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

Try madeiran black cake (bolo preto da madeira) packed with a delightful mix of spices, crunchy nuts, and sweet raisins. It’s a tasty treat for any celebration!
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1 h 15 min 8 servings Easy Prep time 15 min Cooking Time 1 h

Why You Will Love This Recipe

Get ready to dive into the deliciousness of madeiran black cake, or bolo preto da madeira! This traditional dessert is all about cozy spices, sweet raisins, and crunchy nuts, making it a perfect treat for any occasion. With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this moist, flavorful cake that captures the heart of Madeira’s food culture. Let’s get baking!


Tips for Success

To achieve a richer flavor, consider toasting the nuts you will use in the cake before adding them to the batter. This will enhance their nutty aroma and provide a deeper taste in the final product.

Be cautious with the molasses; it can easily overpower the other flavors. Ensure you measure it accurately, and for a more nuanced sweetness, you can substitute half of the molasses with dark brown sugar.

Avoid overmixing the batter once you add the dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to a dense and tough cake. Mix just until the dry ingredients are incorporated to maintain a light texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I use instead of Crisco in the madeiran black cake (bolo preto da madeira) 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

  • Madeira Wine: Its rich, complex flavors complement the cake's sweetness and enhance the spices.
  • Port Wine: The sweetness and fruity notes of Port balance the cake's dense texture and richness.
  • Black Tea: The tannins in black tea provide a nice contrast to the cake's sweetness, making it a refreshing pairing.
  • Ginger Ale: The spiciness of ginger ale adds a zesty kick that pairs well with the cake's flavors.
  • Espresso: The boldness of espresso contrasts nicely with the cake's sweetness, creating a satisfying balance.

Ingredients

500g or 4 cups (480g) of flour500g or 2 and 1/2 cups (500g) of sugar1/2 cup (120g) of molasses3 eggs1 stick of butter (1/2 cup or 113g)1 stick of Crisco (vegetable shortening)1/2 cup (120ml) 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 (120g) of raisins3/4 cup (100g) of nutsZest from one orange

Equipment:

Large mixing bowlWhiskDeep cake panMeasuring cupsMeasuring spoonsOvenToothpick

With all your ingredients and equipment gathered, you are ready to get started!

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

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

Calories
574 kcal
Fat
20 g
Carbs
94 g
Protein
7 g

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Reviews (10)

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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