Simnel Cake 🧁

Simnel cake is a rich, fruity cake traditionally made for Easter in the UK. It’s topped with a layer of marzipan and decorated with 11 marzipan balls representing the 11 apostles (excluding Judas). It’s the perfect dessert to celebrate Easter!

⏰ Preparation Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
🍽️ Total Time: 3 hours (including baking and cooling)
🍴 Nutritional Value: 350 kcal per serving (approximately)

🥄 Ingredients

🧑‍🍳 250 g dried sultanas 🍑 250 g dried apricots (chopped) 🍊 100 g glacé orange peel (chopped) 🍞 250 g all-purpose flour 🧂 1 tsp baking powder 🍥 1 tsp ground cinnamon 🍥 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg 🍥 1/2 tsp ground ginger 🧈 200 g unsalted butter (room temperature) 🍯 200 g brown sugar 🥚 4 large eggs 🥛 50 ml milk 🍦 2 tsp vanilla extract 🍬 100 g marzipan (for middle layer) 🍬 100 g marzipan (for top and decoration)

👨‍🍳 How to Make Simnel Cake

1️⃣ Prepare the Fruit: In a bowl, mix the dried sultanas, chopped apricots, and glacé orange peel. Set aside.
2️⃣ Mix Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
3️⃣ Cream Butter and Sugar: Beat the butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4️⃣ Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk and vanilla extract.
5️⃣ Add Fruit: Fold in the prepared fruit mixture.
6️⃣ Prepare Marzipan Layers: Roll out half of the marzipan to fit the size of the cake tin. Line the bottom of a greased cake tin with the marzipan, then pour the cake batter on top.
7️⃣ Bake the Cake: Preheat the oven to 160°C (320°F). Bake for 2-2.5 hours, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
8️⃣ Top the Cake with Marzipan: Once the cake has cooled, roll out the remaining marzipan and place it on top of the cake.
9️⃣ Decorate with Marzipan Balls: Roll 11 small balls of marzipan and place them evenly around the top of the cake.
🔟 Brown the Marzipan: Use a kitchen blowtorch or place the cake under a hot grill for 2-3 minutes until the marzipan is golden brown.

🌟 Pro Tips for the Best Simnel Cake

✅ Use room temperature butter for better mixing. ✅ Make sure to line the cake tin with parchment paper to prevent sticking. ✅ For extra flavor, soak the dried fruit in some rum or orange juice overnight.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Simnel Cake in advance?
Yes! It can be made up to a week in advance and stored in an airtight container.

Can I freeze Simnel Cake?
Yes, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw it at room temperature before serving.

What’s the best way to store it?
Store in a cool, dry place, wrapped in parchment paper and foil, for up to a week.

Btw, our Easter trifle is also amazing.