This moist, sticky Mary Berry Marmalade Cake is made with Seville orange marmalade, caster sugar, and self-raising flour, ready in just over an hour. Slicing through the tender sponge reveals a vibrant, citrus-scented crumb sealed beneath a sweet glaze. I always keep a jar of good quality marmalade on hand just to bake this.
Why This Classic Works
I used to think marmalade was only meant for toast until I tried baking it directly into a sponge. The bitterness of the oranges perfectly balances the sweetness of the sugar and butter. It creates a beautifully moist texture that lasts for days without drying out.
Now, it is one of my most reliable weekend bakes. The simple addition of a warm glaze at the end locks in all that wonderful citrus moisture.
Mary Berry Marmalade Cake Ingredients
- 225g softened butter
- 225g caster sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 225g self-raising flour
- 6 tbsp Seville orange marmalade (4 for cake, 2 for glaze)

How To Make Mary Berry Marmalade Cake
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat the oven to 160C Fan (180C conventional) and line a 20cm round cake tin with baking parchment.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Beat the softened butter and caster sugar together in a large bowl until pale and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Flour: Gradually whisk in the eggs one by one, then gently fold in the self-raising flour until just combined.
- Stir in Marmalade: Fold 4 tablespoons of the Seville orange marmalade into the batter until evenly distributed.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the mixture into the prepared tin and bake for 45 to 55 minutes until a skewer inserted comes out clean.
- Apply the Glaze: Warm the remaining 2 tablespoons of marmalade in a small pan, then brush it over the warm cake before cooling.


Recipe Tips
- Use chunky marmalade: The little pieces of orange peel add fantastic bursts of flavor and texture to the sponge.
- Ensure room temperature ingredients: Cold eggs can cause the cake batter to curdle when mixing.
- Check early: Ovens vary, so test the center with a skewer at 45 minutes to prevent overbaking.
What To Serve With Marmalade Cake
Serve a slice of this cake with a strong cup of Earl Grey tea or black coffee. For dessert, it pairs beautifully with a generous spoonful of clotted cream or warm custard.

How To Store
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the unglazed sponge for up to 3 months, thawing overnight before adding the warm marmalade topping.
FAQs
- Can I use a different type of marmalade? Yes, fine-cut or sweet orange marmalade works perfectly, but traditional Seville provides the best flavor balance.
- Why did my cake sink in the middle? This usually happens if the oven door is opened too early or if the batter was overmixed.
- Can I make this in a loaf tin? Yes, but you will need to adjust the baking time to about 55 to 65 minutes.
Nutrition
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
- Sodium: 210mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 45g
- Protein: 4g
Try More Recipes:
- Mary Berry Light Fruit Cake Recipe
- Mary Berry Light Fluffy Sponge Cake Recipe
- Mary Berry Lemon and Poppy Seed Cake Recipe
Mary Berry Marmalade Cake
8
servings15
minutes1
hour35
minutes1
hour50
minutesThis Mary Berry Marmalade Cake combines moist, sticky textures with Seville orange marmalade and self-raising flour in just over an hour. This reliable weekend bake brings brilliant citrus flavors to your afternoon tea table with minimal effort.
Ingredients
225g softened butter
225g caster sugar
4 large eggs
225g self-raising flour
6 tbsp Seville orange marmalade (4 for cake, 2 for glaze)
Directions
- 1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat the oven to 160C Fan (180C conventional) and line a 20cm round cake tin with baking parchment.
- 2. Cream Butter and Sugar: Beat the softened butter and caster sugar together in a large bowl until pale and fluffy.
- 3. Add Eggs and Flour: Gradually whisk in the eggs one by one, then gently fold in the self-raising flour until just combined.
- 4. Stir in Marmalade: Fold 4 tablespoons of the Seville orange marmalade into the batter until evenly distributed.
- 5. Bake the Cake: Pour the mixture into the prepared tin and bake for 45 to 55 minutes until a skewer inserted comes out clean.
- 6. Apply the Glaze: Warm the remaining 2 tablespoons of marmalade in a small pan, then brush it over the warm cake before cooling.
