Cake Baking Help Needed !

[mikey4444]

I will admit to not being the most accomplished of cake bakers. I just don't get my practise these days anymore.

But I spent most of yesterday afternoon making a seed cake and a coconut cake, using the same basic Madeira recipe that my Mum passed on to me over 40 years ago.

175g Butter
175g castor sugar
225g Plain Flour
1.4 teaspoons of baking powder
3 eggs

For the coconut cake, 50g of desiccated coconut and 2 tablespoons of milk

1.5 to 1.75 hours at Gas mark 325f 160c

They should come out with a domed top, with slight cracks. But they tend to be rather dry, and no domed tops. They taste OK I suppose, but they are far from perfect. I have turned down the oven slightly, as I am unsure how accurate the control on my gas cooker is.

And suggestions how I can improve please !

[Tilly2]

My mum used a Be-Ro recipe book.

[Eleena]

Be-Ro ... yes Tilly!

[Tilly2]

I haven't inherited her skills. :-(

[Eleena]

I do love baking ... learnt from my mum Tilly.

[Eleena]

Mikey, that Manhattan taste good? ;0)

[Tilly2]

Here's the Be-Ro Maderia Cake recipe.

https://be-ro.co.uk/f_insp.html

[Jackdaw33]

My mother also used a Be-Ro book dating from the 20s/30s. She also used old-fashioned balancing scales with weights.

[Eleena]

I was wondering how the Be-Ro brand came about ... found it in your link Tilly... https://be-ro.co.uk/f_about.html

[Eleena]

Very popular those two brands Jackdaw.

[Jackdaw33]

I can't remember my mother ever having plain flour in the cupboard as she never baked bread.

[EDDIE51]

Be-Ro that takes me back. The book in the link is the same one my Mum always used. I will check to see if it is still available, I'd like to try the recipes.

[EDDIE51]

Looks like it is still in print the 41st edition !
https://be-ro.co.uk/

[woofgang]

I love a seedy cake...I do Ruth Mott's version which has a thick sprinkling of sugar on top of the cake which goes to a lovely crispy crust. I would agree about the amount of egg....check your egg size. also how old is your baking powder?