Mary Berry Marmalade Cake is easy to make and perfect for any occasion. You can enjoy it as a tea-time treat, a dessert, or even a breakfast cake. In this article, I will show you how to make this cake from scratch, with tips and tricks to ensure a successful result.
Letās get started!
What is Mary Berry Marmalade Cake Recipe?
Mary Berry Marmalade Cake is a delicious cake recipe from the famous British baker and cookbook author, Mary Berry. It is a moist and tender cake that is flavored with orange zest and marmalade, and glazed with a sweet and tangy marmalade syrup. It is easy to make and requires only a few basic ingredients. It is a perfect cake for any occasion, whether you want to enjoy it as a snack, a dessert, or a breakfast treat.
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Why You Love this Recipe
This Mary Berry Marmalade Cake recipe is a crowd-pleaser for several straightforward reasons:
- Effortless and Uncomplicated: Its simplicity is key. You wonāt find any intricate steps or specialized techniques here.
- Pantry-Ready Ingredients: The recipe calls for everyday items like butter, sugar, eggs, flour, baking powder, and marmalade, making it convenient and accessible.
- Flexible and Customizable: Feel free to get creative. Use your preferred type of marmalade, toss in some nuts or dried fruits, or tweak the sweetness to suit your taste.
- Moist Texture and Rich Flavor: The cakeās moistness and tender crumb, combined with the rich aroma of orange, ensure a delightful eating experience.
- Glossy Marmalade Glaze: A shiny and sticky topping of marmalade glaze adds an inviting layer of sweetness and tanginess.
- Universally Pleasing: Its well-balanced taste and texture are sure to win over any audience, making it a versatile choice for various occasions.
Ingredients Needed to Make Mary Berry Marmalade Cake
To make this cake, you will need the following ingredients:
- 175 g (6 oz) of butter, softened
- 175 g (6 oz) of caster sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 175 g (6 oz) of self-raising flour
- 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder
- Finely grated zest of 1 orange
- 3 tablespoons of milk
- 4 tablespoons of orange marmalade
- 25 g (1 oz) of demerara sugar
Useful Equipment
You will also need aĀ 20 cm (8 inch) round cake tin, greased and lined with baking parchment.
Instructions to Make Mary Berry Marmalade Cake
Follow these steps to make this Mary Berry Marmalade Cake:
Step 1: Preheat the oven and prepare the cake tin
- Preheat the oven to 180Ā°C (160Ā°C fan, gas mark 4).
- Grease a 20 cm (8 inch) round cake tin and line it with baking parchment.
Step 2: Cream the butter and sugar
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. You can use an electric mixer or a wooden spoon for this step.
Step 3: Add the eggs
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. If the mixture looks curdled, add a little flour to bring it back together.
Step 4: Fold in the flour and baking powder
- Sift the flour and baking powder over the mixture and fold in gently with a metal spoon. Do not overmix, as this will make the cake tough.
Step 5: Stir in the orange zest and milk
- Stir in the orange zest and milk to make a soft-dropping consistency. The batter should fall off the spoon easily when tapped.
Step 6: Spoon the batter into the cake tin
- Spoon the batter into the prepared cake tin and level the surface with a spatula.
Step 7: Bake the cake
- Bake the cake for 35 to 40 minutes or until golden and springy to the touch. A skewer inserted in the center should come out clean.
Step 8: Cool the cake
- Leave the cake to cool slightly in the tin before transferring to a wire rack.
Step 9: Make the glaze
- In a small saucepan, heat the marmalade and demerara sugar over low heat, stirring until melted and smooth.
Step 10: Glaze the cake
- Brush the glaze over the top of the cake while it is still warm, letting it drip down the sides.
Step 11: Enjoy your cake
- Enjoy your cake with a cup of tea or coffee, or serve with whipped cream or ice cream for a decadent dessert.
What Do I Serve With Mary Berry Marmalade Cake?
You can serve this cake with a variety of accompaniments, depending on your preference and the occasion.
Some of the options are:
- Whipped creamĀ orĀ ice cream, for a creamy and cool contrast to the warm and sticky cake.
- Fresh fruits, such as oranges, strawberries, or blueberries, for a refreshing and colorful addition to the cake.
- YogurtĀ orĀ custard, for a smooth and light complement to the cake.
- TeaĀ orĀ coffee, for a hot and aromatic drink that will enhance the flavor of the cake.
Pro Tips to Make Perfect Mary Berry Marmalade Cake
To make sure your cake comes out perfect every time, follow these pro tips:
- Use room-temperature ingredients, such as butter, eggs, and milk, as this will help them blend better and create a smoother batter.
- Cream the butter and sugar well, until they are light and fluffy, as this will incorporate air into the batter and make the cake rise better.
- Do not overmix the batter, as this will develop gluten and make the cake tough. Fold in the flour and baking powder gently, and stop as soon as they are incorporated.
- Use a good quality marmalade, preferably one with chunky bits of peel, as this will give more flavor and texture to the cake and the glaze.
- Test the cake for doneness, by inserting a skewer in the center and checking if it comes out clean. If it is still wet, bake for a few more minutes until done.
- Brush the glaze over the cake while it is still warm, as this will help it soak into the cake and create a shiny and sticky surface.
Variations of Mary Berry Marmalade Cake
Personalize this cake to your heartās content with these easy variations:
- Experiment with Marmalade Varieties: Try lemon, grapefruit, or mixed fruit marmalade to explore different citrus flavors and colors.
- Spice It Up: For a hint of warmth, consider adding spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger.
- Chocolate Chip Addition: For those with a sweet tooth, mixing in chocolate chips can transform the cake into an indulgent treat.
- Layer Cake Option: Elevate your baking by preparing it as a layer cake. Simply divide the batter into two round tins and assemble with whipped cream and marmalade for a more sophisticated presentation.
- Mini Cake Delights: Perfect for snacks or parties, bake the batter in muffin tins and top each mini cake with a spoonful of marmalade for a charming, bite-sized version.
How do I store Mary Berry Marmalade Cake Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers of this cake, you can store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature, or up to a week in the fridge. You can also freeze the cake for up to 3 months, wrapped well in cling film and foil.
To store the cake, follow these steps:
- Let the cake cool completelyĀ on a wire rack, before storing it.
- Cut the cake into slices, if you want to store individual portions, or leave it whole if you want to store the entire cake.
- Wrap the cake wellĀ in cling film, making sure there are no gaps or air pockets, to prevent it from drying out or absorbing odors.
- Cover the cake with foil, for extra protection and insulation, to prevent it from freezer burn or moisture loss.
- Label and date the cake, so you know what it is and when you made it, and use it within 3 months.
How do I reheat Mary Berry Marmalade Cake Leftovers?
If you want to reheat this cake, you can do so in the oven, the microwave, or the toaster.
To reheat the cake, follow these steps:
- Thaw the cakeĀ if it is frozen, by leaving it at room temperature for a few hours, or in the fridge overnight.
- Preheat the ovenĀ to 180Ā°C (160Ā°C fan, gas mark 4), if you want to reheat the cake in the oven.
- Place the cake on a baking sheetĀ lined with parchment paper, if you want to reheat the cake in the oven, or on a microwave-safe plate, if you want to reheat the cake in the microwave.
- Cover the cake loosely with foil, if you want to reheat the cake in the oven, to prevent it from burning or drying out.
- Reheat the cake for 10 to 15 minutesĀ in the oven, or for 10 to 15 seconds in the microwave, or until it is warm and soft.
- Enjoy your cakeĀ as it is, or with your favorite accompaniments.
Can I Use a Different Type of Flour in this Recipe?
Yes, you can use different types of flour for this recipe. If you donāt have self-raising flour, you can substitute it with all-purpose flour mixed with 1Ā½ teaspoons of baking powder per cup of flour. For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free flour blend in the same quantity, but remember, this might slightly alter the texture of the cake.
How Can I Ensure My Cake Stays Moist?
To keep your cake moist, avoid overbaking. Keep a close eye on the oven and perform the skewer test a few minutes before the recommended baking time is up. If the skewer comes out with a few moist crumbs, the cake is done. Also, adding marmalade to the batter, as per the recipe, helps retain moisture.
Can I Make this Cake Ahead of Time for an Event?
Absolutely! This cake can be made a day or two in advance. Bake the cake as instructed, allow it to cool completely, and apply the glaze. Once the glaze sets, cover the cake in cling film and store it in a cool, dry place. This can help the flavors meld together and make the cake even more delicious on the day of your event.
Final Words
I hope you enjoyed this article and learned how to make a delicious marmalade cake. This is a simple and easy recipe that anyone can make, with a few ingredients and steps. It is a great way to use up any leftover marmalade or to make a special treat for yourself or your loved ones. Try it today and let me know how it turns out.
Thank you for reading and happy baking!
