Easter Simnel Cake Recipe
A traditional Easter treat, this Simnel Cake recipe is perfect for sharing with family. It features marzipan and a citrusy, spiced sponge, adorned with a simple decoration for the holiday.
medium
03:00
6
METHOD
Step 1.
Preheat the oven to 150°C (300°F, Gas Mark 2). Grease and line a 20cm round cake tin with baking paper.Step 2.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until pale and fluffy.Step 3.
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, adding a little flour with each to prevent curdling.Step 4.
Fold in the remaining flour, ground almonds, mixed spice, and lemon zest.Step 5.
Stir in the dried fruits and mixed peel until evenly distributed.Step 6.
Spoon half the cake mixture into the prepared tin. Roll out one-third of the marzipan and cut a circle the size of the tin. Place it over the mixture.Step 7.
Add the remaining cake mixture on top and smooth the surface.Step 8.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 2.5 hours, or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean. Allow to cool in the tin.Step 9.
Brush the top of the cooled cake with apricot jam. Roll out half of the remaining marzipan and use to cover the cake.Step 10.
Optional: Form the remaining marzipan into 11 balls, representing the true disciples. Place these around the edge of the cake.Step 11.
Use a cook's blowtorch to lightly brown the marzipan on top, or place under a hot grill for a few minutes.Step 12.
Decorate with chopped dried apricot, and pumpkin seeds or Easter-themed decorations if desired.
INGREDIENTS
225 gUnsalted butter, softened
225 gCaster sugar
4 Large eggs
225 gSelf-raising flour
100 gGround almonds
2 tspMixed spice
1 Lemon zest
350 gMixed dried fruits
50 gMixed peel
500 gMarzipan
2 tbspApricot jam
0.5 cupDried apricots (for garnish)
0.5 cupPumpkin seeds
Share this:
