Simnel Cake Recipe: A Delicious and Festive Fruit Cake
Introduction
Simnel cake, a traditional British treat, is often associated with Easter celebrations, but it can be enjoyed at any time of the year. This cake is rich, moist, and filled with an assortment of dried fruits, nuts, and spices, complemented by a sweet almond marzipan topping. Whether you are hosting a gathering or simply indulging in a special dessert, Simnel cake is the perfect balance of flavors. The cake features a dense yet tender texture with a delightful almond paste layer, making it a perfect finish to any meal.
This recipe yields approximately 10 servings and involves a preparation and cooking time of around 3 hours.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Butter (softened) | 250g |
| Muscovado Sugar | 250g |
| Eggs | 230g |
| All-Purpose Flour | 175g |
| Baking Powder | 16g |
| Raisins | 175g |
| Dried Mixed Berries | 175g |
| Candied Cherries | 70g |
| Candied Mixed Fruit | 50g |
| Lemon Zest | Β½ |
| Ground Cinnamon | 1g |
| Ground Nutmeg | 1g |
| Ground Ginger | 1g |
| Almond Flour | 250g |
For the Marzipan:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Almond Flour | 250g |
| Powdered Sugar | 250g |
| Almond Essence | 1 tsp |
| Egg Whites | 60g |
For the Topping:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Butter (for greasing) | As needed |
| Powdered Sugar (for dusting) | As needed |
| Apricot Jam | As needed |
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Cake Batter
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: Begin by placing the softened butter into a large mixing bowl. Add the muscovado sugar and cream them together until light and fluffy using an electric mixer.
- Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour and baking powder. Add the ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger to the flour mixture. Set aside.
- Incorporate the Eggs: Gradually add the eggs to the butter and sugar mixture, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated.
- Add the Dry Ingredients: Slowly add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet mixture and blend using your electric mixer. Mix until just combined, ensuring not to overmix.
- Add the Fruits and Spices: Stir in the lemon zest, raisins, dried mixed berries, candied cherries, and candied mixed fruit. Fold in gently using a spatula to distribute the fruits evenly throughout the batter.
Step 2: Baking the Cake
- Prepare the Cake Tin: Grease a 20 cm springform cake pan with butter. Line the base with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Place the pan in a preheated static oven at 170Β°C (338Β°F) and bake for about 2 hours. Make sure the cake is placed on the lower rack to ensure even baking. The cake is done when a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cake: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Afterward, carefully remove the cake from the pan and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 3: Preparing the Marzipan
- Make the Marzipan: While the cake is cooling, prepare the marzipan by combining the almond flour and powdered sugar in a bowl. Add the almond essence and egg whites, mixing until a dough forms. Divide the marzipan into two equal portions and wrap each in plastic wrap. Refrigerate until ready to use.
Step 4: Assembling the Cake
- Trim the Cake: Once the cake has cooled, trim the top of the cake to create a flat surface using a serrated knife.
- Roll Out the Marzipan: Dust your work surface with powdered sugar. Roll out one portion of marzipan into a 20 cm circle to fit the top of the cake.
- Apply the Apricot Jam: Gently heat the apricot jam in a small saucepan to loosen it, then brush a thin layer of warm jam over the top of the cake.
- Place the Marzipan Disc: Carefully place the rolled marzipan disc on top of the cake, smoothing it down with your hands.
Step 5: Decorating with Marzipan Balls
- Shape Marzipan Balls: Take the second portion of marzipan and divide it into 11 small balls. These will be placed on top of the cake as decorative accents.
- Position the Marzipan Balls: Brush the areas where you plan to place the marzipan balls with a little water. Gently place the balls on top of the marzipan disc, arranging them evenly around the edge.
Step 6: Grilling the Marzipan
- Grill the Cake: Preheat your ovenβs grill setting. Place the cake on the middle rack of the oven and grill for about 5 minutes, watching closely to ensure the marzipan doesn’t burn but develops a golden color. The marzipan should darken slightly but remain soft and chewy.
Step 7: Serving the Cake
- Final Touches: Allow the cake to cool slightly after grilling, and then dust with powdered sugar before serving.
- Enjoy: Slice and serve the cake, savoring the rich flavors of the fruits, spices, and almond marzipan.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount (per slice) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Protein | 4g |
| Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Sugars | 25g |
| Fat | 15g |
| Saturated Fat | 4g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sodium | 80mg |
Tips and Variations
- Vegan Version: For a vegan version of Simnel cake, substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseeds mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg) and replace the butter with vegan margarine.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure that all other ingredients are gluten-free.
- Additional Flavor: Add a splash of brandy or rum to the cake batter for an extra kick of flavor. This also helps to preserve the cake if you’re making it ahead of time.
Conclusion
Simnel cake is a truly indulgent dessert that blends the sweetness of dried fruits, the warmth of spices, and the richness of almond marzipan. Perfect for any special occasion, this cake is a delightful treat that is sure to impress your guests and provide a comforting, festive feel. Enjoy the fruits of your labor and savor each bite!
