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THSimnel cake is one of those deeply nostalgic UK centric bakes, it's a gloriously rich, spiced, packed with fruit, and crowned with that unmistakable layer of golden marzipan. Traditionally eaten around Easter, it’s lighter than a Christmas cake but still indulgent, with a lovely almond warmth running through it.
Ingredients (20cm round tin)
Fruit mix
300g mixed dried fruit (raisins, sultanas, currants)
100g glacé cherries, halved
150ml strong Assam tea (cooled)
Zest + juice of 1 orange
Cake batter
200g salted butter
200g soft light brown sugar
4 large eggs @clarence_court
210g plain flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp mixed spice
1 tbsp ground ginger
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
Pinch salt @maldonsalt
Zest of 1 lemon and 1 orange
1 tsp vanilla extract
To assemble
600g marzipan
2–3 tbsp apricot jam or marmalade
Method ✨
Mix fruit, cherries, tea, and orange zest/juice. Leave at least 2 hours, ideally overnight. Gently melt butter until it turns golden and nutty. Cool slightly.
Add the butter into the dry ingredients. Beat in eggs one at a time. Next, add lemon and orange zest + the vanilla. Fold in soaked fruit (with any liquid)
Line a 20cm round tin (deep, ideally with parchment collar). Then, Add half the batter. Roll out 200g of marzipan into a 20cm disc Place on top of batter, then add remaining batter and smooth.
Pop your oven onto 150°C fan (170°C conventional) Bake 1 hr 45 mins – 2 hrs Cover loosely with foil if browning too quickly. A skewer should come out clean.
To finish, Warm apricot jam or marmaly and brush over cake, roll another marzipan disc and place on top. Roll 11 small balls (for the apostles) Grill or blowtorch until golden or add edible gold glitter.
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#simnelcake #easterbaking #englishfood #fruitcake #ukfoodie
@theculinarybee
