By Dr. Leah Alexander | Published on July 27, 2023 | Last Updated on August 19, 2023
Chocolate Madeira cake is a classic Portuguese dessert that combines the sweet flavors of dark chocolate and caster sugar with a moist and spongy texture.
The combination of these two simple yet delicious ingredients creates a delicious treat that will be sure to delight all who try it. Not only is this cake incredibly easy to make, but it has an irresistible flavor that will surely have you coming back for more.
So if you are ready to make your own incredible chocolate Madeira cake, follow our simple guide below and enjoy the delicious flavors of Portugal.
What is Chocolate Madeira Cake?
Chocolate Madeira cake was named after the Portuguese island of Madeira, located in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of North Africa and Europe, that has been around since the 16th century.
It is made with self-raising flour, caster sugar, soft margarine, eggs, cocoa powder, and dark chocolate for a rich and indulgent flavor. The result is a moist and spongy cake that is perfect for any occasion.
It makes the perfect accompaniment to afternoon tea or as a dessert after dinner. So whether you are looking for something sweet to bring to your next gathering or simply want to treat yourself, this Chocolate Madeira Cake recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
What does it taste like?
Chocolate Madeira cake has a distinctively sweet and savory flavor. The combination of cocoa powder and dark chocolate provides an intense chocolate taste that is balanced out by the sweetness of the caster sugar.
When it is freshly baked, the texture of this cake is light and airy while still being incredibly moist. As it cools down, it becomes denser and has a delicious, gooey center.
How did I first get introduced to the Chocolate Madeira Cake?
I first encountered Chocolate Madeira Cake on a visit to the beautiful island of Madeira. I had heard about this classic Portuguese dessert and was curious to try it for myself. After searching around for recipes, I eventually found one that seemed relatively easy and exciting to make at home.
The original recipe called for self-raising flour, caster sugar, soft margarine, eggs, cocoa powder, and dark chocolate. I was a bit hesitant at first since it seemed like quite a few ingredients for such a simple cake. But after gathering all the necessary supplies, I decided to give it a try.
As soon as I started baking the Chocolate Madeira Cake, my kitchen filled with an amazing aroma of melted chocolate and sweet sugar. After about 35 minutes of baking, I was rewarded with a delicious and moist cake that was truly irresistible.
The intense chocolate flavor of the dark chocolate combined with the sweetness of the caster sugar made for an incredibly decadent treat. Everyone who tried it was completely blown away! From then on, I have been making Chocolate Madeira Cake regularly as it is always a hit at any gathering.
Making Chocolate Madeira Cake at home has been such an enjoyable experience and I’m so glad I decided to give it a try! If you want to make this classic Portuguese dessert, I strongly recommend that you follow the simple instructions in this article. You won’t regret it!
How to make Chocolate Madeira Cake?
Making Chocolate Madeira Cake is relatively easy and requires minimal effort. All you need to do is gather the ingredients & follow the steps below:
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Ingredients
- Self-Raising Flour: This is what gives the cake its light and airy texture.
- Caster Sugar: This will provide sweetness to your chocolate Madeira cake.
- Soft Margarine: This is used to bind all the ingredients together and give your cake a creamy taste.
- Eggs: They are required for binding ingredients as well as providing structure to the cake.
- Cocoa Powder: This will give the cake a rich chocolate flavor.
- Dark Chocolate: This provides an intense chocolate flavor to the cake and makes it indulgent and decadent.
- Milk: Milk helps to keep your chocolate Madeira Cake moist.
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9-inch (23 cm) round cake tin.
Step 2
In a bowl, mix together the self-raising flour, caster sugar, soft margarine, eggs, and cocoa powder until all ingredients are well combined.
Step 3
Melt the dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl over simmering water. Once melted add to the wet ingredients and mix together until fully incorporated.
Step 4
Gently fold in the milk until a smooth batter is formed.
Step 5
Pour the batter into the prepared cake tin and bake for 30-35 minutes or until an inserted skewer comes out clean.
Step 6
Once baked, remove from oven and cool on a wire rack before removing from the tin and decorating as desired.
Tips
– Make sure your ingredients are at room temperature before you begin.
– Ensure that the dark chocolate has completely melted before adding it to the batter.
– Be careful not to overmix the batter after adding the dark chocolate or else it can become gritty.
– For an extra layer of flavor, try adding some orange zest to the cake mixture!
Chocolate Madeira Cake Recipe
Equipment
- food mixer
- cake tin
Ingredients
- 100 gram melted Dark Chocolate
- 100 gram caster sugar (superfine sugar)
- 3 tsp Cocoa Powder
- 160 gram Self-Raising Flour
- 2 large Eggs
- 3 tbsp Milk
- 100 gram Margarine Soft
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9-inch (23 cm) round cake tin.
- In a bowl, mix together the self-raising flour, caster sugar, soft margarine, eggs, and cocoa powder until all ingredients are well combined.
- Melt the dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl over simmering water. Once melted add to the wet ingredients and mix together until fully incorporated.
- Gently fold in the milk until a smooth batter is formed.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake tin and bake for 30-35 minutes or until an inserted skewer comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove from oven and cool on a wire rack before removing from the tin and decorating as desired.
Notes
Nutrition Information
Calories: 429kcal
Carbohydrates: 47g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g
Monounsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0.01g
Cholesterol: 56mg
Sodium: 201mg
Potassium: 199mg
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 23g
Vitamin A: 754IU
Vitamin C: 0.04mg
Calcium: 40mg
Iron: 3mg
What to serve with Chocolate Madeira Cake?
Chocolate Madeira Cake is a deliciously rich and decadent dessert that is perfect for any occasion. While it tastes great on its own, this cake can also be enjoyed with a variety of accompaniments to really elevate the flavor.
A classic choice would be to pair it with some freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You could also serve the cake with a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce for added sweetness.
For a more colorful presentation, you could top it off with fresh berries or other fruits such as sliced peaches or bananas. Alternatively, if you are looking for something slightly different, some chopped almonds or hazelnuts make for a great crunchy topping.
How to store leftover Chocolate Madeira Cake?
Once the Chocolate Madeira Cake has cooled down, it is important to store any remaining slices in an airtight container. This will help keep the cake fresh and moist for up to 3 days.
If you are planning on eating the leftovers within 2 days, then you can leave them at room temperature. If you want to keep the cake for longer than 3 days, then you can store it in the fridge.
Just make sure that it is tightly sealed to prevent it from drying out. For best results, I recommend heating up any leftovers before serving them as this will bring back the moist texture of freshly made Chocolate Madeira Cake.
Can pregnant women eat this?
Yes, pregnant women can enjoy Chocolate Madeira Cake in moderation. The cake does contain some ingredients that are safe for pregnant women to consume, such as eggs, margarine and caster sugar.
It also contains cocoa powder and dark chocolate, which provide antioxidants and other beneficial properties. Before indulging in this delicious dessert though, it is important to check with your doctor if it is safe for you to do so.
Pregnant women should also be aware that Chocolate Madeira Cake, is high in sugar, fat, and calories, so it should not be consumed too frequently or in large amounts.
Eating a moderate amount of this cake while pregnant can help satisfy your craving without overdoing the sweetness or compromising on nutrition.
FAQs
Can I make this cake without eggs?
Yes, you can substitute the eggs with a vegan alternative such as a flaxseed meal or chia seeds.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the self-raising flour with gluten-free baking flour.
Is Chocolate Madeira Cake suitable for diabetics?
No, unfortunately, Chocolate Madeira Cake is not suitable for diabetics due to its high sugar content.
What other flavors can I add to this cake?
You can add a variety of flavors such as orange, lemon, or even coffee to the cake batter. This will give your chocolate Madeira Cake an added kick of flavor!
Wrapping Up
This indulgent cake is perfect for any occasion and can be enjoyed with a variety of accompaniments from freshly whipped cream to fresh fruits or chopped nuts.
I hope you enjoyed this delicious Chocolate Madeira Cake and that you will try it out for yourself. If you do, let us know how it turns out!
Please share this article with anyone who loves chocolate and baking! Thank you for reading.
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Dr. Leah Alexander, M.D., is a board-certified Pediatrician in New Jersey and has been working at Elizabeth Pediatric Group of New Jersey since 2000.
She also has a passion for culinary arts that extends beyond the medical realm. After completing culinary school at the French Culinary Institute, she started Global Palate, LLC, a catering firm, in 2007. She ran her own six-year-old catering company and served small group parties as an owner and executive chef.
