Mary Berry Caraway Seed Cake

Mary Berry’s Caraway Seed Cake is a traditional British bake with a light, buttery texture and a warm, aromatic flavor from caraway seeds. This simple yet classic cake is perfect for afternoon tea, offering a slightly nutty and subtly spiced taste that pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee.

What is Mary Berry Caraway Seed Cake?

Mary Berry’s Caraway Seed Cake is a light, buttery sponge cake infused with caraway seeds, which add a subtle anise-like flavor. This cake dates back to the Victorian era and remains a timeless favorite in British baking. It has a moist crumb with a delicate crunch from the caraway seeds, making it an excellent treat for tea time.

Other Popular Recipes

• Mary Berry Parisienne Potatoes
• Mary Berry Chocolate Pots
• Mary Berry Mushroom Quiche
• Jamie Oliver Broccoli Bake

Why You Should Try This Recipe

• Classic British bake: A traditional cake with a rich history.
• Unique flavor: Caraway seeds provide a warm, slightly spicy taste.
• Easy to make: Simple ingredients and straightforward method.
• Perfect tea-time treat: Pairs beautifully with tea or coffee.
• Moist and buttery texture: Light but satisfying sponge.

Ingredients Needed for Mary Berry Caraway Seed Cake

For the Cake:

• 175g self-raising flour
• 150g unsalted butter (softened)
• 150g caster sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tbsp milk
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 2 tbsp caraway seeds
• Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for extra freshness)

For Topping (Optional):

• 1 tbsp demerara sugar (for a crunchy top)

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• 20cm (8-inch) round cake tin (greased and lined)
• Mixing bowls
• Electric whisk or hand whisk
• Sieve
• Spatula

Instructions to Make Mary Berry Caraway Seed Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) or 350°F. Grease and line a 20cm round cake tin with parchment paper.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

• In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and caster sugar together using an electric whisk until pale and fluffy.

Step 3: Add Eggs One by One

• Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
• If the mixture looks curdled, add a spoonful of flour to help it combine.

Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients

• Sift the self-raising flour and baking powder into the bowl.
• Fold the flour gently into the mixture using a spatula or wooden spoon.

Step 5: Add Caraway Seeds and Milk

• Stir in the caraway seeds, lemon zest (if using), and milk until the batter is smooth.

Step 6: Transfer to the Cake Tin

• Pour the batter into the prepared cake tin and smooth the top.
• Sprinkle demerara sugar on top for a crunchy crust.

Step 7: Bake the Cake

• Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

• Let the cake cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
• Slice and serve with tea, coffee, or a light dusting of icing sugar.

What to Serve With Mary Berry Caraway Seed Cake

• Clotted cream or butter: Enhances the rich, buttery flavor.
• Lemon curd: Adds a fresh citrusy contrast.
• Cup of tea or coffee: A classic pairing for afternoon tea.
• Drizzle of honey: A natural sweetener for extra indulgence.
• Toasted nuts: Sprinkle chopped almonds or walnuts for added texture.

Pro Tips for Making the Best Caraway Seed Cake

• Use fresh caraway seeds: Old seeds lose their aromatic flavor.
• Don’t overmix the batter: Fold the flour in gently for a light texture.
• Room temperature ingredients: Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for even mixing.
• Sprinkle demerara sugar: Add a lovely crunch to the cake’s top.
• Cool before slicing: Allows the flavors to develop and prevents crumbling.

What Are Variations of Mary Berry Caraway Seed Cake?

• Orange zest instead of lemon: A slightly sweeter citrus flavor.
• Add ground almonds: Enhances the texture and richness.
• Spiced version: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth.
• Fruit addition: Mix in sultanas or currants for extra sweetness.
• Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free flour blend with an extra teaspoon of baking powder.

How Do I Store Mary Berry Caraway Seed Cake?

• Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
• Refrigerate: Keeps fresh for up to a week, but bring to room temperature before serving.
• Freeze: Wrap tightly in cling film and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before serving.

How Can I Reheat Caraway Seed Cake Without Drying It Out?

• Microwave method: Heat individual slices for 10-15 seconds on low power.
• Oven method: Warm at 150°C (300°F) for 5-7 minutes.
• Serve at room temperature: It tastes best when slightly warmed but not hot.

How Can I Make This Recipe Healthier?

• Reduce sugar: Use 100g of sugar instead of 150g for a less sweet cake.
• Use whole wheat flour: Swap half of the flour for whole wheat flour for extra fiber.
• Replace butter with Greek yogurt: Reduces fat while keeping the cake moist.
• Add nuts or seeds: Chopped almonds or flaxseeds for added nutrition.

Nutrition Value (Per Serving)

• Calories: 280
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 14g
• Fiber: 2g

FAQs

What Does Caraway Seed Taste Like in Cake?

Caraway seeds have a mildly sweet, nutty, and slightly peppery flavor with hints of anise. When baked in a cake, they add a subtle warmth and depth, complementing the buttery sponge without overpowering the sweetness.

Can I Use a Different Spice Instead of Caraway Seeds?

Yes, if you don’t have caraway seeds, you can substitute them with fennel seeds, anise seeds, or a small amount of ground nutmeg for a similar warm and aromatic flavor.

Why Did My Caraway Seed Cake Turn Out Dry?

A dry cake can result from overbaking or using too much flour. To ensure a moist cake, measure ingredients accurately, check for doneness around 35 minutes, and use room-temperature butter and eggs for a softer texture.

Can I Make This Cake Without Eggs?

Yes, you can make an egg-free version by substituting each egg with ¼ cup of unsweetened applesauce, mashed banana, or a flaxseed egg (1 tbsp flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water). This helps retain moisture while keeping the cake soft.

Final Words

Mary Berry’s Caraway Seed Cake is a timeless British bake, combining a moist, buttery sponge with the warm, slightly spiced flavor of caraway seeds.

Try this easy, delicious recipe today and enjoy a taste of tradition!

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