"Discover an easy Madeira fingers recipe! Perfectly crumbly, buttery shortbread biscuits, ideal for tea time or dessert. Quick, simple, and delicious!"
Here’s a list of ingredients for **Madeira Fingers**, a classic British sponge cake, formatted with SEO-friendly keywords to help you rank better in search results:
- **Unsalted butter** (softened, for a rich and moist sponge)
- **Caster sugar** (fine sugar for a light and airy texture)
- **Eggs** (large, free-range for binding and structure)
- **Self-raising flour** (for a fluffy and risen sponge)
- **Vanilla extract** (pure, for a subtle sweet flavor)
- **Lemon zest** (optional, for a citrusy twist)
- **Icing sugar** (for dusting or glazing the finished fingers)
- **Jam** (raspberry or strawberry, for filling or topping)
**Optional for decoration:**
- **Buttercream frosting** (vanilla or lemon-flavored)
- **Fresh berries** (strawberries or raspberries for garnish)
- **Chocolate drizzle** (dark or milk chocolate for added indulgence)
This list includes keywords like **Madeira Fingers**, **sponge cake**, **classic British dessert**, and **easy baking recipe** to help your content rank higher in search engines.
Advertisement
Steps
# How to Make Madeira Fingers: A Step-by-Step Guide
Madeira fingers, also known as Madeira cake fingers, are delicate, buttery sponge cakes with a light, crumbly texture. Perfect for tea time or as a dessert accompaniment, these treats are easy to make and require simple ingredients. Follow this detailed guide to create delicious Madeira fingers at home.
---
## **Ingredients for Madeira Fingers**
- 150g (1 ¼ cups) all-purpose flour
- 150g (⅔ cup) unsalted butter, softened
- 150g (¾ cup) caster sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking powder
- A pinch of salt
- Optional: Zest of 1 lemon for added flavor
---
## **Step-by-Step Instructions**
### **1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Tray**
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Line a rectangular baking tray with parchment paper or grease it lightly with butter.
---
### **2. Cream the Butter and Sugar**
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and caster sugar together until light and fluffy. Use an electric mixer for best results. This step is crucial for creating a soft, airy texture.
---
### **3. Add Eggs and Vanilla**
- Beat the eggs one at a time into the butter-sugar mixture, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
- Add the vanilla extract (and lemon zest if using) and mix well.
---
### **4. Sift and Fold in Dry Ingredients**
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula. Be gentle to avoid overmixing, which can result in a dense cake.
---
### **5. Transfer the Batter to the Tray**
- Spread the batter evenly onto the prepared baking tray. Use a spatula to smooth the surface.
- For traditional Madeira fingers, shape the batter into finger-sized rectangles or use a piping bag for precision.
---
### **6. Bake the Madeira Fingers**
- Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
---
### **7. Cool and Cut**
- Remove the tray from the oven and let the cake cool in the tray for 5 minutes.
- Transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, cut it into finger-sized pieces using a sharp knife.
---
### **8. Serve and Enjoy**
- Serve your Madeira fingers with tea, coffee, or as a dessert accompaniment. They pair beautifully with fresh berries, whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
---
## **Tips for Perfect Madeira Fingers**
- Use room-temperature ingredients for a smoother batter.
- Avoid overbaking to maintain a soft, moist texture.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
---
By following these steps, you can create classic Madeira fingers that are light, buttery, and utterly delicious. Perfect for any occasion, these sponge cake fingers are sure to impress!
**Keywords:** Madeira fingers recipe, how to make Madeira cake fingers, easy sponge cake recipe, tea time treats, buttery sponge cake, homemade Madeira fingers.
---
This guide is optimized for SEO with clear headings, keyword-rich content, and structured steps for better readability. Enjoy baking!