If you love nostalgic, comforting bakes that fill your home with warmth and sweetness, this Sultana Bliss Cake is the perfect recipe to add to your collection. Packed with tender sultanas, lightly scented with lemon, and beautifully moist, this traditional loaf cake has been a family favorite for generations.
It’s simple, foolproof, and ideal for afternoon tea, holiday gatherings, or anytime you want a sweet slice that brings back childhood memories.
⭐ Why You’ll Love This Sultana Cake
-
Moist & dense without being heavy
-
Classic old-fashioned flavor
-
Requires basic pantry ingredients
-
Perfect for slicing, gifting, or freezing
-
Ready in less than an hour
Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this cake is incredibly forgiving and delivers perfect results every time.
🧁 Ingredients You’ll Need
As shown in the recipe image:
-
140 g margarine or butter (softened)
-
140 g caster sugar
-
3 free-range eggs
-
225 g self-raising flour
-
¼ teaspoon lemon extract
-
Sultanas (typically 150–200 g, depending on preference)
(Optional but recommended)
-
A pinch of salt
-
Extra lemon zest for fragrance
-
A tablespoon of milk if the batter feels too thick
🍰 How to Make the Perfect Sultana Bliss Cake
Step 1 – Prepare the Baking Tin
-
Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F) for fan ovens or 170°C (340°F) for conventional.
-
Grease and line a loaf tin with baking paper.
Step 2 – Cream Butter and Sugar
-
In a large bowl, beat the margarine or butter and caster sugar together until pale and fluffy.
-
This step is key for creating a soft, tender crumb.
Step 3 – Add the Eggs
-
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
-
If the mixture curdles, add a spoonful of flour to bring it back together.
Step 4 – Fold in the Dry Ingredients
-
Sift in the self-raising flour and fold gently to avoid overmixing.
-
Add the lemon extract and stir until just combined.
-
Fold in the sultanas, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
Tip: Lightly dust the sultanas with flour so they don’t sink to the bottom during baking.
Step 5 – Bake
-
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf tin.
-
Smooth the top with a spatula.
-
Bake for 35–45 minutes, or until golden and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 6 – Cool & Serve
-
Let the cake cool in the tin for 10 minutes.
-
Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
-
Slice and enjoy with tea, coffee, or warm custard.
🍽 Serving Suggestions
-
Dust with icing sugar for a pretty finish
-
Serve warm with butter
-
Add a drizzle of lemon glaze for extra brightness
-
Pair with a cup of black tea or hot chocolate
🧡 Storage Notes
-
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
-
Freezes beautifully for up to 2 months
-
Wrap slices individually for grab-and-go snacks
