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
Scale
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
