 3. Grease and line an 8-inch round cake tin with baking paper.
- In a large mixing 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 add the ground almonds, lemon zest, and milk. Fold everything together until just combined.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared tin and level the surface. Bake in the oven for 1 hour and 15 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Leave the cake to cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutritional Information:
Per Serving: 429 calories, 25g fat, 26g carbohydrates, 6g protein, 2g fiber, 43mg cholesterol, 212mg sodium.
Cooking Time:
1 hour and 15 minutes.
Equipment:
- 8-inch round cake tin
- Baking paper
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Sieve
- Spatula
- Wire rack
Serving Suggestions:
This cake is perfect on its own with a cup of tea or coffee. You can also serve it with fresh berries and whipped cream for a more indulgent dessert.
Variations:
If you want to mix things up, you can add a tablespoon of vanilla extract or almond extract to the mixture. You can also add some chopped nuts or dried fruit for extra texture and flavor.
Substitutions:
If you don’t have any ground almonds, you can substitute it with the same amount of plain flour. You can also substitute the lemon zest with orange zest or leave it out altogether.
Storage:
This cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or in the fridge for up to a week. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Tips:
- Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature before you start.
- Don’t overmix the batter. Fold everything together gently until just combined.
- Use a skewer to check if the cake is done. If it comes out clean, it’s ready.
Notes:
This recipe makes one 8-inch cake. If you want to make a larger cake, simply double the ingredients and bake for a little longer.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
- Yes, but you may want to reduce the amount of salt in the recipe.
- Can I use plain flour instead of self-raising flour?
- No, you need to use self-raising flour for this recipe.
- Can I freeze this cake?
- Yes, you can freeze it for up to 3 months.
Final Thoughts:
Mary Berry’s Madeira cake is a classic recipe that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it with a cup of tea or as a dessert, this cake is sure to impress. So why not give it a try and see for yourself?