Prior to my moving over here to the UK, I only ever considered icing on cakes to be of the butter cream variety, or fluffy icing . . . sometimes seven minute boiled frosting. I would never have thought of an icing simply composed of icing sugar and lemon juice, or a glaze icing.
It just was not something I had ever come across with the exception of glazed donuts and the like. More often than not, here in the UK, the icing you will find on a cake will be of the glazed variety, and I have to say, I quite like it. Especially on simple cakes such as this one I am sharing today.
I have adapted this recipe from one I found in this book, "Cakes" by Liz Herbert, based on recipes favoured by the well known Women's Institute. You just know if it has their approval it has to be good.
And this is indeed one very good cake!
It is a simple cake, rather than a celebratory cake, rather plain to look at, but that doesn't mean that is is a plain cake!
It is a fabulous cake . . . with a soft crumb . . . and little hidden bits of orange marmalade strewn throughout . . .
The marmalade adds just a hint of bitter sweet in contrast to the normal sugar which is used. Not at all unpleasant.
In addition there are the finely grated zests of one orange and one lemon to add flavor.
She used half butter and half margarine in her cake. I used all butter. It worked beautifully. I never have margarine in my house. Just butter.
It whips up quickly and bakes in not much more than half an hour. It also smells rather lovely while it is baking!
But then again, what cake doesn't! The icing is simple as I say . . .
A glaze composed of icing sugar (or confectioner's as it is also known) and fresh lemon juice. Perfect.
This get spooned over the cooled cake and then allowed to set.
In the book she gives the option of candying your own orange zest to decorate the top of the cake when completely done . . .
I had used all of my orange zest in the cake itself, but I did have some candied orange peel that I chopped and then used to decorate it which not only looked great but also tasted fabulous!
Yield: 12
Author: Marie Rayner
Marmalade Cake
A moist teatime cake with a zingy lemon icing and the tang of marmalade.ingredients:
- 175g softened butter (3/4 cup)
- 175g golden caster sugar (3/4 cup + 2 1/2 TBS) (you can use regular granulated sugar if that is all you have)
- the finely grated zest of each one lemon and one orange
- 4 TBS orange marmalade (I like Bonne Maman)
- 2 large free range eggs, beaten
- 225g self raising flour (1 1/2 cups)
- 3 TBS orange juice
- 225g icing sugar, sifted (1 3/4 cup)
- the juice of one lemon
- chopped glace orange peel to decorate (optional)
instructions:
How to cook Marmalade Cake
- Preheat the oven to 180*C/350*F/ gas mark 4. Butter a 9-inch square baking tin, and then line with baking paper. (I like it to come a bit up the sides so that I can lift it out easily at the end.)
- Cream together the butter, both zests and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the marmalade. Beat in the eggs one at a time. If it starts to curdle, add a bit of the flour. Fold in the flour to combine thoroughly. Add the orange juice to give you a batter with a soft dropping consistency. Spoon into the prepared tin, smoothing over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 - 35 minutes, until risen and the top springs back when lightly touched. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean. Let sit in the tin for 10 minutes prior to lifting out to a wire rack to finish cooling completely.
- Whisk together the icing sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Spoon over the completely cooled cake to cover. Decorate with the chopped orange peel if using. Leave to set completely prior to cutting into squares to serve.
This is a wonderful teatime cake. Perfect for mid morning break, tea parties and just because . . . I think you will really love it.
