Description
Simnel cake is a delightful British tradition, perfect for Easter and any festive occasion. This rich fruitcake, layered with sweet marzipan and dotted with dried fruits, evokes nostalgia and warmth. As it bakes, your kitchen fills with a comforting aroma that invites family and friends to gather and celebrate. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, this recipe will help you create a stunning centerpiece for your next gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups dried mixed fruit (raisins & currants)
- 8 oz marzipan
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- Zest of 1 lemon
- ½ cup whole milk
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease an 8-inch round cake pan and line it with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, nutmeg, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
- In another bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 5 minutes).
- Add the eggs one at a time to the creamed mixture, beating well after each addition.
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients alternating with milk until just combined.
- Gently fold in the dried mixed fruit and lemon zest.
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan. Roll out marzipan into a circle slightly smaller than your cake pan; place it on top of the batter before adding the remaining batter.
- Bake for about 1 hour or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Once cooled, cover the top with another layer of marzipan and decorate with eleven marzipan balls.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (85g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 90mg