If there’s one treat I reach for when I want to bring a bit of sunshine and nostalgia to any table, it’s this Delightful Simnel Cake Recipe for Every Celebration. Fragrant with citrus zest, warmly spiced, and decked with jewel-like fruit and a crowning layer of golden marzipan, it’s not just a cake—it’s a celebration in every bite. Traditionally linked to Easter, but truly too cheerful to limit to just one holiday, this cake’s unique marzipan middle and playful topping make it an irresistible centerpiece for gatherings of all kinds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe comes together beautifully with some classic pantry staples and a handful of special touches. Each ingredient has a starring role—whether it’s adding richness, bursts of juicy sweetness, or that signature nutty crown of marzipan that makes this cake so irresistible to slice into.
- 225g unsalted butter (softened): Gives the cake its rich, tender crumb and buttery flavor.
- 225g light brown sugar: Adds depth and a lovely caramel note that marries perfectly with the dried fruit.
- 4 large eggs: Essential for binding everything together and ensuring a moist cake.
- 225g self-raising flour: Provides structure and a gentle lift for a soft, springy outcome.
- 225g mixed dried fruit (sultanas, currants, raisins): The soul of the cake, offering chewy texture and bursts of sweet-tart flavor.
- 100g glacé cherries (halved): Bring a pop of color and irresistible sweetness to every bite.
- 50g chopped candied peel: Adds zesty, citrusy bites throughout the cake.
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon: Infuses warmth and spice into the cake’s base.
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg: Gives a subtle, aromatic sweetness that pairs well with the fruit.
- Zest of 1 lemon: Brings brightness that cuts through the richness of the batter.
- Zest of 1 orange: Adds a sweet, floral aroma and a subtle tanginess.
- 2 tbsp milk: Helps create a perfectly smooth, mixable batter.
- 500g marzipan: The show-stopping layer that makes this classic so beloved.
- 2 tbsp apricot jam: Acts as both a tasty glue and a fragrant glaze for the marzipan.
- 1 egg (beaten, for glazing): Helps give the marzipan its irresistible golden finish.
How to Make Delightful Simnel Cake Recipe for Every Celebration
Step 1: Prep the Tin and Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 150°C (300°F). While it warms up, grease and line a deep 20cm (8-inch) round cake tin. Lining the tin is crucial for this moist cake to rise evenly and release easily later—it’s worth taking a moment to get it just right!
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and light brown sugar. Aim for a pale, fluffy mixture—this step is all about getting that signature tender and moist crumb. Be generous with your patience here; the creamier it gets, the better your final cake will taste.
Step 3: Add Eggs
Next, beat in the eggs one at a time. Mix thoroughly after each addition so your batter stays smooth and emulsified. This little bit of attention means your cake will bake up evenly and avoid any dense spots.
Step 4: Mix in Dry Ingredients
Sift in the self-raising flour, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg. Then gently fold them into your batter. You’re aiming to keep the air you’ve just beaten in, so use a light hand—think slow swirls rather than quick stirs.
Step 5: Add Fruits and Zest
Now, stir in your mixed dried fruit, glacé cherries, candied peel, and zest from both the lemon and orange. These bursts of color and flavor make every slice as beautiful as it is delicious. Don’t forget to add the milk, just two tablespoons, to help bring everything together smoothly.
Step 6: Prepare and Layer Marzipan
Roll out one-third of your marzipan into a circle the same size as your cake tin. Spoon half the batter into the prepared tin, level it gently, then place the marzipan round on top. It’s a magical surprise hidden inside!
Step 7: Add Remaining Batter and Bake
Spread the remaining cake batter over the marzipan layer and smooth the surface. Pop the tin in the oven and bake for about 2 and a half hours. You’ll know it’s ready when a skewer inserted into the middle comes out clean and the kitchen smells absolutely heavenly.
Step 8: Cool and Top with Marzipan
Let the cake cool in the tin for 15 minutes before carefully transferring it to a wire rack. When it’s completely cool, brush the top with apricot jam. Roll out another third of the marzipan and lay it over the cake—the warmth of your hands helps smooth it out perfectly.
Step 9: Finish with Marzipan Balls and Glaze
Shape the last bit of marzipan into 11 equal balls—these traditionally stand for the faithful apostles. Arrange them around the edge, brush everything with beaten egg, and quickly grill the cake for just a minute or two until the marzipan is beautifully golden. Keep a close eye so it doesn’t burn!
How to Serve Delightful Simnel Cake Recipe for Every Celebration
Garnishes
To make this centerpiece shine, I love to add a little extra flourish. Try a dusting of icing sugar over the marzipan balls or sprinkle some edible gold leaf for a touch of elegant sparkle. If you’re celebrating spring, scatter fresh edible flowers—like violets or primroses—around the cake’s base for a breathtaking presentation.
Side Dishes
This cake goes beautifully with a pot of strong black tea, fruity tisanes, or even a celebratory glass of sparkling wine. For a dessert spread, you might add a bowl of softly whipped cream or some tangy Greek yogurt to cut through the sweetness and make each bite feel a little lighter.
Creative Ways to Present
There’s endless fun to be had with decorating your Delightful Simnel Cake Recipe for Every Celebration! For larger gatherings, slice and stack petite wedges onto a tiered cake stand. Or, for special gifts, wrap individual slices in parchment and colorful ribbon. If you’re feeling playful, press festive cookie-cutter shapes out of spare marzipan and place them alongside the classic balls for a custom seasonal touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your cake will stay fresh and delicious for up to a week if kept in an airtight tin or wrapped tightly in baking parchment and foil. The fruit and marzipan help it retain moisture, so every slice is just as lovely a few days later—perfect for snacking whenever the mood strikes!
Freezing
If you want to get ahead or save some for a later celebration, this cake freezes well. Just wrap slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to three months. Defrost overnight at room temperature to enjoy as if freshly baked.
Reheating
Most of the time, this cake is perfect at room temperature, but if you like it warm, a quick zap in the microwave (10-15 seconds per slice) brings back that just-baked coziness. For a real treat, serve slightly warmed with a scoop of cold vanilla ice cream on the side!
FAQs
Can I make this Delightful Simnel Cake Recipe for Every Celebration without marzipan?
The marzipan is what truly makes this cake unique, both in flavor and tradition. However, if you prefer, you could substitute with almond paste or skip it, though the result won’t have the signature taste or texture.
Is it possible to use different dried fruits in the cake?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap in dried apricots, figs, or cranberries for a twist. Just aim to keep the overall quantity the same so the cake’s texture remains spot on.
Why are there 11 marzipan balls on top?
Traditionally, the 11 marzipan balls symbolize the apostles—excluding Judas. It’s a lovely nod to the cake’s rich heritage and makes for a playful, interactive decoration.
How do I keep the fruit from sinking in the batter?
A good trick is to toss your dried fruit with a spoonful of flour before folding it into the batter. This helps suspend the fruit evenly while the cake bakes.
What’s the best way to get a golden finish on the marzipan?
Brush the crafted marzipan with beaten egg and pop the cake under a hot grill for just a minute or two. Watch it carefully—it goes from perfect to toasty in the blink of an eye!
Final Thoughts
If you’re dreaming of a cake that delivers both spectacle and old-fashioned comfort, let the Delightful Simnel Cake Recipe for Every Celebration be your go-to. It’s a joy to bake, a delight to share, and sure to win fans year after year. Gather your favorite people, pour a cup of something lovely, and enjoy every marzipan-topped bite!
Print
Delightful Simnel Cake Recipe for Every Celebration Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours
- Yield: 10–12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich flavors of this classic Simnel Cake recipe, perfect for any celebration. This moist fruitcake is layered with marzipan and topped with a golden glaze, making it a delightful treat for Easter or special occasions.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 225g unsalted butter (softened)
- 225g light brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 225g self-raising flour
- 225g mixed dried fruit (such as sultanas, currants, and raisins)
- 100g glacé cherries (halved)
- 50g chopped candied peel
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1 orange
- 2 tbsp milk
For Assembly:
- 500g marzipan
- 2 tbsp apricot jam
- 1 egg (beaten, for glazing)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 150°C (300°F). Grease and line a deep 20cm (8-inch) round cake tin.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Combine dry ingredients: Sift in the flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg, then fold gently to combine.
- Stir in fruits: Stir in the dried fruit, cherries, candied peel, and both zests.
- Complete batter: Add the milk and mix until you have a smooth batter.
- Layer marzipan: Roll out a third of the marzipan into a circle the size of your cake tin. Spoon half the batter into the tin, smooth it out, then place the marzipan layer on top. Add the remaining batter and level the surface.
- Bake: Bake for 2½ hours, or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and glaze: Let the cake cool in the tin for 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Brush the top with apricot jam.
- Decorate with marzipan: Roll out another third of the marzipan and place it on top of the cake. Shape the remaining marzipan into 11 small balls and arrange them around the edge of the cake.
- Glaze and brown: Brush the marzipan with beaten egg and place the cake under a hot grill for 1–2 minutes, or until golden.
Notes
- Traditionally, the 11 marzipan balls represent the faithful apostles, excluding Judas.
- You can soak the dried fruit in tea or brandy overnight for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 470
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
