Welcome to the Cake Decorators Q&A

Could using stork instead of butter be making my madeira sponge dry?

Hi christine16

I don’t think so, if anything it would make it softer because stork is margarine doesn’t set like butter when the cake cools down.
Madeira cake becomes more moist after a few days. I don’t know your recipe so can’t comment why it should be dry. Mine always seems dry but it does improve with keeping and for brushing with simple syrup. Another reason why cakes can be dry is not enough liquid or if the baking temp is little too high, also if the batter has been over mixed once the flour is added. Have you tried this recipe http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/4576/wedding-cake-zingy-lemon It has excellent feed back from members who have tried it. I’ve also made it several times with good results.

Thanks for your help!