Tuga Pops − Monday, November 15, 2021, 5 Years ago in Cake Recipes
4 out of 5 with 11 ratings

Madeiran Black Cake (Bolo Preto da Madeira) Recipe

Madeiran black cake (bolo preto da Madeira), also known as bolo da famá­lia is one of the best known recipes for regional Madeiran sweets.
1 h 15 min 8 servings Easy Prep time 15 min Cooking Time 1 h

Ingredients

500g or 4 cups of flour500g or 2 and 1/2 cups of sugar1/2 cup of molasses3 eggs1 stick of butter (1/2 cup)1 stick of Crisco (vegetable shortening)1/2 cup of Madeira wine or Port wine1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves1 teaspoon of baking soda1 teaspoon of baking powder3/4 cup of raisins3/4 cup of nutsZest from one orange

Directions

  1. Mix the butter, crisco and sugar until combined, add the eggs, wine and mix some more.
  2. In a different bowl, mix the cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and baking powder with the flour.
  3. Add the raisins, nuts and orange zest.
  4. Mix the flour mixture with the butter and sugar mixture.
  5. Pour into a greased with butter and dusted with flour deep cake pan.
  6. Add some raisins and nuts on top for decoration. 
  7. Bake in the oven at 180°C or 350°F for 1 hour.
  8. Toothpick will come out dry when ready.

Adapted from a Recipe by: Baking with Friends

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I use instead of Crisco in the recipe?

You can substitute Crisco with an equal amount of unsalted butter, coconut oil, or another vegetable shortening if you prefer. Keep in mind that using butter will add more flavor to the cake.

How should I store Madeiran Black Cake after baking?

Store the Madeiran Black Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for up to two weeks or freeze it for up to three months. Make sure it is well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn.

What should I do if my cake is baking unevenly?

If the cake is baking unevenly, ensure that your oven is preheated properly and consider rotating the cake halfway through the baking time. Additionally, check that the cake pan is not too close to the heating element and that the batter is evenly spread in the pan before baking.

Recommended Drink Pairings

Wine

Portuguese: Madeira Wine - The rich, complex flavors of Madeira wine complement the sweetness and spices in the cake beautifully.

General: Ruby Port - This fortified wine, with its fruity and sweet notes, pairs well with the cake's molasses and nutty flavors.

Beer

Portuguese: Super Bock - This lager offers a crisp and refreshing contrast to the dense richness of the cake.

General: Brown Ale - The caramel and nutty flavors of a brown ale enhance the cake's sweetness and spice profile.

Other Beverages

Espresso: A shot of espresso provides a bold and robust contrast to the sweet and rich flavors of the cake.

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Comments (10) Add a comment

Rosa Avila
Rosa Avila
My mom used to make a cake similar to this one. I've been looking to find it for many years. I don't think she added the raisins and nuts but it did have a cover, not frosting but a liquid. Do you have or know of another similar cake? Thank you, Rosa
4 Years ago, Tuesday, November 8, 2022

Tuga Pops
Tuga Pops
Hi Rosa, I think your mom's version was probably "Bolo de Mel", "Madeiran Honey Cake".
4 Years ago, Tuesday, November 8, 2022

J callahan
J callahan
When do you add the Cris o?
4 Years ago, Saturday, October 22, 2022

Tuga Pops
Tuga Pops
Step 1, I will update the recipe.
4 Years ago, Saturday, October 22, 2022

Isabel
Isabel
I have a family member allergic to nuts can I replace with something else or leave out all together.
4 Years ago, Friday, February 25, 2022

Tuga Pops
Tuga Pops
I would just leave it out, don't risk it.
4 Years ago, Friday, February 25, 2022

Cf
Cf
Will try it Thanks.
5 Years ago, Monday, December 20, 2021

Tuga Pops
Tuga Pops
Great.
5 Years ago, Monday, December 20, 2021

Jodi McDaniel
Jodi McDaniel
My great great grandparents came to the US from the Madeira Island
5 Years ago, Tuesday, November 30, 2021

Tuga Pops
Tuga Pops
Great to hear Jodi, I hear it is a beautiful place.
5 Years ago, Tuesday, November 30, 2021

Tuga Pops

Joined 11 Years ago n/a
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