Can you bake a madeira cake without baking paper?

Yes, it is certainly possible to bake a madeira cake without the use of baking paper. There are a few alternative methods you can employ:

1. Butter and Flour the Baking Tin: Generously butter and flour the baking tin or pan you plan to use. This will help the cake to rise evenly and prevent sticking without the need for baking paper. Make sure to coat all the surfaces and edges of the tin thoroughly.

2. Greased Pan: Instead of flouring the buttered tin, you can simply grease the pan with butter or oil. This method also helps to prevent the cake from sticking and creates a non-stick surface without baking paper.

3. Silicone Baking Mat: If you have a silicone baking mat, you can use it instead of baking paper. Silicone mats provide a non-stick surface and can be easily removed from the cake once it's baked, making it a reusable and environmentally-friendly alternative.

4. Parchement or Grease-Proof Paper: Parchement or grease-proof paper is another option if you don't have baking paper. Parchement paper is coated with silicone, making it non-stick. You can use it to line the bottom of your baking tin and grease the sides.

5. Aluminum Foil: While not ideal, you could also use aluminum foil as a substitute for baking paper. However, aluminum foil is not non-stick and may result in the cake sticking to it more easily. Ensure you grease the foil well.

6. Directly Bake: If you're confident and experienced with baking, you could try baking the madeira cake directly on a greased and floured baking sheet without any paper or liner. This method requires precision and might be more challenging for beginners, as there's a higher risk of the cake sticking or burning.

Remember that the absence of baking paper might slightly affect the texture or eveness of the cake, and the cake might potentially stick more to the pan or tin if not greased or buttered properly. However, with care and attention to greasing and flouring, you should still be able to achieve a delicious and well-baked madeira cake.