This classic Madeira Cake has a soft, buttery crumb and a slight tang from sour cream, making it an elegant yet simple dessert. With only a few basic ingredients, this cake is perfect for tea time, brunch, or even as a base for creative toppings. Let’s get baking!
Ingredients You’ll Need For Madeira cake
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious cake:
- 250g salted butter, softened
- 350g castor sugar
- 6 eggs
- 130g sour cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 200g self-raising flour
- 75g cake flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
Why These Ingredients Work
- Butter and sugar: Beating these together creates the cake’s structure by incorporating air into the batter, making it light and fluffy.
- Sour cream: Adds moisture and a slight tang, preventing the cake from being too sweet while keeping the crumb tender.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a subtle flavor that complements the rich buttery taste.
- Self-raising and cake flour: The combination of these flours gives a perfect balance of texture — light, but with enough structure to hold its shape.
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 170°C (340°F) to ensure it’s ready by the time your batter is prepared.
2. Prepare Your Baking Pan
Grease your baking pan generously with baking spray, ensuring all corners are covered. I recommend using a bread tin for this recipe as it allows for even baking.
Tip: If you don’t have baking spray, you can also grease the pan with butter and dust it lightly with flour to prevent sticking.
3. Beat Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and castor sugar for 3-4 minutes until pale and fluffy. This step is crucial for giving your cake structure. Beating the butter and sugar thoroughly will trap air, resulting in a lighter crumb.
Tip: Make sure your butter is soft but not melted for the best results.
4. Add the Eggs
Add the eggs in three additions, beating well after each addition to ensure the mixture stays smooth. Don’t rush this step—taking your time with each addition ensures even mixing and avoids curdling.
5. Mix in Sour Cream and Vanilla
Once the eggs are fully incorporated, add the sour cream and vanilla extract. Stir until well combined. The sour cream will add richness and moisture to the cake.
6. Sift and Combine the Dry Ingredients
Sift together the self-raising flour, cake flour, and baking powder into the wet ingredients. Gently fold the flour mixture into the batter until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can make the cake dense.
Tip: Sifting the dry ingredients helps avoid clumps and ensures even distribution throughout the batter.
7. Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared baking tin and smooth out the top with a spatula. Bake the cake for 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool and Serve
Once baked, let the cake cool completely in the tin before removing. This allows the structure to set, making the cake easier to slice without crumbling.
Tips for Success
- Room temperature ingredients: Make sure your butter, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature before starting. Cold ingredients don’t incorporate as smoothly and can affect the cake’s texture.
- Avoid over-mixing: Once the dry ingredients are added, mix only until just combined. Overworking the batter can result in a tough, dense cake.
- Test for doneness: Every oven is different, so start checking your cake after 45 minutes. The top should be golden brown, and a skewer or toothpick should come out clean when inserted into the center.
Storage Suggestions
This Madeira Cake keeps well at room temperature for up to 3 days if stored in an airtight container. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months; just thaw it overnight in the fridge before serving.
Madeira cake Recipe
Ingredients
- 250 g salted butter softened
- 350 g castor sugar
- 6 eggs
- 130 g sour cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 200 g self-raising flour Golden Cloud
- 75 g cake flour Golden Cloud
- 1 tsp baking powder Royal Baking Powder
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 170°C. Prepare the baking pan with bake and spray.
- Beat butter and sugar together for 3-4 minutes until pale and fluffy.
- Add eggs in 3 additions, beating well after each addition.
- Add sour cream and vanilla extract. Mix well.
- Sift in self-raising flour, cake flour, and baking powder. Mix until well combined.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 50 minutes.
- Allow the cake to cool completely in the tin.
Notes
- Ensure butter and sugar are well beaten for a fluffy texture.
- Cool the cake completely before slicing for best results.
Leave a Reply