The Ultimate Marmalade Cake Recipe: A Zesty Delight

Are you ready to bake a cake that's bursting with sunshine and flavor? Look no further than this ultimate marmalade cake recipe! This recipe combines the moistness of a classic sponge with the tangy sweetness of marmalade for a truly irresistible treat. Perfect for breakfast, afternoon tea, or a special occasion, this cake is sure to impress.

Why This Marmalade Cake Recipe is the Best

This recipe stands out because it focuses on achieving the perfect balance of flavors and textures. We'll use high-quality ingredients and techniques to ensure a moist, flavorful cake every time. Forget dry, crumbly cakes – this one is all about achieving that perfect, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Plus, the bright citrus notes of the marmalade make it a refreshing alternative to traditional cakes.

Ingredients You'll Need:

This recipe is surprisingly simple, requiring ingredients you likely already have in your pantry!

• For the Cake:
  • 225g (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 225g caster sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 225g self-raising flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 175g Seville orange marmalade (or your favorite variety)
  • Zest of 1 orange (optional, but highly recommended!)
• For the Glaze (optional):
  • 100g icing sugar
  • 2-3 tbsp orange juice

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Let's get baking! Follow these simple steps to create your perfect marmalade cake:

1. Preparing the Batter:

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan/Gas Mark 4). Grease and flour two 20cm sandwich tins. This ensures your cake layers release easily.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This is crucial for a light and airy cake. Use an electric mixer for best results.
3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
4. Gently fold in the flour and baking powder until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Stir in the marmalade and orange zest (if using). The zest adds another layer of citrusy goodness!

2. Baking the Cake:

1. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared tins.
2. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
3. Let the cakes cool in the tins for 10 minutes before turning them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

3. Making the Glaze (Optional):

1. While the cakes cool, whisk together the icing sugar and orange juice until you reach your desired consistency.
2. Once the cakes are completely cool, spread the glaze evenly over the top of one layer.
3. Carefully place the second cake layer on top and drizzle any remaining glaze over the top.

Tips for the Perfect Marmalade Cake:

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for optimal creaming.
• Don't Overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
• Cooling Time: Allow the cakes to cool completely before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting.
• Experiment with Marmalades: Feel free to experiment with different types of marmalade, such as lemon or grapefruit.

Serving Suggestions:

This marmalade cake is delicious on its own, but you can elevate it further with:

• A dollop of whipped cream
• A sprinkle of icing sugar
• A scoop of vanilla ice cream
• Fresh berries

This marmalade cake recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Its vibrant citrus notes and moist texture make it a perfect treat for any occasion. So grab your ingredients and get baking! Enjoy!