Dish

Madeira Cake

Madeira Cake is a simple and classic cake that is made with flour, sugar, butter, and lemon. The cake is traditionally made by creaming the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. The eggs are then added one at a time, followed by the flour and lemon zest. The mixture is then baked in the oven until it is golden brown. The cake is best served warm with a dollop of clotted cream and a cup of tea. It is suitable for vegetarians.

European cuisine› Mediterranean cuisine› Portuguese cuisine

Dessert› Cake

Origins and history

Madeira Cake is a traditional British cake that has been enjoyed for generations. It is believed to have originated in the 18th century, when it was created by the royal bakeries of England. The cake was originally made with Madeira wine, but this is no longer used in modern versions of the cake.

Dietary considerations

Suitable for vegetarians.

Variations

There are many variations of Madeira Cake, some of which include the addition of dried fruit or nuts. Some recipes also call for the use of orange zest instead of lemon.

Presentation and garnishing

To make the perfect Madeira Cake, be sure to use good quality butter and lemon zest. The cake should be baked until it is golden brown and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. It can be presented on a cake stand with a dusting of icing sugar and garnished with fresh berries or a sprig of mint.

Tips & Tricks

Be sure to allow the cake to cool completely before slicing. If you want to add dried fruit or nuts, be sure to fold them in gently at the end to avoid overmixing the batter.