Madeira Bolo Preto (Black Cake) Recipe
Madeira bolo preto, also known as black cake, is a traditional dessert from the Portuguese island of Madeira. It is a rich, dark cake made with ingredients such as molasses, brown sugar, dried fruits, and spices, which give it a complex and intense flavor.
The cake is usually prepared several weeks or even months in advance, allowing the flavors to meld and mature over time. It is often served during the Christmas season and other festive occasions, and is a popular souvenir for visitors to Madeira.
Ingredients
Directions
Preheat the oven to 160°C/320°F. Grease a 10-inch cake pan with butter and dust it with flour.
Cream the butter and sugar in a big bowl until it's light and creamy.
One at a time, beat the eggs into the mixture until well combined.
In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and spices together.
Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter and egg mixture, mixing until well combined.
Add the raisins, candied orange and lemon peels, chopped walnuts and almonds, Madeira wine, molasses, honey, and citrus zest to the mixture. Mix well.
Smooth the top with a spatula after pouring the batter into the prepared cake pan.
Bake the cake for approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
Before moving the cake to a wire rack to finish cooling, give it 10 minutes to cool in the pan.
Serve the cake in thin slices with a cup of tea or a glass of Madeira wine.
