Love It or, err, Love It: Marmite Cake

Have you ever tried to explain Marmite to someone who doesn't know what it is? It's basically impossible: "Err, it's this delicious, brown salty yeast sludge that you put on toast and things." The world knows that there are Marmite naysayers, but I am not one of them! Bring it forth, say I! 

Every self-respecting yeast extract lover knows that marmite is best paired with cheddar cheese. What happens when you're sick of sandwiches and are sitting in a park that doesn't have toaster facilities? We're doing what we did with the Mac n Cheese and are baking it! 

Savoury cakes are great for picnics, and you can riff on the flavours to combine whatever you like into delicious snack form. But this one is Marmite. Unequivocally, unapologetically Marmite.

Marmite Cake

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Baking time: 30-40 minutes

You'll need:

• 250g plain flour
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 200g mature cheddar cheese, grated
• 4 free-range eggs
• 125ml olive oil
• 100ml milk
• 1 tablespoon plain yoghurt
• 1 tsp Marmite
• Large pinch of salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

For the topping:

• 20g butter, melted
• 2 tsp Marmite

Make it!

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F/Gas Mark 4 and lightly grease a 20cm round cake tin. (A silicon one works well for this).
2. Sift the flour and baking powder into a bowl along with 150g of the cheese and stir to combine. (Save the rest of the cheese for the top later).
3. In a separate bowl whisk the eggs until very frothy and gradually add the olive oil, milk, yoghurt, and Marmite, whisking well to combine. Season with the salt and black pepper, if you like.
4. Add the egg to the flour mixture in batches, stirring to combine. 
5. Scoop into the cake tin and smooth out evenly, the sprinkle the top with the rest of the grated cheese.
6. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the cheese is golden and the cake feels firm. 
7. Cool in the tin for a few minutes.

The topping:

1. Melt the butter and Marmite together in a small saucepan. 
2. Whilst the cake is still warm, poke holes in the top with a skewer and drizzle over the melted butter-Marmite mixture. 
3. Serve with LARGE SLICES OF CHEDDAR and revel in glorious Marmiteyness...