I feel I should apologise for even daring to add anything to one of the greatest classics around. A Madeira cake does not need anything else except a hot cup of tea. The simple addition of almond powder does not take anything away from this classic cake. Everything that makes a Madeira special is still there. The almonds merely impart a very subtle texture and flavour that seems to act as a preservative to all things Madeira.
This cake could not be easier to make. All-in-one-bowl method. A few steps and you have the most wonderful cake.
Ingredients for Cake
- 225 g butter
- 225 g caster sugar
- 225 g self-raising flour
- 70 g ground almonds
- 4 eggs
- zest of 2 lemons.
Method to make Cake
- Preheat oven to 180 degrees celsius.
- Grease and line the base of a 22cm x 12cm loaf pan.
- Measure out all ingredients into a large mixing bowl..
- Using an electric beater, beat all ingredients until the mixture is smooth, pale in colour and well combined.
- Turn cake batter into the loaf pan and smooth surface.
- Bake for 35-45 minutes until well risen and golden brown in colour.
- Leave to cool in pan for a few minutes and then turn onto a wire rack to completely cool.
