The Home Economics Bit
What is marmalade?
Marmalade is a fruit preserve that is typically made of the juice and peel of citrus fruits, that are boiled with sugar and water. Pectin is often added to set the marmalade. Marmalade can be made with lemons, limes, and grapefruit, but most common is Seville orange marmalade. The flavour of marmalade is a unique blend of citrus, bitterness and sweetness. In Ireland, marmalade is most often used as a spread on soda bread or toast. However, it can lend itself very well in baking too, as you’ll see from this recipe.
Gluten Free Marmalade Loaf Cake
A gluten free take on a British classic. This super simple loaf cake is deliciously sweet and zesty; a perfect accompaniment to your afternoon cuppa.
Ingredients
- 120 g butter softened
- 120 g caster sugar
- 3 tbsp good quality marmalade plus 1 additional tbsp to glaze (I use the brand Follain)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp milk
- 200 g gluten-free self-raising flour blend sifted (alternatively, you can use 200g plain gluten free flour blend and 1 tsp gluten free baking powder)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (fan) or Gas Mark 4.
- Cream together the butter and sugar, until pale, light and fluffy. This takes about 5 minutes in a stand mixer. Be sure to stop to scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula, as necessary.
- Add the eggs, vanilla extract, marmalade and milk. Beat (for approx. 1 minute) to combine.
- Remove the bowl from the stand mixer. Sift in the gluten free self raising flour blend, and fold it in gently using a spatula.
- Pour the batter into the lined loaf tin, and smooth the top gently using the back of a tablespoon.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and a skewer inserted comes out clean.
- Set the hot loaf tin onto a wire rack. While the cake is still hot, spoon over 1 additional tbsp. of marmalade on top, and spread it evenly to glaze.
- Once cooled, remove the cake from the tin, slice and serve.
Notes
I used a lemon and lime flavour marmalade in this recipe, but the cake is just as delicious when it’s made using orange marmalade.