Easy Madeira Cake | The Best Sponge For Celebrations
Are you looking for a simple but impressive way to celebrate a loved one’s birthday or special milestone? Look no further than the classic Madeira cake! (a Paul Hollywood recipe) This timeless sponge is delicious, easy to make, and sure to be devoured by your friends and family. With its light texture and natural sweetness from the use of margarine and sugar, it’s perfect for any kind of occasion – small or large. Whether you want something smaller for an intimate gathering or bigger for a crowd-pleasing dessert, I’m here to show you just how delicious this beloved British favourite can be!
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Why a Madeira sponge for a celebration cake?
Not only does it have a delightful texture that is firm yet moist, but it also provides a versatile base that can be flavoured and decorated to suit every taste preference. Its delicious flavour profile even pairs well with a myriad of fillings such as whipped cream, fruit curds or chocolate ganache. Moreover, Madeira sponge cake can hold its shape, making it ideal for intricate cake designs. So, whether you’re celebrating a wedding, birthday or graduation, it is the perfect way to mark the occasion with a sweet and sensational touch.
What you’ll love about this recipe:
Ingredients
For 10 – 16 servings, you will need the following ingredients for a 15cm/6 inch tin:
- 330 g Self-Raising Flour
- 220 g Caster Sugar
- 220 g Soft Margarine
- 4 Eggs
- 2 tbsp Milk
How to make a medium size Madeira cake
Serving suggestions
If you’re a fan of the classic Madeira sponge cake, then you’ll be pleased to know that there are countless ways to enjoy this delicious dessert. Here are ten creative ways to serve Madeira sponge cake that will surely satisfy every taste bud:
- Classic Madeira Sponge Cake – Serve this fluffy cake with a side of whipped cream and fresh berries for a delicious mid-morning snack or after-dinner dessert.
- Lemon and Poppy Seed Cake – Add a zesty twist to traditional Madeira cake by incorporating lemon zest and poppy seeds into the batter. Decorate with icing and slices of fresh lemon.
- Chocolate Madeira Sponge Cake – Chocolate lovers will adore this rich and decadent version of Madeira sponge cake. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a double chocolate delight.
- Berry-Topped Madeira Sponge Cake – Top your Madeira sponge cake with fresh strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for a colourful and refreshing treat.
- French Toast – Turn leftover Madeira sponge cake into a delicious French Toast by dipping slices in a mixture of eggs and milk, then fry until golden brown. Serve with maple syrup and fresh fruit.
- Cake Trifle – Create a decadent trifle by layering Madeira cake with whipped cream, fresh berries, and custard. Top with a sprinkle of nuts or chocolate shavings.
- Savoury Sponge Cake – Opt for a savoury version of Madeira sponge cake by adding olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and cheese to the batter. Serve with a side salad for a light lunch option.
- S’mores – For a fun twist on the classic campfire treat, toast marshmallows on top of a slice of Madeira cake, then sandwich with chocolate and graham crackers.
- Ice Cream Sundae – Create a delicious ice cream sundae by layering crushed Madeira cake, ice cream, chocolate sauce, and whipped cream in a glass.
- Pancakes – Use leftover Madeira cake in pancake batter for a sweet, fluffy breakfast treat. Top with sliced bananas and cinnamon for extra flavour.
No matter what occasion, Madeira sponge cake is an excellent dessert that can be served in multiple ways. Whether you enjoy it as a standalone cake or incorporate it into other dishes,
How to store a Madeira cake
This delicious, light cake can be enjoyed as a midday treat or an after-dinner dessert. Proper storage of this delicate baked good is essential to retain its flavour, texture, and freshness. Here’s a comprehensive guide to storing Madeira cake for maximum longevity and freshness.
Best Practices for Wrapping, Packaging, and Storing Madeira Cake:
- First, let the cake cool down to room temperature before storing it. This prevents moisture from accumulating inside the container and causing the cake to spoil.
- Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminium foil to prevent air and humidity from getting in. Alternatively, use airtight containers made of glass or plastic.
- If you’re storing slices of Madeira cake, wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap or keep them in airtight containers.
- Proper labelling of the cake with the date and name of the cake is essential to avoid confusion and prevent spoilage.
- Store the wrapped or packaged cake in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources, such as ovens or stovetops.
Storage Tips for Freezing and Refrigerating Madeira Cake:
- Madeira cake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place it in an airtight container.
- To freeze the cake, wrap the cooled cake in plastic wrap or foil and place it in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months.
- When thawing frozen cake, remove it from the freezer and place it in the refrigerator to defrost overnight. Once defrosted, bring the cake to room temperature before serving.
Easy Madeira Cake | The Best Sponge For Celebrations
Ingredients
- 330 g Self-Raising Flour
- 220 g Caster Sugar
- 220 g Soft Margarine
- 4 Eggs
- 2 tbsp Milk
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 150℃/140℃fan/Gas 2. Grease and line the base of a 15cm deep loose-based tin with baking paper.
- Put all the ingredients in a mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. Start mixing at low speed to combine the ingredients, then increase the speed and mix for 1 minute until smooth and pale in colour. Pour into the tin and level the top.
- Bake in the oven for 1 hour and 15 minutes. It should be lightly golden and spring back when gently pressed. Leave to cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack. Leave to cool completely.
