Mary Berry’s Caraway Seed Cake Recipe: Simple Joy in Every Bite

The rich, aromatic caraway seed cake whispers tales of British culinary heritage with every tender crumb.

Warm spices weave through delicate layers, creating a sensory symphony that dances on your tongue.

Generations have cherished this unassuming yet sophisticated treat, blending sweet and earthy notes in perfect harmony.

Ancient baking traditions come alive in this simple yet remarkable dessert that elevates humble ingredients.

Fragrant seeds transform an ordinary cake into a memorable experience, infusing each bite with depth and character.

Subtle complexity makes this cake a true testament to timeless home baking.

You’ll instantly fall in love with this captivating slice of edible nostalgia.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 302 kcal

Servings: 8

Caraway Seed Cake by Mary Berry – Ingredients

• Flour: Choose unbleached, all-purpose flour for a soft, tender crumb.
• Baking Powder: Opt for fresh, recently purchased powder to ensure maximum rising power.
• Caraway Seeds: Select whole, fragrant seeds with a warm, nutty aroma.

• Butter: Use high-quality, unsalted butter at room temperature for smoother mixing.
• Eggs: Select fresh, room-temperature eggs for better incorporation.
• Milk: Whole milk provides richer flavor and moisture to the cake.
• Lemon Zest: Use organic lemons with bright, vibrant yellow skin for intense citrus notes.

• Icing Sugar: Sift to remove any lumps for a silky-smooth glaze.
• Lemon Juice: Fresh-squeezed juice delivers brighter, more natural citrus flavor.

What Tools You Need for Caraway Cake

• Large Mixing Bowl: Perfect for combining ingredients smoothly and easily.
• Electric Mixer or Whisk: Essential for beating butter and sugar to a light, fluffy texture.
• Loaf Tin: Standard size baking pan for creating the classic cake shape.
• Baking Parchment: Helps prevent sticking and makes cake removal simple.
• Spatula: Useful for folding ingredients and smoothing batter surface.
• Sieve: Helps sift flour and baking powder, ensuring no lumps.
• Skewer or Toothpick: Helps check cake doneness by testing the center.
• Wire Cooling Rack: Allows cake to cool evenly from all sides.
• Small Mixing Bowl: Great for preparing lemon icing.
• Zester or Grater: Needed to get fresh lemon zest.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities.

Mary Berry Caraway Cake: Full Instructions

• Warm Up the Oven and Prepare the Pan

Get your oven toasty at the right temperature and set up a cozy home for your cake by greasing and lining a loaf pan. Sift flour to ensure a smooth, lump-free base for your baking adventure.

• Create a Fluffy Butter Base

Whip butter and sugar together until they transform into a cloud-like mixture that’s light and creamy. Gently incorporate eggs one by one, stirring until everything blends into a silky smooth batter.

• Mix and Mingle the Flavors

Softly fold the flour into your butter mixture, then sprinkle in milk, caraway seeds, and bright lemon zest. Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a gentle touch.

• Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the waiting oven and let magic happen. After about 50-55 minutes, check if the cake is ready by poking a skewer into its heart – it should come out clean and promise a delicious treat.

• Cool and Dress Up

Let the cake rest briefly in the pan, then carefully transfer to a cooling rack. Once completely cool, drizzle with a tangy lemon glaze that cascades beautifully down the sides.

• Serve and Enjoy

Slice up this aromatic cake and pair with a steaming cup of tea or coffee. Savor the delightful blend of caraway and lemon that makes this treat something special.

Tips for Perfecting Caraway Seed Cake

• Enhance Your Baking: Expert Tips for Perfect Caraway Seed Cake
• Seed Substitution: Swap caraway seeds with fennel or anise seeds for a different aromatic twist that still complements the cake's delicate flavor profile.
• Moisture Magic: Keep the cake extra tender by adding a tablespoon of Greek yogurt or sour cream to the batter, which helps create a softer, more luxurious texture.
• Zest Boost: Maximize citrus flavor by gently rubbing lemon zest with sugar before adding to the mixture, releasing more intense essential oils and enhancing the overall taste.
• Storage Secrets: Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, ensuring it stays moist and delicious.

How to Present Caraway Cake Beautifully

• Pair with Hot Beverages: Serve this aromatic caraway seed cake alongside a steaming cup of Earl Grey tea or a rich, freshly brewed coffee to enhance its unique flavors.
• Create a Breakfast Moment: Slice the cake into thin pieces and enjoy as a delightful morning treat with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a spread of creamy butter.
• Afternoon Tea Centerpiece: Present the cake on a decorative plate during afternoon tea, garnishing with a light dusting of powdered sugar and a few fresh lemon zest curls for an elegant touch.
• Dessert Companion: Complement the cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of honey for a more indulgent dessert experience that highlights its subtle caraway and lemon notes.

Store Mary Berry’s Caraway Cake Like a Pro

• Preserve Peak Freshness: Store the caraway seed cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, ensuring maximum moisture and flavor retention.
• Refrigerate for Extended Enjoyment: When kept in a sealed container in the refrigerator, the cake remains delicious for up to 7 days. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap to maintain softness.
• Freeze for Future Treats: Carefully wrap the entire cake or individual slices in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen cake stays perfect for 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 2-3 hours before serving.
• Smart Serving Tip: Always let the cake come to room temperature before enjoying. This helps revive the delicate texture and allows the caraway seeds and lemon flavors to shine brilliantly.

Rustic Caraway Seed Cake Mary Berry Recipe

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• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Caraway seed cake by Mary Berry brings aromatic charm to traditional British baking. Sweet, buttery crumb with distinctive caraway notes offers comforting flavor perfection you’ll savor with afternoon tea.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 175 g/6.2 oz softened butter
• 175 g/6.2 oz caster sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 175 g/6.2 oz self-raising flour
• 1 ½ tsps caraway seeds
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 2 tbsps milk
• zest of 1 lemon

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C), with fan setting at 320°F (160°C). Butter and line a 2-pound loaf pan with parchment paper, ensuring full coverage. Sift flour and baking powder together in a separate bowl.
2. Creaming: Utilize an electric mixer to blend butter and sugar until the mixture transforms into a pale, voluminous cream. Introduce eggs individually, thoroughly mixing after each incorporation to maintain a silky texture.
3. Batter Development: Delicately fold the flour mixture into the wet ingredients using a spatula, crafting a smooth, uniform batter. Gently integrate whole milk, caraway seeds, and lemon zest, ensuring even distribution throughout the mixture.
4. Baking Process: Carefully pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula. Tap the pan lightly to eliminate potential air pockets. Position in the preheated oven and bake for 50-55 minutes, checking doneness with a thin skewer that should emerge clean.
5. Cooling and Finishing: Rest the cake in the pan for 10 minutes to stabilize its structure. Transfer to a wire rack and allow to cool completely. Craft a glaze by whisking powdered sugar and lemon juice until achieving a smooth, pourable consistency. Once cooled, elegantly drizzle the glaze over the cake, allowing it to naturally flow down the sides.

Notes

• Seed Precision: Use freshly ground caraway seeds for maximum flavor intensity and aromatic profile.
• Temperature Tip: Check oven accuracy with a separate thermometer to ensure perfect baking conditions.
• Mixing Magic: Cream butter and sugar until incredibly light and fluffy, which creates a tender cake texture.
• Glaze Guidance: Let cake cool completely before applying glaze to prevent melting and ensure smooth coverage.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 302
• Sugar: 27 g
• Sodium: 80 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 114 mg