Madeira Cake
A classic Madeira Cake featuring a buttery, lemon-flavored crumb with a tender texture, perfect for teatime or celebrations with a light, citrusy aroma.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Grease and line the base and sides of a 6-inch deep round cake pan with wax paper. Sift flour, salt, and baking powder together.
- Cream the butter with sugar and lemon rind until light and fluffy.
- Gradually beat in the lightly beaten eggs, a little at a time, beating well in between.
- Carefully fold in the dry ingredients.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth over the top.
- Bake in a 350°F (180°C) oven for 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 hours.
- Cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then turn out and allow to cool on a wire rack.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, ensure your butter is at room temperature before creaming with sugar. You can substitute the lemon rind with orange zest for a different citrus flavor. If you're looking for a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Remember not to overmix when folding in the dry ingredients to keep the cake fluffy.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Madeira cake plain or dusted with powdered sugar for a simple treat. It pairs beautifully with tea or coffee and can be enjoyed alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert. For an added touch, consider serving it with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream to enhance the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Once cooled, store the Madeira cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. If you want to keep it longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months. To reheat, simply thaw at room temperature, or warm slices in the microwave for a few seconds.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Madeira Cake contains roughly 126 calories, with 2g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is a good source of calcium (15% of the Daily Value), iron (12% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 776mg per serving (34% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of flour for this recipe?
Yes, you can use self-rising flour instead of all-purpose flour, but you should omit the baking powder. For a gluten-free option, a gluten-free all-purpose blend will work well, though the texture may vary slightly.
What can I add to the cake for extra flavor?
You can add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or almond extract to the batter for a richer flavor. Chopped nuts or dried fruit can also be incorporated for added texture and taste, making it a versatile treat.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
To check if your Madeira cake is done, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached. Additionally, the cake should spring back when lightly pressed on top.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).