The Mary Berry Cherry Madeira Cake is a classic, dense yet moist cake that’s perfect with a cup of tea. This Madeira cake is dotted with sweet glacé cherries, adding both flavor and texture to this timeless British bake. With its tender crumb and subtle almond flavor, this cake is a perfect choice for any occasion.
What is Mary Berry Cherry Madeira Cake?
Mary Berry’s Cherry Madeira Cake is a traditional British cake that has a dense yet tender texture, often served with tea. The cake is subtly flavored with almonds and dotted with glacé cherries, making it beautifully moist and flavorful.
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Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Classic flavor: Perfect balance of sweet cherries and subtle almonds.
- Great texture: Dense yet tender, with cherries adding bursts of flavor.
- Ideal for tea time: Perfect with a cup of tea or coffee.
- Simple ingredients: Uses pantry staples for an easy-to-make treat.
- Crowd-pleaser: Great for gatherings and easy to slice for serving.
Ingredients Needed to Make Mary Berry Cherry Madeira Cake
For the Cake:
- Butter (175g, softened): Adds richness and moisture to the cake.
- Caster sugar (175g): Sweetens and creates a soft crumb.
- Self-raising flour (225g): The main structure of the cake.
- Ground almonds (50g): Adds subtle flavor and a tender texture.
- Baking powder (1 tsp): Ensures a slight rise.
- Eggs (3 large): Binds and enriches the batter.
- Milk (2-3 tbsp): Adds moisture for the right consistency.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Enhances the flavor.
- Glacé cherries (100g, halved): Adds sweetness and color.
Optional Topping:
- Almond slices (for sprinkling on top): Adds crunch and enhances the almond flavor.
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowl: For combining ingredients.
- Electric mixer: To cream the butter and sugar.
- 8-inch round or loaf cake tin: Greased and lined with parchment paper.
- Spatula: For folding ingredients.
- Cooling rack: For cooling the cake.
Instructions to Make Mary Berry Cherry Madeira Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Cherries
- Rinse the glacé cherries to remove excess syrup, pat them dry, and lightly toss them in a bit of flour. This helps prevent the cherries from sinking to the bottom during baking.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Tin
- Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F) or 140°C (fan).
- Grease and line an 8-inch round or loaf cake tin with parchment paper.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and caster sugar together until light and fluffy. This will take about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer.
Step 4: Add the Eggs and Vanilla
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 5: Add the Dry Ingredients
- Sift the self-raising flour and baking powder into the bowl. Add the ground almonds and fold gently until just combined.
Step 6: Add the Cherries
- Gently fold the prepared cherries into the batter, making sure they’re evenly distributed.
Step 7: Adjust Consistency with Milk
- Add 2-3 tablespoons of milk to achieve a smooth, spoonable consistency.
Step 8: Bake the Cake
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake tin, smoothing the top with a spatula. Sprinkle almond slices on top if desired.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 9: Cool and Serve
- Allow the cake to cool in the tin for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
What Goes Well with Mary Berry Cherry Madeira Cake?
- Tea or coffee: A perfect pairing for this classic cake.
- Fresh berries: Raspberries or strawberries add a hint of freshness.
- Whipped cream: Light and airy, ideal for extra indulgence.
- Lemon glaze: Adds a bit of tanginess.
- Clotted cream: For a traditional touch.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Mary Berry Cherry Madeira Cake
- Toss cherries in flour: This helps prevent them from sinking.
- Use room temperature ingredients: This ensures a smooth batter and better rise.
- Don’t overmix: Fold ingredients gently to keep the cake tender.
- Check for doneness: Use a skewer; it should come out clean when the cake is fully baked.
Easy Variations of Mary Berry Cherry Madeira Cake
- Orange zest: Add a teaspoon of orange zest for a citrus twist.
- Chocolate chips: Substitute half the cherries with chocolate chips for a different flavor.
- Nutty Madeira: Add a handful of chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts for extra crunch.
- Cherry almond glaze: Drizzle a light almond-flavored glaze over the cake for added sweetness.
Best Practices to Store Mary Berry Cherry Madeira Cake
- Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerate for longer storage: Refrigerate for up to 5 days, allowing it to come to room temperature before serving.
- Freeze for later: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, place in a freezer-safe bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature.
Best Practices to Serve Mary Berry Cherry Madeira Cake
Serve at room temperature with a side of whipped cream or fresh berries for added flavor and presentation.
Nutrition Value (per serving):
- Calories: 280
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Protein: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
FAQs
How do I keep the cherries from sinking in Mary Berry Cherry Madeira Cake?
To prevent the cherries from sinking, rinse off any excess syrup, pat them dry, and lightly toss them in a bit of flour before folding them into the batter. This helps them stay evenly distributed throughout the cake.
Can I use fresh cherries instead of glacé cherries in Cherry Madeira Cake?
Yes, you can use fresh cherries as a substitute, but be sure to pit and halve them before adding to the batter. Fresh cherries will add a slightly juicier texture and reduce the overall sweetness.
How should I store Mary Berry Cherry Madeira Cake?
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic for up to 3 months.
Can I make Cherry Madeira Cake gluten-free?
Yes, you can make this cake gluten-free by using a gluten-free self-raising flour blend. Check that the blend includes xanthan gum for the best texture, or add a small amount to ensure the cake holds together well.
Final Words
The Mary Berry Cherry Madeira Cake is a wonderfully simple yet satisfying cake that’s perfect for any occasion. With its classic flavors and tender crumb, this cake is ideal for serving with tea, coffee, or as a light dessert. Enjoy this delightful treat with friends and family, and savor each flavorful bite!
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Mary Berry Cherry Madeira Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 75
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 slices
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Description
Mary Berry’s Cherry Madeira Cake is a traditional British cake that has a dense yet tender texture, often served with tea. The cake is subtly flavored with almonds and dotted with glacé cherries, making it beautifully moist and flavorful.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- Butter (175g, softened): Adds richness and moisture to the cake.
- Caster sugar (175g): Sweetens and creates a soft crumb.
- Self-raising flour (225g): The main structure of the cake.
- Ground almonds (50g): Adds subtle flavor and a tender texture.
- Baking powder (1 tsp): Ensures a slight rise.
- Eggs (3 large): Binds and enriches the batter.
- Milk (2-3 tbsp): Adds moisture for the right consistency.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Enhances the flavor.
- Glacé cherries (100g, halved): Adds sweetness and color.
Optional Topping:
- Almond slices (for sprinkling on top): Adds crunch and enhances the almond flavor.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cherries
- Rinse the glacé cherries to remove excess syrup, pat them dry, and lightly toss them in a bit of flour. This helps prevent the cherries from sinking to the bottom during baking.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Tin
- Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F) or 140°C (fan).
- Grease and line an 8-inch round or loaf cake tin with parchment paper.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and caster sugar together until light and fluffy. This will take about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer.
Step 4: Add the Eggs and Vanilla
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 5: Add the Dry Ingredients
- Sift the self-raising flour and baking powder into the bowl. Add the ground almonds and fold gently until just combined.
Step 6: Add the Cherries
- Gently fold the prepared cherries into the batter, making sure they’re evenly distributed.
Step 7: Adjust Consistency with Milk
- Add 2-3 tablespoons of milk to achieve a smooth, spoonable consistency.
Step 8: Bake the Cake
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake tin, smoothing the top with a spatula. Sprinkle almond slices on top if desired.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 9: Cool and Serve
- Allow the cake to cool in the tin for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
