In my experience on those kind of days Madeira type of cake is the best - quick and easy to make and so many flavour possibilities. Yes, you can keep it nice and simple by just adding few drops of vanilla essence, but why, why when it can be so much more by just adding a tablespoon, or tow, of your favourite marmalade ;) In my case - it's orange. I carried the flavour not only within the cake itself, but also in the icing - which I like only as a thin layer of it, on the top, just enough.
The cake will keep well, covered in a cling film for 3-4 days, though it didn't have a chance to last that long at my house... If you fancy it and you'll bake a vanilla/plain version, you can pour some rum or brandy (mixed with a bit of warm water) over it, when it's still warm and still in the baking tin.
How to make it...