Follow our simple steps for making a classic Madeira cake. Whip up a soft, buttery treat that’s perfect for afternoon tea.
Ingredients
- 175g/6oz butter, at room temperature
- 175g/6oz caster sugar
- 3 free-range eggs
- 250g/9oz self-raising flour
- 2-3 tablespoon milk
- 1 lemon, zest only
- 1-2 thin pieces of candied citron or lemon peel, to decorate
Method
- Pre-heat the oven to 180C/350F/Gas 4. Grease an 18cm/7in round cake tin, line the base with greaseproof paper and grease the paper.
- Cream the butter and sugar together in a bowl until pale and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, beating the mixture well between each one and adding a tablespoon of flour with the last egg to prevent the mixture curdling.
- Sift the flour and gently fold in, with enough milk to give a mixture that falls slowly from the spoon. Fold in the lemon zest.
- Spoon the mixture into the prepared tin and lightly level the top. Bake on the middle shelf of the oven for 30-40 minutes, or until golden-brown on top and a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and set aside to cool in the tin for 10 minutes and then turn it out on to a wire rack and leave to cool completely.
- To serve, decorate the cake with the candied peel.
Let us know how your cake turns out and post a photo on our Facebook page.