Marmalade Loaf

Marmalade Loaf Recipe from Malta - Delicious and Easy to Make

Region / culture: Malta | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 8

Introduction

Marmalade loaf is a delicious and moist cake that is perfect for breakfast or as a sweet treat with a cup of tea. The combination of tangy marmalade and sweet golden syrup creates a unique flavor that is sure to impress your taste buds.

History

Marmalade loaf has been a popular recipe in British households for many years. The use of marmalade, a citrus fruit preserve, in baking dates back to the 18th century. It was often used as a way to add flavor and moisture to cakes and breads. The addition of golden syrup in this recipe adds a rich sweetness that complements the tangy marmalade perfectly.

Ingredients

6 oz (175 g) of butter or margarine
2 oz (50 g) of soft brown sugar
4 tbsp (60 ml) of golden syrup
2 beaten eggs
5 oz (150 g) of ginger marmalade or Seville marmalade
10 oz (275 g) of wholemeal self-raising flour
1 tsp (5 ml) of baking powder
1 oz (25 g) of chopped crystallised ginger
3-4 tbsp (45-60 ml) of orange juice
2 tbsp (30 ml) of marmalade for decoration
1 oz (25 g) of sliced crystallised ginger for decoration

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to mark 4 / 350°F / 180°C.
Grease and line the tin.
Cream the butter, sugar, and syrup together until very pale.
Gradually stir in the eggs and marmalade alternately with the sifted flour, baking powder, and ginger.
Add sufficient orange juice to give a soft dropping consistency and spoon the mixture into the tin evenly.
Bake for about 1 hour, or until golden and firm to the touch.
Cool thoroughly on a wire rack.

Variations

Add a handful of chopped nuts or dried fruit to the batter for added texture and flavor.
Substitute the marmalade with lemon or lime curd for a citrus twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cream the butter, sugar, and syrup together until very pale to ensure a light and fluffy texture.

- Gradually stir in the eggs and marmalade to prevent the mixture from curdling.

- Add the orange juice slowly to achieve the desired consistency of the batter.

- Cool the loaf thoroughly on a wire rack before slicing to prevent it from crumbling.

Serving Suggestions

Serve slices of marmalade loaf with a dollop of clotted cream or a drizzle of warm custard for a decadent dessert.

Cooking Techniques

Creaming method: Cream the butter, sugar, and syrup together until pale and fluffy.

- Folding method: Gently fold in the eggs, marmalade, and dry ingredients to avoid overmixing.

Ingredient Substitutions

Margarine can be substituted with butter.

- Wholemeal self-raising flour can be substituted with plain flour and baking powder.

Make Ahead Tips

Marmalade loaf can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Decorate the top of the loaf with slices of crystallised ginger and a drizzle of marmalade for a beautiful finish.

Pairing Recommendations

Enjoy a slice of marmalade loaf with a hot cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover marmalade loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices in a microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5 minutes.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of marmalade loaf contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of marmalade loaf contains approximately 35g of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of marmalade loaf contains approximately 12g of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of marmalade loaf contains approximately 4g of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Marmalade loaf is a good source of vitamin C from the marmalade and orange juice.

Alergens

This recipe contains eggs and wheat (gluten).

Summary

Marmalade loaf is a delicious treat that is relatively low in calories and provides a good source of carbohydrates and healthy fats.

Summary

Marmalade loaf is a delightful and flavorful cake that is perfect for any occasion. With its tangy marmalade and sweet golden syrup, this loaf is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy a slice with a cup of tea or coffee for a delicious treat!

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the joy I felt when I first stumbled upon this recipe for Marmalade Loaf. It was a cold winter day, and I was browsing through an old cookbook that I had inherited from my own grandmother. As I turned the yellowed pages, a handwritten note fell out, detailing a recipe for a delicious marmalade loaf. Intrigued, I decided to give it a try.

The recipe was simple, yet full of flavor. It called for flour, sugar, butter, eggs, and of course, a generous amount of tangy orange marmalade. As I mixed the ingredients together, the kitchen filled with the sweet aroma of citrus. I could hardly wait for the loaf to come out of the oven.

When it was finally done baking, I took it out and let it cool on the counter. The loaf was golden brown and topped with a sticky glaze made from marmalade and sugar. I couldn't resist cutting a slice and taking a bite. The bread was moist and tender, with a burst of orange flavor in every bite. It was truly a delight for the senses.

I knew right then and there that this recipe would become a staple in my kitchen. I shared it with my family and friends, who all raved about how delicious it was. They couldn't believe that such a simple loaf could pack so much flavor.

Over the years, I have made this marmalade loaf countless times. Each time, I tweak the recipe ever so slightly, adding a dash of cinnamon or a sprinkle of nuts to make it my own. I have also shared the recipe with others, passing it down through the generations just as it was passed down to me.

One of my fondest memories of making this loaf was when my granddaughter, Emily, came to visit. She had always been curious about my cooking and begged me to teach her how to make the marmalade loaf. I couldn't resist her enthusiasm, so I happily agreed.

Together, we gathered the ingredients and set to work in the kitchen. Emily was a quick learner, following my instructions with ease. She carefully measured out the flour and sugar, cracked the eggs, and stirred in the marmalade. As we waited for the loaf to bake, we chatted about life and shared stories from the past.

When the loaf was finally done, Emily's eyes lit up with excitement. She eagerly cut herself a slice and took a bite. A wide smile spread across her face as she savored the flavor. It warmed my heart to see her enjoy something that had brought me so much joy over the years.

As Emily grew older, she continued to make the marmalade loaf on her own, adding her own twist to the recipe just as I had done. She would often call me up to tell me about the latest variation she had tried, whether it was adding a sprinkle of coconut or a drizzle of honey on top.

I am grateful to have stumbled upon this recipe for marmalade loaf all those years ago. It has brought me closer to my family and created lasting memories that I will cherish forever. Cooking has always been a passion of mine, and sharing this recipe with others has been a gift beyond measure.

I hope that one day, my granddaughter will pass down this recipe to her own children, keeping the tradition alive for generations to come. The joy of cooking and sharing good food is one of life's greatest pleasures, and I am grateful to have experienced it with something as simple and delicious as a marmalade loaf.