Classic Madeira Cake
Madeira cake is a traditional British butter cake with a close, fine crumb and a mild lemon flavor from zest and a small amount of juice. Despite the name, it contains no Madeira wine — the pairing with the fortified wine was simply a Victorian custom. It bakes in about an hour and keeps well for several days, making it a reliable everyday bake.
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Electric Mixer
- 9-inch round cake pan
- Cooling Rack
- Zester
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter at room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar fine quality
- 3 large eggs at room temperature
- 2 cups all-purpose flour sifted
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest freshly grated from an organic lemon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract pure
- ¼ cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar for topping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease the cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper, ensuring an easier release.
- In a mixing bowl, cream the butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, approximately 3 to 5 minutes. The batter should become pale and airy.
- Gradually add the eggs one at a time, beating well between each addition until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the sifted flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add the dry ingredients into the creamed mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the flour mixture.
- Stir in the lemon zest and vanilla extract, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing to ensure the cake remains tender.
- Transfer the batter to the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of sugar evenly over the surface to create a delightful crust.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Notes
Tammy’s Tips:
- The batter can be flavored with a hint of almond extract for a subtle twist.
- For a citrusy variation, orange zest can replace the lemon zest.
- Using room temperature ingredients ensures a smoother batter and better rise.
Nutrition
Calories: 459kcalCarbohydrates: 53gProtein: 6gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 132mgSodium: 212mgPotassium: 80mgFiber: 1gSugar: 29gVitamin A: 823IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 92mgIron: 2mg
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