Madeira Cake

An Easter favourite inspired by an upcoming trip

I’m off to Madeira this week for an exciting project, and between that and the fact that it’s Easter Weekend it seems only appropriate to bring you a recipe for a Madeira Cake.

This is a very classic English recipe that is neither from the island of, nor contains the sweet wine named, Madeira. In the old days though (and this is an old cake) you would dip slices in Madeira wine and don’t let me stop you if you want to rediscover that tradition. For me though, I love having a loaf of this in the kitchen to be cut from whenever you need it. Last week I had friends over and one of them did just that before immediately apologising, but I was so happy. That’s the home I want to live in, where guests are comfortable to enjoy themselves and a slice of cake.

The classic Madeira cake recipe is a simple pound cake, often flavoured with lemon, almond, orange, even caraway. I don't need those extra flavours, my version is just a really good cake for any time of day. It’s easy to make, and even easier to eat, with a light crumb and a golden crust.

Madeira Cake