Simnel Cake Recipe

Simnel Cake is a quintessential British Easter dessert that has been enjoyed for centuries. Known for its rich flavors and stunning appearance, this cake features layers of fruit, marzipan, and spices, making it a perfect centerpiece for your holiday table. In this article, we’ll take you through everything you need to know about making Simnel Cake—from its history and ingredients to how to bake it to perfection. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this traditional Easter cake is sure to impress!

What is Simnel Cake?

Simnel Cake is a traditional British fruitcake that is traditionally served during Easter. It is characterized by its light, moist texture, studded with dried fruits, and layered with marzipan. The cake is topped with a decorative layer of marzipan, often featuring 11 marzipan balls to represent the 11 apostles (excluding Judas). The cake’s rich flavor comes from the combination of dried fruits, spices, and a generous helping of marzipan, making it a beloved treat during the Easter season.

Why You’ll Love Simnel Cake

• A Rich Tradition: This cake has been enjoyed for centuries as part of the Easter celebration. By making Simnel Cake, you’re honoring a time-honored tradition.
• Delicious Flavor: The blend of dried fruits, spices, and marzipan creates a wonderfully sweet and satisfying flavor.
• Perfect for Easter: The symbolic marzipan decoration and the rich, comforting taste make Simnel Cake an ideal dessert for Easter gatherings.
• Pinterest-Worthy: With its beautiful layers and marzipan decoration, Simnel Cake is a treat that will surely stand out on your Pinterest feed.

Simnel Cake Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make the perfect Simnel Cake:

For the Cake:

• 225g (8 oz) unsalted butter, softened
• 225g (8 oz) caster sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 225g (8 oz) self-raising flour
• 225g (8 oz) mixed dried fruit (raisins, currants, sultanas)
• 100g (3.5 oz) glacé cherries, chopped
• 100g (3.5 oz) chopped mixed peel
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp ground nutmeg
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 2 tbsp brandy or orange juice (optional, for extra flavor)
• Pinch of salt

For the Marzipan:

• 200g (7 oz) marzipan
• 2 tbsp apricot jam or honey (for glazing)
• 11 marzipan balls (to represent the apostles, optional but traditional)

For the Decoration:

• Icing sugar (for dusting)
• Marzipan balls (11 small ones for decoration, optional)

Simnel Cake Nutrition Table

If you’re looking for more Easter dessert ideas, be sure to check out our Easter Egg Nest Cupcakes Recipe for another fun and festive treat to complement your Simnel Cake this holiday season!

How to Make Simnel Cake (Step-by-Step)

Here the step by step instruction how to make Simnel Cake.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Cake Tin

Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F) for fan-assisted ovens or 180°C (350°F) for conventional ovens. Grease and line an 8-inch (20 cm) round cake tin with parchment paper.

Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. If the mixture starts to curdle, add a small spoonful of flour to help bring it together.

In a separate bowl, sift together the self-raising flour, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until well combined.

Add the dried fruit, chopped glacé cherries, mixed peel, and lemon zest. Gently fold them into the batter. For extra moisture and flavor, add the brandy or orange juice if desired.

Step 3: Layer Marzipan in the Cake

Spoon half of the cake batter into the prepared cake tin. Roll out about 100g (3.5 oz) of marzipan into a circle that fits the tin and place it over the batter. Add the rest of the cake batter on top, smoothing the surface evenly.

Step 4: Bake the Cake

Bake the cake in the preheated oven for around 1.5 hours or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. If the cake starts to brown too quickly, cover it with foil and continue baking. Allow the cake to cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 5: Add the Marzipan Topping

Once the cake has cooled, it’s time to add the marzipan topping. Roll out the remaining marzipan into a thin circle and place it on top of the cooled cake. If desired, you can make decorative indentations or use marzipan balls to create a beautiful design on top.

Step 6: Glaze and Decorate

Warm the apricot jam or honey in a small saucepan, then brush it over the marzipan to give it a shiny finish. If you prefer, you can lightly toast the top of the marzipan under a grill for a few minutes, being careful not to burn it.

Finally, place the 11 marzipan balls around the top of the cake to represent the apostles (excluding Judas).

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing and serving. Simnel Cake is perfect on its own or paired with a cup of tea for a traditional British treat!

Why You Should Make Simnel Cake for Easter

Simnel Cake is not only a delicious dessert but also a cake with rich history. Traditionally baked for Easter Sunday, it’s an essential part of British culture. By making Simnel Cake, you’re not just baking a cake—you’re creating a symbol of tradition and celebrating Easter in a truly special way. Whether you’re new to baking or an experienced cook, Simnel Cake is an accessible and rewarding recipe that can become a cherished part of your family’s holiday traditions.