Basic Madeira Cake

Frivolously flavored with lemon and topped with candied lemon slices, this traditional English Madeira Cake is the simplest dessert you’ll ever make.

Close up of the cake with candied lemon slices on top.

I’ve a brand new obsession: The Nice British Bake Off.

I do know I’m late to the social gathering right here… later than I assumed really. I assumed the latest season was Season 3, however apparently what I’m watching is season 6! The place have I been for six years?! A lot to make amends for!!

Ugh, I hope I can discover the older seasons someplace. I really caught the final episode of season 4 (what I assumed was season 2) a pair months in the past and have been hooked ever since.

Kicking myself for lacking out on all of these seasons.

Overhead shot of the cake on a white plate.

I do know Season 6 is technically over, but it surely simply began a number of weeks in the past right here in Canada and I’ve been fortunately engrossed in it ever since.

There’s one thing about British TV exhibits that’s simply higher than ones within the US and Canada. They’ve a sure really feel to them and the next high quality (for my part). The Nice British Bake Off isn’t any exception….the US model completely tanked and I, myself, couldn’t even get by means of one episode. SO BAD.

I believe the attraction of the British model is that the contestants are actually relatable. They aren’t professionals, by any means, and there’s only a real high quality about them. Plus the hosts and judges are the BEST. Sue Perkins is my fave. Hilarious!

I’m additionally loving the truth that in watching this present I’m being uncovered to baked items I’ve by no means even heard of — like this traditional Madeira Cake.

In accordance with Mary Berry, a Madeira Cake is an in depth textured plain cake that’s signified by a dome and a crack on the highest. Historically it’s lemon in taste and has some type of candied lemon garnish.

I didn’t stray away from the standard model as I needed to attempt it in its traditional kind. In spite of everything, Mary did say that you may’t beat the traditional. It’s actually easy to make. In actual fact, I believe it may be the simplest cake I’ve ever made.

Cake Tip!

Not a lemon fan? Attempt it with another citrus as a substitute utilizing the identical quantities.

Angled close up of the candied lemon slices.

Naturally, this was try #2 at this cake — #1 was an epic fail. Since all the conventional recipes are British, I had a little bit of exhausting time determining ratios and quantities from grams to cups, however principally changing from self-raising flour to all-purpose.

Sadly my first cake, as scrumptious because it was, fully sank within the center attributable to an excessive amount of baking powder. My sources steered me fallacious!

Overhead shot of the cake on a white plate with cut lemons beside it.

The information I discovered was so as to add 2 tsps of baking powder per cup of all-purpose flour to make self-raising flour. This appeared like loads (based mostly on my expertise) however, in opposition to my higher judgment, I went with 4 tsps per my 2 1/2 cups within the recipe, but it surely was nonetheless method an excessive amount of.

I ended up going with 1 tsp of baking powder per cup (which is normal) and it labored completely.

Candied Lemon Slices

The candied lemon slices have been very simple to make. The secret’s to slice them very skinny (1/8″ thick) then you definately simmer them in a sugary easy syrup till they’re candied. And sure, you’ll be able to completely eat the rind! It softens within the syrup and is scrumptious.

My Madeira Cake didn’t dome fairly as a lot as I had hoped, there’s only a slight hump in there, however I’m pleased with it. It did crack although! Fairly good if I do say so myself.

This Madeira Cake is ideal for afternoon tea. Or breakfast, I don’t choose.

It’s easy and scrumptious. Actually, is there something higher than that?? I like to recommend microwaving items for about 20 seconds earlier than consuming for that fresh-out-of-the-oven style. I’ll be making this one once more for positive!

Searching for extra Lemon recipes?

Ceaselessly Requested Questions

How can I convert this recipe?

To make cupcakes, all you have to do is cut back the baking time — begin checking at 15mins or so. The recipe will make 18-24 cupcakes relying on measurement.
For different conversions go right here. Bake time might differ relying on pan measurement.
Baking time will differ for those who change the pan measurement. Each oven is totally different so I can’t say for sure what you’ll want to regulate it to. Make sure you examine on the desserts whereas they’re baking.

Can I make it upfront?

The cooled cake layers may be baked forward of time, double wrapped in plastic wrap, and frozen for as much as 3 months. Take out 2-3 hours earlier than serving.
The candied lemon slices may be shops at room temperature for a pair days.

Can I get the measurements by weight/grams?

There’s a Metric choice within the recipe card. When you click on it it’ll convert every thing to grams.
This conversion is completed robotically and I can’t assure the accuracy however many readers have had success utilizing the metric choice on my recipes.

Ideas for making this Madeira Cake

You possibly can change caster sugar with granulated sugar for those who can’t discover any.
Be certain that your 8″ pan is not less than 3″ tall or the cake might overflow.
Make sure you slice your lemons skinny and even for greatest outcomes and prettiest presentation.
The leftover syrup from the candied lemon slices can be utilized to drizzle over the cake or it can save you it and refrigerate it so as to add it to iced tea or different drinks.
I put together my cake pans utilizing Home made Cake Launch and line with parchment paper.
To assist guarantee your cake layers bake up good and flat, try my Bake Flat Muffins publish!

This traditional English Madeira Cake is the simplest dessert you’ll ever make. Frivolously flavored with lemon and topped with candied lemon slices.

Course Dessert

Delicacies British

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook dinner Time 1 hour

Complete Time 1 hour 15 minutes

Servings 10 servings

Energy 537kcal

Components

Directions

Madeira Cake:

Preheat oven to 325F (170C). Grease and flour a deep* 8″ spherical cake pan, line with parchment.
In a medium bowl, whisk flour and baking powder. Put aside.
Beat butter, sugar, and lemon zest on med-high till pale and fluffy (2-3mins). Add eggs separately together with one tablespoon of flour combination for every egg. Totally incorporate after every addition.
Gently fold in flour combination, then lemon juice.
Bake for about 1 hour or till a cake tester comes out clear. Cool in pan for 10mins then end up onto wire rack to chill fully.

Candied Lemon Slices:

Place sugar and water in a big, shallow, saucepan. Deliver to a simmer and stir till dissolved. Gently lay the lemon slices in a single layer within the saucepan. Simmer for 15mins, turning over half method by means of.
Fastidiously take away slices from pan, dripping off extra syrup, and place on a parchment lined baking sheet.** Permit to dry at room temperature. Dip in granulated sugar if desired.

Notes

* Be certain that your pan is not less than 3″ deep.
** The cooled lemon syrup may be drizzled over cake or utilized in numerous drinks. I used mine in selfmade iced tea.
Madeira Cake recipe tailored from Nigella Lawson.
Candied Lemon recipe from Our Finest Bites

Energy: 537kcalCarbohydrates: 86gProtein: 5gFats: 20gSaturated Fats: 12gLdl cholesterol: 104mgSodium: 27mgPotassium: 215mgFiber: 1gSugar: 60gVitamin A: 650IUVitamin C: 11.5mgCalcium: 78mgIron: 2mg

The dietary info and metric conversions are calculated robotically. I can’t assure the accuracy of this information. If that is necessary to you, please confirm along with your favourite vitamin calculator and/or metric conversion device.

This recipe was initially printed Aug 21, 2016 and has been up to date with new content material on January nineteenth, 2023.