Madeira Delight

Ingredients

• 250g (2 cups) all-purpose flour 250g (2 cups) all-purpose flour
• 200g (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened 200g (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened
• 200g (1 cup) granulated sugar 200g (1 cup) granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs 4 large eggs
• 120ml (1/2 cup) Madeira wine 120ml (1/2 cup) Madeira wine
• Zest of 1 lemon Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 tsp baking powder 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt 1/4 tsp salt

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 20g, 12g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 45g, 25g
• Protein: 5g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. 2.
   In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. 3.
   Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. 4.
   Stir in the Madeira wine and lemon zest.
5. 5.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
6. 6.
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
7. 7.
   Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
8. 8.
   Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. 9.
   Remove from the oven and let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Butter — Make sure the butter is softened at room temperature before creaming it with the sugar to achieve a smooth and fluffy texture.
• Madeira wine — Choose a good quality Madeira wine that complements the flavors of the cake. If you prefer a stronger Madeira flavor, you can increase the amount slightly.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra citrus kick, you can drizzle the cooled cake with a lemon glaze made from lemon juice and powdered sugar.
• To enhance the richness of the cake, you can serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
• If you don't have Madeira wine, you can substitute it with a sweet white wine or even a dry sherry for a different flavor profile.
• Ensure all the ingredients are at room temperature before starting the recipe to ensure proper mixing and baking.
• To prevent the cake from sticking to the pan, line the bottom with parchment paper before greasing.

Serving advice

Serve the Madeira Delight as a delightful afternoon treat with a cup of tea or coffee. It can also be enjoyed as a dessert after a delicious Portuguese meal.

Presentation advice

Dust the top of the cake with a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an elegant and classic presentation. You can also garnish it with a few thin lemon slices or fresh berries for a pop of color.