Description
Simnel Cake is a traditional British Easter fruit cake enriched with warm spices, layers of toasted marzipan, and a symbolic topping of 11 golden marzipan balls. This moist, spiced bake is a historic holiday favorite—perfect for spring celebrations and lovers of classic, old-world cakes.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
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175g unsalted butter, softened
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175g light brown sugar
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3 large eggs
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175g self-raising flour
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1 tsp ground cinnamon
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1/2 tsp mixed spice
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250g mixed dried fruit
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50g glacé cherries, halved
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2 tbsp milk
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Zest of 1 lemon
For the Marzipan:
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500g marzipan (ready-made or homemade)
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2 tbsp apricot jam (warmed)
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 150°C/300°F. Grease and line an 8-inch round cake tin.
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In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
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Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
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Fold in self-raising flour, cinnamon, mixed spice, lemon zest, and milk.
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Stir in the dried fruit and glacé cherries until evenly distributed.
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Roll out one-third of the marzipan into an 8-inch circle.
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Pour half of the batter into the prepared tin. Smooth the surface and lay the marzipan round on top.
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Cover with remaining cake batter and level the top.
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Bake for 2 to 2½ hours, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Cool completely in the tin, then remove and place on a serving plate.
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Brush the top with warmed apricot jam. Roll out another round of marzipan and place on top.
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Shape 11 small marzipan balls and place evenly around the edge.
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Lightly toast the marzipan top and balls using a kitchen blowtorch or briefly under the broiler.
Notes
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The 11 marzipan balls traditionally represent the apostles, excluding Judas.
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Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
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Delicious served with tea and a touch of cream or butter.
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Can be made a day or two ahead to let flavors develop.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Cake / Holiday Baking
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: British
