Butter Madeira Cake

Indulge in the timeless charm of a classic Butter Madeira Cake, a perfectly moist and buttery treat with delicate hints of vanilla and optional zesty lemon. This easy-to-make recipe combines simplicity with sophistication, featuring a light, tender crumb and a delightful sugary crust. With just a few staple ingredients like softened unsalted butter, caster sugar, and plain flour, this cake comes together effortlessly in under 20 minutes of prep time. Ideal for teatime or as a comforting dessert, the Butter Madeira Cake pairs beautifully with a steaming cup of tea or a dollop of whipped cream. Its golden-brown exterior and subtly sweet flavor make it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whether you're baking for a family gathering or a quiet moment of indulgence, this classic Madeira cake promises to deliver pure delight in every slice.

Nutriscore Rating: 43/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:60 mins

Total Time:80 mins

Servings: 10

Ingredients

• 225 grams Unsalted butter, softened
• 225 grams Caster sugar
• 4 pieces Large eggs
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
• 275 grams Plain flour
• 1 teaspoon Baking powder
• 2 tablespoons Milk
• 1 teaspoon Lemon zest (optional)
• 1 tablespoon Granulated sugar (for topping)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) or 350°F. Grease a 20cm (8-inch) round cake tin and line the base with parchment paper.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and caster sugar together using a hand or stand mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy. This will take about 3-5 minutes.

Step 3

Gradually add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. If the mixture starts to curdle, add a tablespoon of the flour to help bring it back together.

Step 4

Mix in the vanilla extract and optional lemon zest, if using.

Step 5

Sift the plain flour and baking powder together in a separate bowl. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula or wooden spoon. Be gentle to avoid deflating the batter.

Step 6

Add the milk and gently mix until the batter reaches a smooth, dropping consistency. It should fall off a spoon slowly but not be too runny.

Step 7

Spoon the batter into the prepared cake tin and level the surface. Sprinkle the granulated sugar evenly over the top to create a slight crunch on the baked surface.

Step 8

Bake in the preheated oven for 55-60 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 9

Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the tin for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 10

Slice and serve the Butter Madeira Cake on its own or with a dollop of cream or a cup of tea.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	978 grams (978.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3852

Total Fat 205.90g	264%
Saturated Fat 122.30g	612%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.00g
Cholesterol 1238mg	413%
Sodium 777mg	34%
Total Carbohydrate 456.20g	166%
Dietary Fiber 7.70g	28%
Total Sugars 240.60g
Protein 55.40g	111%

Vitamin D 173IU	865%
Calcium 250mg	19%
Iron 17mg	96%
Potassium 682mg	15%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 47.5%

Protein: 5.7%

Carbs: 46.8%