Recipes, re-invented from cooking shows
Gin and Tonic Cake
Prep. Time:
Baking Time:
Total Time:
30 minutes
55 minutes
85 minutes
Serves:
1 loaf (8-10 servings)
Mat's innovative cocktail-inspired creation impressed Paul with its "amazing" flavor combination that perfectly translates gin and tonic elements into cake form. The improved structure technique addresses doming issues through lower temperature baking and proper scoring. Paul praised the "lovely" and "so balanced" flavors where gin prominence comes through the glaze rather than overwhelming the delicate Madeira base. This sophisticated adult dessert showcases creative interpretation while maintaining traditional cake fundamentals.
Ingredients
FOR THE MADEIRA CAKE BASE:
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
3/4 cup caster sugar
3 large eggs, room temperature
1/2 cup whole milk
2 tablespoons gin
Zest of 2 lemons
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
FOR MAT'S GIN GLAZE:
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
3-4 tablespoons gin
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Zest of 1 lemon
1 tablespoon tonic water
Pinch of salt
FOR GIN AND TONIC GARNISH:
Candied lemon slices
Fresh juniper berries (if available)
Lemon zest curls
Instructions
PREPARE THE MADEIRA CAKE:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (lower temperature than standard). Grease and line 9x5-inch loaf pan.
2. In bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Beat butter and sugar until very light and fluffy, about 5 minutes.
4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
5. Beat in gin, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla.
6. Alternate adding flour mixture with milk, beginning and ending with flour.
IMPROVED BAKING TECHNIQUE:
7. Pour batter into prepared pan, smooth top gently.
8. Create shallow groove down center with knife tip.
9. Bake 50-55 minutes until golden and toothpick comes out clean.
10. Lower temperature helps prevent excessive doming Paul noted.
11. Cool in pan 10 minutes before turning onto wire rack.
CREATE MAT'S GIN GLAZE:
12. In bowl, whisk powdered sugar with gin gradually.
13. Add lemon juice, lemon zest, and tonic water.
14. Adjust consistency - should be pourable but thick enough to coat.
15. The gin ensures prominent flavor in glaze.
APPLICATION AND FINISHING:
16. Apply glaze while cake is still slightly warm for better absorption.
17. Pour glaze over cake, allowing it to drip down sides.
18. The glaze delivers the strong gin flavor Mat intended.
19. Allow glaze to set 30 minutes before garnishing.
20. Top with candied lemon slices for cocktail reference.
21. Add fresh juniper berries if available for gin connection.
22. Scatter lemon zest curls for fresh citrus appeal.
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