Description
Easter Simnel Cake is a delightful blend of rich, moist fruitcake layered with a creamy marzipan filling. Each bite offers a harmonious balance of sweet, nutty flavors and a tender crumb, making it a perfect centerpiece for your Easter celebrations.
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Cake:
- 8 oz (225g) mixed dried fruit
- 4 oz (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 oz (115g) light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 8 oz (225g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 oz (55g) ground almonds
- 2 tbsp milk
- For the Marzipan:
- 8 oz (225g) marzipan
- For the Topping:
- 2 oz (55g) icing sugar
- 1 egg white
- Extra marzipan for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and light brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk, until just combined.
- Fold in the mixed dried fruit and ground almonds until evenly distributed.
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared cake pan, then layer with half of the marzipan, followed by the remaining batter.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, roll out the remaining marzipan and cover the top of the cake, smoothing it out.
- Mix the icing sugar with the egg white to create a glaze and spread it over the marzipan. Optionally, use a blowtorch to lightly brown the top for a beautiful finish.
Notes
- This cake can be made up to a week in advance and stored in an airtight container.
- For longer storage, freeze the cake wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months.
- Substitute dried fruits with your favorites, such as cranberries or apricots, for a unique twist.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: desserts
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 100g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25 grams
- Sodium: 150 milligrams
- Fat: 15 grams
- Saturated Fat: 3 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 50 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Protein: 5 grams
- Cholesterol: 50 milligrams
Keywords: Easter Simnel Cake, fruitcake, marzipan, Easter dessert, British cake, holiday baking, traditional recipes, festive treats, creamy cake, dried fruit, spring celebrations, homemade cake, dessert ideas