Simnel Cake Recipe for Traditional Easter Celebrations

If you’re looking to Celebrate tradition with a moist and fruity Simnel Cake!, then you’re in for a real treat. This classic British Easter cake, packed with rich dried fruits and a hint of warming spices, is topped with a smooth layer of marzipan that adds the perfect balance of sweetness and texture. Whether you’re planning a festive family gathering or simply craving a teatime indulgence, this Simnel Cake! recipe brings a warm, nostalgic charm that makes every bite feel special.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Timeless Tradition: This Simnel Cake! has been a cherished Easter favorite for centuries, connecting you to a rich cultural heritage.
• Fruit-Filled Delight: Bursting with mixed dried fruits, it’s naturally sweet and intensely flavorful without any artificial additives.
• Perfectly Spiced: A warm blend of cinnamon and nutmeg elevates the cake’s depth, making it cozy and inviting.
• Marzipan Magic: The sweet almond topping adds a unique texture contrast that balances the fruity base perfectly.
• Versatile for Occasions: Ideal not just for Easter, this cake also shines at tea parties, birthdays, or any festive occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Simnel Cake! brings a harmony of simple yet crucial ingredients. Each one contributes something special, from moisture and texture to its rich, fruity character and vibrant color. Getting the basics right ensures a cake that’s moist, tender, and packed with flavor.

• Dried Mixed Fruits: A blend of raisins, currants, and sultanas provides sweetness and chewy texture.
• Ground Almonds: Adds moisture and a subtle nutty richness, elevating the cake’s texture.
• Marzipan: The key to this cake’s traditional finish—sweet and almond-flavored for topping and decorating.
• Butter: Brings richness and softness, helping the cake stay moist over time.
• Brown Sugar: Enhances the depth of flavor with its caramel notes and keeps the cake tender.
• Eggs: Acts as the natural binder, bringing everything together with structure and lift.
• Flour: The foundation that provides the body to the cake.
• Ground Cinnamon & Nutmeg: These warm spices infuse the cake with an inviting aroma and flavor.
• Apricot Jam: Perfect for glazing the top for a beautiful sheen and sticky sweetness.
• Almond Extract (optional): Boosts the almond notes for that extra special touch.

Variations for Simnel Cake!

One of the best things about Simnel Cake! is how adaptable it is. Whether you want to keep it classic or add your own twist, this recipe is a fantastic base for creativity. Feel free to try new ingredients or adjust to your dietary preferences easily.

• Nut-Free Version: Replace ground almonds with extra flour and add a little vanilla extract for flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Vegan Adaptation: Swap butter with coconut oil, use flax eggs, and your Simnel Cake! is vegan-friendly.
• Citrus Zest Addition: Adding orange or lemon zest brightens the cake’s flavor beautifully.
• Extra Spices: Incorporate cloves or allspice if you need a deeper spice profile.
• Rum-Soaked Fruits: Soak your dried fruits in rum for an adult twist and intensified richness.

How to Make Simnel Cake!

Step 1: Prepare the Fruits

Start by chopping any larger dried fruits and soaking them briefly in warm water or chosen liquor to plump them up. This boosts moisture and ensures the fruits don’t draw moisture from the cake while baking.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a hand or stand mixer, cream the softened butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. This step aerates the batter, helping your cake rise nicely and have a tender crumb.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Extracts

Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add in the almond extract or vanilla for extra fragrance and flavor depth.

Step 4: Fold in Dry Ingredients and Fruits

Sift together the flour, ground almonds, and spices, then gently fold them into the creamed mixture. Carefully fold in the dried fruits to distribute evenly without overmixing.

Step 5: Bake the Cake Base

Pour the batter into a greased and lined cake tin and bake in a preheated oven at 160°C (320°F) for about 1 hour or until a skewer comes out clean.

Step 6: Add the Marzipan Layer

Roll out some marzipan approximately the diameter of your cake, place it on top of the baked cake, and return to the oven for 10-15 minutes to set the marzipan gently.

Step 7: Final Glaze

Brush the top with warm apricot jam to give a lovely shine and add a sticky sweetness that complements the almond topping perfectly.

Pro Tips for Making Simnel Cake!

• Fruit Soaking: Always soak your dried fruits for at least 30 minutes to retain moisture in the cake.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure eggs and butter are at room temperature for easier mixing and better texture.
• Don’t Overmix: Fold your dry ingredients gently to keep the cake light and tender.
• Marzipan Thickness: Keep your marzipan layer about 5mm thick for balance — too thick can overwhelm the cake.
• Slow Bake: Bake the cake slowly at a moderate temperature to avoid burning the sugars on top while ensuring the cake cooks all the way through.

How to Serve Simnel Cake!

Garnishes

Traditionally, Simnel Cake! is garnished with 11 marzipan balls representing the apostles (excluding Judas). You can also add a dusting of icing sugar or fresh edible flowers for a delicate springtime touch.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs beautifully with fresh cream or custard for extra indulgence. A light cup of Earl Grey or chamomile tea complements the spices exquisitely for teatime enjoyment.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive centerpiece, stack small slices on a tiered cake stand alongside colorful Easter eggs or spring blossoms. Wrap individual slices in parchment as thoughtful party favors for guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Simnel Cake! keeps wonderfully well when wrapped tightly in cling film and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, allowing the flavors to deepen.

Freezing

You can freeze the cake wrapped carefully in foil and placed inside a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Reheating

Warm slices gently in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or in a low oven to bring back the cake’s soft texture and enhance its aroma.

FAQs

What makes Simnel Cake special compared to other fruit cakes?

Simnel Cake! stands out due to its layer of marzipan in the middle and on top, plus the traditional almond balls on top, creating a unique flavor and texture combination.

Can I use other dried fruits in Simnel Cake?

Absolutely! While classic recipes use raisins and currants, feel free to add chopped apricots, cranberries, or cherries for different flavor twists.

Is Simnel Cake gluten-free?

Traditional Simnel Cake contains wheat flour, but you can easily substitute with gluten-free flour blends to make it suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.

How long does Simnel Cake last?

When stored properly in an airtight container, this cake can stay fresh for up to a week, with flavors improving as it rests.

What is the origin of the name ‘Simnel’?

“Simnel” refers to a type of fine flour used historically in making this cake, though today it’s mostly known as the distinctive cake enjoyed during Easter.

Final Thoughts

Simnel Cake! is truly a magical recipe that brings history, flavor, and festive cheer to your table. Its moist texture, fruity richness, and delicate marzipan topping make it a standout special treat. Whether you are new to baking or a seasoned pro, this traditional Easter cake invites you to create warm memories and savor a slice of history. Give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes a beloved part of your celebrations!

Related Posts

• Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake Bars Treat
• Old Fashioned Frosted Banana Bars Recipe Made Easy
• Bite-Sized Twix Cups Easy Sweet Treats

Print