Are you familiar with the phrase “if I knew you were coming I’d have baked a cake” ? Well, now there’s no need to be caught off guard when unexpected guests drop by! This cake is super quick to put together & takes just 5 minutes in the microwave to cook. It is also extremely versatile flavour wise – see the Tips below for other flavour ideas. Unlike other microwave sponges, this cakes remains soft & moist even the next day – if it lasts that long!

INGREDIENTS:

• 4oz granulated sugar (brown or white)
• 4oz margarine
• 4oz self raising flour
• 2 eggs
• 3 tbsp water
• 1 level tsp baking powder
• 1 level tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp finely grated orange zest
• 3 tbsp lime marmalade

 

• 2 tbsp chocolate sprinkles
• or 3 tbsp finely chopped preserved ginger with syrup

 

1. Soften the margarine then beat in the sugar, eggs, zest, baking powder & ginger.
2. Add the flour & mix well.
3. Pour into a well greased, microwave safe dish. I use a 7″ x 10″ stoneware – the cake batter comes halfway up the dish.
4. Cook on full power for 5 minutes. (My microwave is 900w / Grade E)
5. Melt the marmalade & brush over the top of the cake then cook on full power for a further minute.
6. Remove the cake from the microwave & sprinkle on the decorations if using.
7. Allow to cool for a minute then slice. I like to slice the cake into 16 pieces which is just right for a snack!

 

1. To make a chocolate cake, replace the ginger & zest with 3 tbsp cocoa powder – you can also add a few chocolate chips if you like. If you want chocolate orange, leave the zest & change the lime marmalade to orange.
2. For an almond cake, replace the ginger & zest with 1 tsp almond flavouring or essence. Dust with icing sugar or chocolate sprinkles.
3. If you want a coffee cake, replace the ginger & zest with 1-2 tsp coffee granules dissolved in the 3 tbsp water called for in the recipe.
4. You can ice this cake with your favourite frosting / buttercream / icing etc – it holds up well to all kinds of toppings.

Tags: Cake, Dessert, Eggs, Ginger, Lime, maramalade, Microwave, Orange, Quick, Snack