There’s something magical about a Simnel Cake that makes it feel like spring has finally sprung. Picture this: a moist and spiced fruitcake layered with marzipan, topped with even more marzipan balls that resemble the twelve apostles. It’s like a tiny party on your plate! The aroma wafting through your kitchen as it bakes is enough to make anyone dance around like they just won the lottery.
I remember the first time I encountered this delightful treat. My grandma pulled one out of her secret stash during Easter dinner, and it was love at first bite. With every slice revealing its golden currants and sweet almonds, I knew this cake was destined to be part of my own culinary repertoire for years to come.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This delightful Simnel Cake is surprisingly easy to prepare and perfect for celebrating special occasions
- Its rich flavor combined with the sweetness of marzipan creates an irresistible treat
- Visually stunning, it will impress guests at any gathering
- Plus, you can customize it by adding your favorite dried fruits or spices!
My friends still rave about that first Simnel Cake I made; they practically begged me for leftovers!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Dried Mixed Fruit: Use a combination of raisins, currants, and sultanas for a sweet and tangy flavor profile.
- Unsalted Butter: Choose high-quality butter for a rich taste; make sure it’s softened for easier mixing.
- Brown Sugar: This adds depth and moisture; light brown sugar works beautifully in this recipe.
- All-Purpose Flour: Use standard flour here; ensure it’s sifted to keep your cake light and fluffy.
- Ground Almonds: These contribute an amazing texture; you can find them easily in most grocery stores.
- Baking Powder: A crucial leavening agent; check its expiration date to ensure proper rising.
- Spices (Cinnamon & Nutmeg): These warm spices create that cozy flavor; adjust according to your preference.
- Eggs: Use large eggs at room temperature for optimal blending into the batter.
- Marzipan: You’ll need this sweet almond paste both inside and on top of the cake – it’s essential!
- Apricot Jam: This sticky glaze helps adhere the marzipan on top; it’s also deliciously fruity!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare Your Oven and Cake Pan: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a round 8-inch cake pan with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Create Your Fruit Mixture: In a bowl, combine dried mixed fruits with ground almonds and a sprinkle of flour. This helps prevent them from sinking during baking.
Make the Batter: In another bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until creamy. Add eggs one at a time while mixing thoroughly after each addition.
Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually fold in the flour mixture along with baking powder and spices until just combined. Avoid overmixing for a tender crumb!
Layer Your Marzipan: Pour half the batter into the prepared pan. Spread a layer of marzipan over this batter before adding the remaining batter on top.
Bake It Up: Place your cake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean. Enjoy the heavenly aroma filling your kitchen!
After cooling completely on a wire rack, brush apricot jam over the top before rolling out additional marzipan to cover.
Now you’ll have a stunning Simnel Cake ready to impress everyone at your next celebration!
You Must Know
- Simnel Cake is a delightful fruitcake traditionally baked for Easter, rich with history and flavor
- The combination of dried fruits, spices, and marzipan creates a sweet harmony that captivates the senses
- Enjoy the fragrant aroma while baking—it may just draw in your neighbors!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C). Mix dry ingredients separately before incorporating them into your wet mixture. This ensures an even distribution of flavors, yielding a moist and delicious Simnel Cake.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out dried fruits based on personal preference—apricots and cranberries work wonderfully. You can also add a splash of brandy or orange zest for an extra kick of flavor!
Storing & Reheating
Store your Simnel Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. If you need to reheat, do it gently in the oven at a low temperature to retain moisture without drying it out.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve a balanced flavor, soak dried fruits overnight in tea or juice
- This allows them to plump up and infuse moisture into the cake
- Always let the cake cool completely before adding marzipan for a smooth finish!
- The presentation makes all the difference
Baking my first Simnel Cake was quite the adventure! I remember my friends’ faces lighting up as they tasted it—it became our go-to dessert for every gathering since then.
FAQ
What is Simnel Cake traditionally made of?
Simnel Cake is typically made with dried fruits like raisins, currants, and sultanas mixed with spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. It features a layer of marzipan both within and on top, giving it that signature look.
Can I make Simnel Cake ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, making it ahead allows flavors to develop beautifully. You can bake it weeks in advance; just store it properly to keep it fresh until you’re ready to enjoy it.
How long does Simnel Cake last?
When stored correctly in an airtight container at room temperature, Simnel Cake can last up to two weeks. It actually gets better with age, so feel free to enjoy it over time!
Delightful Simnel Cake
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 1x
Description
Delight in the flavors of spring with this traditional Simnel Cake, featuring a moist fruitcake layered with marzipan and topped with festive decorations—perfect for any celebration!
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried mixed fruit (raisins, currants, sultanas)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup brown sugar (light)
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (sifted)
- 1/2 cup ground almonds
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 3 large eggs (room temperature)
- 8 oz marzipan
- 1/4 cup apricot jam
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C) and grease an 8-inch round cake pan.
- In a bowl, combine dried fruits with ground almonds and a sprinkle of flour.
- Cream softened butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Gradually fold in sifted flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg until just combined.
- Pour half the batter into the prepared pan. Layer marzipan on top, then add remaining batter.
- Bake for about 60 minutes or until a skewer inserted comes out clean.
- Cool completely on a wire rack, then brush apricot jam over the top and cover with rolled marzipan.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Traditional
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1 slice (80g)
- Calories: 276
- Sugar: 27g
- Sodium: 78mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 43mg
