Mary Berry'S Classic Madeira Cake Recipe: A Step-By-Step Guide To Perfection

Mary Berry's Madeira cake is a delightful dessert that captures the essence of traditional British baking. Known for its rich texture and slightly lemony flavor, this cake is a favorite among baking enthusiasts and casual bakers alike. In this post, we will take you through a detailed, step-by-step guide to achieve the perfect Madeira cake, just like Mary Berry herself. So, roll up your sleeves, and let’s get started! 🍰

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What is Madeira Cake? 🥮

Madeira cake is a classic British cake that dates back to the 18th century. Traditionally served with tea, this cake is named after the Madeira wine, which was often enjoyed alongside it. Its firm yet moist texture makes it an ideal companion for a variety of toppings, from fresh fruit to a simple dusting of icing sugar.

Key Characteristics of Madeira Cake:

• Dense Texture: Unlike lighter cakes, Madeira cake has a more substantial and denser crumb.
• Flavor: Typically infused with a hint of lemon, giving it a refreshing zest.
• Versatile: Can be enjoyed plain or embellished with frosting and decorations.

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Ingredients You Will Need 🥄

To create Mary Berry’s Classic Madeira Cake, here are the ingredients you’ll need:

<table> <tr> <th>Ingredient</th> <th>Quantity</th> </tr> <tr> <td>Unsalted Butter</td> <td>250g (softened)</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Caster Sugar</td> <td>250g</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Large Eggs</td> <td>4 (beaten)</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Self-Raising Flour</td> <td>250g</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Lemon Zest</td> <td>Zest of 1 lemon</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Milk</td> <td>2 tablespoons</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Salt</td> <td>Pinch</td> </tr> </table>

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Step-by-Step Instructions to Bake Your Madeira Cake 👩‍🍳

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven 🔥

Begin by preheating your oven to 160°C (320°F) or gas mark 3. It’s essential to have a preheated oven to ensure that your cake rises properly.

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Step 2: Prepare Your Cake Tin 🥄

Grease a loaf tin (approximately 900g) with butter and line it with baking parchment. This will prevent your cake from sticking and help achieve a perfect finish.

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Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar 🧈

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and caster sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture becomes pale and fluffy. This process incorporates air, which will help the cake rise.

Important Note: “Ensure your butter is at room temperature for the best results.”

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Step 4: Add the Eggs 🍳

Slowly add the beaten eggs, one at a time, into the creamed butter and sugar. Mix well after each addition to avoid curdling.

Step 5: Mix in the Dry Ingredients 🍚

Sift the self-raising flour and salt into the bowl. Fold in the flour gently using a spatula or wooden spoon until fully combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, so be gentle.

Step 6: Add Lemon Zest and Milk 🍋

Fold in the lemon zest and milk to achieve a smooth batter. The milk will ensure the cake stays moist.

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Step 7: Pour Batter into the Tin 🍞

Transfer the cake batter into the prepared loaf tin, smoothing the top with a spatula.

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Step 8: Bake Your Madeira Cake ⏰

Place the tin in the preheated oven and bake for about 50-60 minutes. Keep an eye on the cake; if it starts to brown too quickly, cover it with foil.

Step 9: Check for Doneness ✅

To check if your cake is done, insert a skewer into the center. If it comes out clean, your cake is ready. If not, return it to the oven for a few more minutes.

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Step 10: Cool the Cake 🥵

Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the tin for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serving Suggestions 🍽️

Mary Berry's Madeira cake can be served plain or dressed up with a variety of toppings. Here are some serving suggestions:

• Fresh Berries: Top with a mix of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for a fruity twist.
• Lemon Icing: Drizzle a simple lemon icing made of icing sugar and lemon juice for added sweetness.
• Whipped Cream: Serve with a dollop of freshly whipped cream for an indulgent treat.

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Storing Your Madeira Cake 📦

If you have leftovers (which is rare!), store your Madeira cake in an airtight container at room temperature. It can last for up to a week, maintaining its moisture and flavor.

Important Note: "For longer storage, you can freeze the cake. Wrap it in cling film and then in foil before placing it in the freezer."

Variations of Madeira Cake 🎂

While Mary Berry’s recipe is a classic, you can experiment with different flavors and ingredients to create your own variations:

• Chocolate Madeira Cake: Add cocoa powder for a rich chocolate flavor.
• Almond Madeira Cake: Substitute some flour with ground almonds for a nutty taste.

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Mary Berry's Classic Madeira Cake is a wonderful addition to any baking repertoire. Its simplicity and delightful flavor make it a perfect recipe for both seasoned bakers and beginners. With this step-by-step guide, you’re well on your way to baking the perfect Madeira cake that you can be proud of. Enjoy your baking! 🍰