Buttery Caraway Seed Cake Recipe: A Sweet Twist on Classic Flavors

Crafting a delightful caraway seed cake brings unexpected magic to your baking adventure.

Seeds dancing through soft, tender crumb create surprising flavor profiles.

Aromatic spices whisper gentle stories of European kitchens and cherished traditions.

Subtle warmth from ground caraway transforms ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.

German bakers understand this delicate balance between robust seasoning and delicate sweetness.

Simple pantry staples become your canvas for culinary creativity.

Each slice promises a journey of comfort and unexpected delight.

You’ll want to slice this cake and savor every nuanced bite.

Ingredients for Mary Berry Caraway Seed Cake

• Flour: A staple baking ingredient that provides structure to the cake.
• Caraway Seeds: Distinctive spice that gives the cake its unique, aromatic flavor.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a tender cake texture.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with the cake's golden-brown color.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cake's soft structure.

• Milk, Vanilla: Enhance moisture and add depth of flavor to the cake.

• Baking Powder, Salt, Lemon Zest: Help the cake rise, balance flavors, and add a subtle citrus brightness.

Baking Instructions for Caraway Seed Cake

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 180C (350F) and lovingly coat a 9-inch cake tin with a light butter or cooking spray.

Step 2: Blend Dry Ingredients

Grab a mixing bowl and whisk together the flour and caraway seeds until they’re perfectly combined, creating a fragrant dry mixture.

Step 3: Whip Butter and Sugar

Using an electric mixer or strong arm power, cream the butter and sugar together until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and creates a dreamy cloud-like texture.

Step 4: Incorporate Eggs

Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition to ensure a smooth, silky batter that’s beautifully integrated.

Step 5: Mix Wet Ingredients

• Milk
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Lemon zest
• Vanilla extract

Blend until everything is harmoniously combined.

Step 6: Combine Flour Mixture

Gently fold the flour and caraway seed mixture into the wet ingredients, being careful not to overmix. Stir just until the batter looks consistent and no flour streaks remain.

Step 7: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared cake tin and slide it into the preheated oven. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Let the cake rest in the tin for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack. Allow it to cool completely before slicing and enjoying your delightful caraway seed cake.

Helpful Tips for Mary Berry Caraway Seed Cake

• Seed Selection Success: Choose fresh, high-quality caraway seeds for the most intense, aromatic flavor in your cake.
• Mixing Mastery: Cream butter and sugar thoroughly until light and fluffy to ensure a tender, soft cake texture.
• Zest Boost: Add extra lemon zest for a bright, citrusy note that complements the earthy caraway seed flavor.
• Temperature Check: Use room temperature eggs and milk to help ingredients blend smoothly and create a more consistent batter.
• Storage Savvy: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain its moisture and freshness.

Variations to Try with Caraway Seed Cake

• Gluten-Free Caraway Seed Cake: Replace wheat flour with almond or rice flour for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Caraway Cake: Substitute butter with coconut oil, eggs with flax eggs, and milk with almond milk for a plant-based alternative.
• Citrus Spice Variation: Add orange zest instead of lemon, and sprinkle ground cardamom for an aromatic flavor boost.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener to reduce sugar content, perfect for diabetic-friendly diets.

Pairing Ideas for Mary Berry Caraway Seed Cake

• Elevate Sweetness with Tea Pairing: Brew a classic Earl Grey tea, its bergamot notes complementing the cake's subtle lemon and caraway flavors perfectly.
• Create Creamy Contrast: Serve a dollop of clotted cream or vanilla custard alongside the cake, balancing its slightly dense texture with rich smoothness.
• Enhance Aromatic Experience: Pour a small glass of sweet sherry or moscatel wine, whose gentle sweetness and nutty undertones will highlight the caraway's warm, earthy character.
• Match with Cheese Plate: Add a side of mild, soft goat cheese or a creamy brie to introduce a savory counterpoint that enhances the cake's delicate spiciness.

Storing Mary Berry Caraway Seed Cake Correctly

• Store cake in an airtight container wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 4 days, keeping it fresh and moist in the refrigerator.
• Wrap cake tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 2-3 hours before serving.
• Keep cake covered with a clean kitchen towel on the counter for 1-2 days if planning to consume quickly.
• Cut cake into individual portions before storing, making it easier to reheat single servings in the microwave for 15-20 seconds.

Questions on Mary Berry Caraway Seed Cake

• What do caraway seeds taste like?

Caraway seeds have a distinctive, slightly sharp and nutty flavor with hints of anise and pepper, adding a unique aromatic quality to baked goods.

• Are caraway seeds healthy?

Yes, caraway seeds are packed with antioxidants, can aid digestion, and have potential anti-inflammatory properties, making them more than just a flavor enhancer.

• Can I substitute caraway seeds if I don't like them?

If you’re not a fan of caraway, try using fennel seeds or dill seeds for a similar aromatic profile, though the flavor will be slightly different.

• What makes this cake different from other traditional cakes?

This cake combines the warmth of a classic butter cake with the distinctive, complex flavor of caraway seeds, creating a unique and sophisticated dessert with Central European baking roots.

Why Mary Berry Caraway Seed Cake Deserves a Comeback

• Create Nostalgic Flavor: This traditional cake brings back memories of old-fashioned baking with its unique caraway seed profile, offering a delightful twist on classic sweet treats.
• Super Simple Preparation: Minimal ingredients and straightforward mixing steps make this recipe perfect for bakers of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced home cooks.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy as a comforting afternoon tea companion, breakfast pastry, or elegant dessert that pairs wonderfully with coffee or tea, making it ideal for multiple occasions.
• Aromatic Baking Experience: The combination of caraway seeds, lemon zest, and vanilla creates a wonderfully fragrant kitchen environment that fills your home with warm, inviting scents during baking.

Caraway Seed Cake Recipe

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4.9 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 60-65 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Caraway seed cake brings a nostalgic touch of traditional British baking right to your kitchen. Warm spices and delicate crumb invite comfortable memories while connecting generations of home cooks with this simple, elegant dessert that celebrates comfort and heritage.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 225 grams (8 ounces) unsalted butter, softened
• 225 grams (8 ounces) caster sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 225 grams (8 ounces) all-purpose flour

Flavoring Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons caraway seeds
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 lemon

Leavening and Liquid Ingredients:

• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 4 tablespoons milk
• 1 pinch of salt

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Instructions

1. Prepare a 9-inch cake tin by generously greasing its interior, then preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) for optimal baking conditions.
2. Combine flour and caraway seeds in a mixing bowl, ensuring even distribution of the aromatic seeds throughout the dry ingredients.
3. Using an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar together until the mixture becomes light, pale, and significantly increased in volume.
4. Incorporate eggs into the butter mixture one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition to create a smooth, cohesive batter.
5. Introduce milk, baking powder, salt, freshly grated lemon zest, and vanilla extract into the mixture, stirring until all components are well integrated.
6. Delicately fold the flour and caraway seed mixture into the wet ingredients, using gentle, sweeping motions to maintain the batter’s airiness.
7. Transfer the prepared batter into the greased cake tin, ensuring an even distribution and smooth surface.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
9. Allow the cake to rest in the tin for 10 minutes, then carefully remove and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

• Toasting caraway seeds beforehand intensifies their nutty, slightly anise-like flavor, enhancing the cake’s aromatic profile.
• Consider replacing some flour with almond or coconut flour for a gluten-free version that maintains a tender crumb.
• Sprinkle additional toasted caraway seeds on top of the cake for extra texture and visual appeal.
• Serve warm with a dollop of lavender-infused whipped cream to complement the cake’s delicate spice notes.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: German

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 464
• Sugar: 31g
• Sodium: 72mg
• Fat: 27g
• Saturated Fat: 17g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0.5g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 93mg