Quick & Easy Caraway Seed Cake Mary Berry Recipe for Beginners

Caraway seed cake brings a delightful twist to traditional British baking with its distinctive aromatic profile.

Warm, fragrant seeds dance through soft, tender crumbs creating an irresistible sensory experience.

This classic cake embodies comfort and nostalgia, connecting generations through its simple yet sophisticated flavor.

Bakers appreciate its understated elegance and remarkable depth of taste.

Sweet meets savory in a harmonious blend that surprises and delights the palate.

Each slice tells a story of culinary tradition and homespun creativity.

Prepare to fall in love with a cake that transforms ordinary ingredients into something truly extraordinary:

Why Mary Berry’s Caraway Seed Cake Is a Hidden Gem

• Savor Unique Flavor Explosion: Caraway seeds bring a distinctive, slightly nutty, and aromatic taste that sets this cake apart from traditional sweet treats, creating a delightful surprise for adventurous taste buds.
• Master Quick and Easy Baking: This recipe requires minimal technical skills, making it perfect for both novice and experienced bakers who want a delicious homemade cake without complicated techniques or extensive preparation time.
• Enjoy Versatile Dessert Delight: Perfect for afternoon tea, casual gatherings, or a comforting treat with coffee, this cake offers a sophisticated twist on classic loaf cakes that will impress family and friends with its unique flavor profile and elegant lemon glaze.

What Goes Into the Classic Caraway Cake

• Flour: A key structural component for the cake's texture, all-purpose flour works best.
• Baking Powder: Essential leavening agent to help the cake rise evenly and create a light crumb.

• Butter: Rich, creamy base that provides moisture and tender cake texture, room temperature preferred.
• Caster Sugar: Fine sugar that dissolves easily and creates a smooth, light cake structure.
• Eggs: Binding agent that adds richness and helps with cake's structure and rise.
• Milk: Adds moisture and helps blend ingredients smoothly, whole milk recommended.

• Caraway Seeds: Distinctive aromatic seeds that provide a unique, slightly nutty and herbal flavor to the cake.
• Lemon Zest: Bright, citrusy notes that complement the caraway seeds and add freshness.

• Icing Sugar: Creates smooth, sweet glaze for cake topping, sifted for best results.
• Lemon Juice: Adds tanginess and helps create a pourable icing consistency.

How to Bake This Old-Fashioned Favorite

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Tin

Preheat the oven to 180°C/160°C fan/gas 4. Grease a loaf tin and line it with baking parchment. Sift together flour and baking powder in a separate bowl and set aside.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and caster sugar until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale in color. Gradually add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to create a smooth batter.

Step 3: Combine Cake Ingredients

• Milk
• Caraway seeds
• Lemon zest

Spoon the batter into the prepared loaf tin and smooth the top with a spatula.

Step 4: Bake the Cake

Place the tin in the preheated oven and bake for 50-55 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a skewer into the center of the cake – it should come out clean when the cake is fully baked.

Step 5: Cool the Cake

Allow the cake to rest in the tin for 10 minutes. Carefully remove from the tin and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Prepare the Lemon Icing

Mix icing sugar and lemon juice in a bowl until you achieve a smooth, pourable consistency.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Once the cake has cooled, drizzle the lemon icing over the top, letting it cascade down the sides. Slice and serve this delightful caraway seed cake with a cup of tea or coffee.

Tips for a Light and Fragrant Caraway Texture

• Prevent Sticking: Grease and line your cake tin meticulously before pouring batter.
• Avoid Overmixing: Gently fold ingredients to maintain a light, tender crumb.
• Enhance Flavor: Lightly toast caraway seeds to deepen their aromatic profile.
• Achieve Softness: Cream butter and sugar until fluffy and pale for a delicate texture.
• Temperature Matters: Bring all ingredients to room temperature before starting.

Storing This Cake Without Losing Its Charm

• Airtight Container Method: Place cooled cake in a sturdy, sealed container with a tight-fitting lid. Prevents moisture loss and maintains cake's delicate texture. Works best for short-term storage up to 3 days.
• Refrigeration Method: Wrap cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before storing in refrigerator. Keeps cake fresh and moist for up to 5 days. Prevents potential bacterial growth and extends cake's edible period.
• Freezing Method: Double-wrap cake in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil for maximum protection. Place in freezer-safe bag or container to prevent freezer burn. Preserves cake's quality for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving at room temperature for best taste and texture.

Caraway Cake Variations With a Twist

• Herbal Harmony: Replace caraway seeds with chopped fresh rosemary or thyme for an aromatic herbal cake that pairs wonderfully with afternoon tea.
• Citrus Celebration: Swap lemon zest for orange or grapefruit zest and add corresponding citrus juice to the icing for a bright, zesty flavor profile.
• Nutty Comfort: Incorporate ground almonds into the flour mixture and sprinkle toasted sliced almonds on top of the icing for added texture and nutty depth.
• Spiced Warmth: Add ground cinnamon and a pinch of ground ginger to the dry ingredients, creating a warming spice cake that feels cozy and inviting.

Why This Seed Cake Still Feels Special

Classic British baking shines through with Mary Berry’s caraway seed cake – a nostalgic treat bridging generations of home cooks.

Heritage recipes like this carry whispers of traditional kitchens and cherished family memories.

Caraway’s distinctive anise-like flavor provides remarkable complexity to this simple loaf.

British culinary traditions emerge delicately within each carefully crafted slice of this tender cake.

Subtle nuances of lemon and seed create an elegant balance that delights discerning palates.

Shared moments around this spectacular cake connect you to generations of passionate bakers who understand true comfort comes through carefully crafted recipes.

Hungry for more culinary adventures?

Scroll, share, comment, and spread delicious inspiration with fellow enthusiasts who appreciate timeless baking magic!

Caraway Seed Cake Mary Berry Recipe

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4.8 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Mary Berry’s Caraway Seed Cake brings nostalgic British baking charm to your kitchen. Rich and aromatic, this classic cake delivers warm, comforting flavors that connect you with traditional afternoon tea experiences.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 175 grams (6.2 ounces) softened butter
• 175 grams (6.2 ounces) caster sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 175 grams (6.2 ounces) self-raising flour

Flavoring Ingredients:

• 1 ½ teaspoons caraway seeds
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 2 tablespoons milk
• zest of 1 lemon

Preparation Aids:

None

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F (180°C) with fan setting at 320°F (160°C). Coat a 2-pound (900 grams) loaf pan with butter and line with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage. Sift flour and baking powder together in a separate bowl, creating a uniform mixture.
2. Using an electric mixer, cream butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes pale, airy, and significantly increased in volume. Incorporate eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition to maintain a smooth consistency.
3. Gently fold the prepared flour mixture into the wet ingredients using a spatula, creating a soft, even batter. Carefully add whole milk, caraway seeds, and freshly grated lemon zest, stirring until ingredients are evenly distributed.
4. Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, using a spatula to spread evenly and create a level surface. Tap the pan gently on the counter to remove any potential air bubbles.
5. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-55 minutes. Test for doneness by inserting a thin skewer or knife into the center of the cake – it should emerge clean without any raw batter.
6. Allow the cake to rest in the pan for 10 minutes, which helps prevent breaking when removing. Carefully transfer to a wire cooling rack, allowing it to cool completely to room temperature.
7. Prepare the glaze by whisking powdered sugar and fresh lemon juice until achieving a smooth, slightly runny consistency. Once the cake is fully cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top, allowing it to naturally cascade down the sides.

Notes

• Prioritize ingredient quality by selecting fresh, premium items for superior taste and texture.
• Warm ingredients to room temperature before mixing to ensure smooth, even blending.
• Gently toast caraway seeds to unlock their rich, nutty flavor profile before incorporating into the batter.
• Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy to create an incredibly tender cake crumb.
• Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent a dense, tough final product.
• Prepare the cake tin meticulously by greasing and lining to guarantee effortless cake removal.
• Center the cake in the oven for consistent, uniform baking results.
• Test cake doneness using a clean skewer or toothpick inserted into the center – a clear removal indicates perfect baking.
• Allow the cake to cool completely before attempting to remove or slice.
• Elevate the cake’s presentation with elegant toppings like delicate icing, whipped cream, fresh seasonal fruits, or a light dusting of powdered sugar.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 394 kcal
• Sugar: 29 g
• Sodium: 118 mg
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 37 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg