Easter Simnel Cake

Jun 05, 2023June 5, 20230 2
A delicious Easter Simnel Cake for your festive celebrations
in Dessert

Prep

30 min

Cook

120 min

Ready In

2h 30min

Level

Difficult

Rating

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Ingredients

1 cup margarine , softened
1 cup light brown sugar
4 eggs
1 3/4 cups self-rising flour
1 1/3 cups golden raisins
1 cup dried currants
2/3 cup candied cherries - rinsed , dried and quartered
1/4 cup candied mixed fruit peel , chopped
2 tablespoons grated lemon zest
2 teaspoons mixed spice
1 pound almond paste
2 tablespoons apricot jam
1 egg , beaten

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe
12
Calories
507
Sugar
42g
Fat
24g
Easter Simnel Cake is a popular cake in Britain that is traditionally eaten at Easter-time. The name 'Simnel Cake' is thought to come from the Latin word 'simila', meaning fine wheat flour used to make cakes. The cake is typically made with dried fruits, mixed fruit peel, and warm spices such as nutmeg, cinnamon, and allspice. The cake is crowned with eleven balls of almond paste that are said to represent the disciples of Jesus Christ, with the exception of Judas Iscariot. This cake is perfect for celebrating Easter with friends and family and is usually served with tea or coffee. It can also be enjoyed with a glass of sherry or sweet dessert wine.

Instructions

1.Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C).
2.In a large bowl, cream together the margarine and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3.Beat in the eggs one at a time.
4.Sift in the flour and mixed spice and stir until well combined.
5.Add the dried fruits, mixed fruit peel, and lemon zest, stirring until well combined.
6.Grease and line a 9-inch (23-cm) cake tin with baking parchment.
7.Cut a third of the almond paste and set aside. Roll out the remaining almond paste on a surface dusted with icing sugar to a circle the same size as the tin.
8.Pour half of the cake mixture into the prepared tin and smooth down the surface.
9.Place the rolled-out almond paste on top of the cake mixture in the tin.
10.Pour the remaining cake mixture over the almond paste layer and smooth down the surface.
11.Bake for 2 hours or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
12.Leave the cake to cool in the tin for 10-15 minutes before turning out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
13.Brush the top of the cake with warmed apricot jam.
14.Divide the reserved almond paste into 11 equal-sized pieces and roll each one into a ball.
15.Arrange the balls in a circle on top of the cake.
16.Brush the balls with beaten egg.
17.Place the cake under a hot grill until the top of the balls are golden brown. Watch carefully, as this will only take a few minutes.
18.Serve and enjoy!

PROS

Easter Simnel Cake is a traditional British cake that is perfect for Easter celebrations.

It is packed full of delicious dried fruits and warm spices.

The cake is crowned with soft almond paste balls that are given a lovely golden glow under the grill.

It is perfect for sharing with friends and family at Easter-time.

CONS

The cake takes a long time to bake, but the end result is definitely worth the wait.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Easter Simnel Cake is not a particularly healthy cake, but it is a wonderful treat to enjoy at Easter time.
The dried fruits in the cake are a good source of dietary fiber and micronutrients such as potassium and iron.
However, the cake is quite high in sugar, so it should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

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