Simnel Cake has always been a beloved Easter dessert. This cake is a perfect way to celebrate the festive season with family.
Contents
Simnel cake recipe
Simnel cake is a traditional British cake. It was originally baked for Mother’s Day by servant girls. The cake was packed with dried fruit, spices, and marzipan. Over time, this cake has become a popular Easter treat.
Easter Simnel cake is known for its unique decoration and symbolism. Traditionally, it is topped with 11 marzipan balls. These balls represent the apostles of Jesus, excluding Judas. Some variations include a marzipan layer symbolizing Jesus.
A traditional cake is heavy on fruit. I reduced the fruit to make a lighter, more springlike version. I also used just 6 marzipan balls for a relatively small cake.
This is how to make and decorate a Simnel cake.
Easter Simnel Cake
Nutrition
Ingredients
- 4 oz plain flour mine was a gluten-free blend
- 4 oz butter
- 4 oz soft brown sugar
- 2 medium eggs
- 1 oz glace cherries chopped
- 2 oz sultanas/raisins/currants
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp mixed spice
- 1/2 a lemon zest and a generous squeeze of the juice
- 2 tsps shredless marmalade
- 1 pack marzipan
Instructions
- Grease and line a small, round cake tin and preheat the oven to 170oC.
- Dust a work surface with icing sugar and roll out enough marzipan to cut a circle the size of the tin. Cover in cling film and set to one side.
- Cream the butter and sugar together, then beat in the eggs, one at a time. Add a pinch of flour to prevent the mixture curdling.
- Fold in the flour, baking powder and spice.
- Stir in the cherries, dried fruit and lemon zest & juice.
- Spoon half of the mixture into the tin. Cover with the circle of marzipan, then spoon in the rest of the mixture.
- Bake in the center of the oven for about an hour, or until risen and brown.
- Leave to cool for a few minutes in the tin, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Roll out some more of the marzipan quite thinly and cut out a circle just larger than the top of the cake.
- Spread a thin layer of shredless marmalade over the top of the cake, then cover with the marzipan. Crimp the edges with your fingers to make a decorative 'wave'.
- Roll small pieces of marzipan between your fingers into small balls and stick on top of the cake with a little dab of marmalade.
- Dust with icing sugar and serve.
Notes
SIMILAR RECIPES
Pairing suggestions
The cake is enjoyed with a variety of beverages.
- Non-alcoholic Beverages
- Citrus juices provide a refreshing contrast to the cake’s sweetness.
- A cup of tea complements the cake and enhances its flavor.
- Black tea or Earl Grey are popular choices.
- Cocktails
- Simnel Sour is a great option.
- Simnel Cake Fizz creates a festive drink.
- Marzipan Old Fashioned includes marzipan flavors and orange peel for zest.
- Rum or Guinness complements the cake with a matching flavor profile.
Variations
Here are some notable variations of the Simnel cake:
- Simnel Cherry Tart includes layers of jam, marzipan, sponge, and biscuity base. It is an ideal treat for tea time.
- Lemon Drizzle Simnel Slices combine lemon drizzle and the cake flavors. These slices are easy to serve and offer a fruity, zesty twist.
- Lemon & White Chocolate Cake replaces fruitcake with moist lemon drizzle cake. It is topped with white chocolate ganache and truffles. This cake provides a lighter alternative.
- Vegan Versions retain traditional flavors. It uses almond milk and vegan butter.
- Simnel Muffins incorporate classic Simnel flavors. They are portable and perfect for sharing.
- Ginger Addition is infused with ginger. It adds a spicy kick to the recipe. This cake maintains marzipan and dried fruits.
- Simnel Share ‘n’ Tear Buns combine hot cross buns and the cake. They feature spices and marzipan flavors. These buns are perfect for sharing.
I’ve been searching for the perfect Simnel cake recipe, and I’m so glad I stumbled upon this one. The step-by-step instructions were so easy to follow, and the end result was a delicious. My family loved it!