Simnel Cake
Indulge in the delightful flavors of Simnel Cake, a traditional British treat that blends rich dried fruits, warm spices, and smooth marzipan. Perfectly moist and beautifully presented, this cake is an impressive centerpiece for Easter celebrations or any special occasion. With a simple recipe that even novice bakers can master, you’ll create a showstopper that’s sure to impress friends and family alike.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup mixed dried fruits (raisins, sultanas, currants)
- 1 tsp almond extract
- 8 oz marzipan
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease and line an 8-inch round cake pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together butter and brown sugar until fluffy (about 5 minutes). Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.
- Gradually sift in flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg while gently folding until just combined.
- Fold in dried fruits coated lightly in flour and almond extract.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for about 1 hour or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Once cooled, roll out marzipan to cover the cake evenly; decorate with marzipan balls if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (100g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 34g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: For added flavor, substitute dried fruits with seasonal options like cranberries or apricots. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for optimal mixing. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.