Easter Simnel Cake
Easter Simnel Cake - A Traditional Easter Delight
Easter Simnel Cake is a traditional Easter delight that has been enjoyed for centuries. This delicious cake is made with a rich fruitcake base, filled with marzipan and topped with a layer of almond paste. The cake is then decorated with eleven marzipan balls, representing the eleven apostles (excluding Judas).
Ingredients (serves 10-12):
- 250g unsalted butter, softened
- 250g light brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 250g self-raising flour
- 1 tsp mixed spice
- 500g mixed dried fruit
- 100g glacé cherries, chopped
- 100g candied peel, chopped
- 1 lemon, zest only
- 1 orange, zest only
- 500g marzipan
- 200g almond paste
Cooking Tips:
- Soak the dried fruit in orange juice or brandy overnight for a richer flavor.
- Use a springform cake tin for easy removal of the cake.
- Brush the top of the cake with apricot jam before adding the marzipan layer for a smooth finish.
Method:
1. Preheat the oven to 150°C/300°F/Gas Mark 2. Grease and line a 20cm/8in cake tin.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, adding a tablespoon of flour with each egg to prevent curdling.
4. Sift in the remaining flour and mixed spice, and fold in gently.
5. Add the dried fruit, cherries, candied peel, lemon zest, and orange zest, and mix well.
6. Spoon half of the mixture into the prepared tin and level the surface.
7. Roll out 300g of marzipan into a circle slightly smaller than the tin and place on top of the cake mixture.
8. Spoon the remaining cake mixture on top of the marzipan layer and level the surface.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 2-2.5 hours, or until a skewer inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
10. Allow the cake to cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Roll out the almond paste into a circle slightly smaller than the cake and place on top.
12. Divide the remaining marzipan into 11 equal pieces and roll into balls. Place the balls around the edge of the cake and brush with a little beaten egg.
13. Place the cake under a hot grill for a few minutes until the marzipan balls are golden brown.
Appearance and Taste:
Easter Simnel Cake is a beautiful and festive cake that is sure to impress. The rich fruitcake base is moist and flavorful, while the marzipan and almond paste layers add a delicious sweetness. The golden brown marzipan balls on top of the cake give it a lovely finishing touch.
Type: Dessert, Cake
Main Ingredients: Mixed dried fruit, Marzipan, Almond paste
