Description
Simnel Cake is a traditional British dessert that embodies the spirit of Easter with its moist almond cake and layers of sweet marzipan. This delightful recipe brings together rich flavors and elegant presentation, making it perfect for family gatherings or spring celebrations. The aroma of freshly baked Simnel Cake will fill your home with warmth, while each slice promises a nostalgic taste experience that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup ground almonds
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp mixed spice blend (cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice)
- 8 oz high-quality marzipan
- ¼ cup apricot jam
- 11 whole marzipan balls (for decoration)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease and line an 8-inch round cake tin.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until pale and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated.
- Sift in flour, ground almonds, baking powder, and mixed spices; gently fold into the mixture.
- Reserve one-third of the marzipan for topping and roll out the remaining into two circles.
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared tin; layer one circle of marzipan on top and add remaining batter.
- Bake for 1 hour or until golden brown and a skewer comes out clean.
- Cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Brush warm apricot jam over the top and place reserved marzipan disc on top.
- Shape remaining marzipan into 11 balls for decoration.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (75g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 85mg