The Ultimate Simnel Cake Recipe: A Festive British Treat

Baking a delightful simnel cake brings joy to any springtime celebration.

Layers of rich fruit and delicate marzipan create a traditional Easter treat.

Moist and fragrant, this classic British dessert tells a story of generations past.

Candied fruits and nuts dance throughout the dense, sweet crumb.

Each slice carries memories of shared moments around the table.

Warm spices and almond notes promise a comforting experience that connects you to cherished traditions.

Let’s uncover the magic of this beloved recipe together.

Why Delia Smith Simnel Cake Is A Spring Favorite

• Celebrate Easter Tradition: Dive into a classic British Easter treat that brings generations together with its rich, fruity layers and symbolic marzipan decorations.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt the cake by swapping fruits or nuts to match your family's taste preferences, making it a personalized baking experience.
• Master Festive Baking: Learn a sophisticated yet approachable recipe that impresses guests and showcases your baking skills with minimal complex techniques.
• Quick Holiday Dessert: Create a show-stopping dessert in under an hour of active preparation, perfect for busy home bakers wanting a memorable Easter centerpiece.

Delia Smith Simnel Cake Ingredient List

• Butter: Provides rich flavor and creates a tender cake texture.
• Sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps with caramelization.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients and add structure to the cake.

• Flour: Creates the base structure of the cake.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and become light and fluffy.

• Mixed Dried Fruits, Nuts: Add texture, sweetness, and traditional flavor to the Simnel cake.

• Zest, Juice, Vanilla: Enhance the overall taste and aroma of the cake.

• Jam, Marzipan, Marzipan Balls: Create the signature look and additional sweet layer of the traditional Simnel cake.

How To Make Delia Smith Simnel Cake

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven and Prepare the Pan

Get your oven ready by heating it to 350F. Grab a bundt pan and generously coat the inside with butter or cooking spray. Line the bottom with parchment paper to ensure easy cake removal.

Step 2: Create a Creamy Base

In a large mixing bowl, whip together softened butter and sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. Crack in the eggs one at a time, blending thoroughly after each addition. Grate in some citrus zest, squeeze in fresh juice, and pour in vanilla extract for a burst of flavor.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

• Flour
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Ground spices

Gently fold these dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring carefully to create a smooth, consistent batter.

Step 4: Add Fruity Goodness

• Dried fruits
• Chopped nuts
• Candied peel

Ensure the goodies are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan, spreading it evenly. Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted comes out clean and the top is golden brown.

Step 6: Cool and Decorate

Let the cake rest in the pan for 30 minutes. Carefully turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Warm up some fruity jam and brush it over the top of the cake. Place a smooth marzipan disk on top, then arrange 11 marzipan balls around the edge for a traditional touch.

Pro Tips For Delia Smith Simnel Cake

• Soak Dried Fruits: Plump raisins, currants, and candied peels in warm tea or orange juice for extra moisture and rich flavor before adding to the batter.
• Layer Marzipan Strategically: Place a marzipan disk in the middle of the cake and another on top for traditional British Easter presentation and balanced sweetness.
• Prevent Fruit Sinking: Toss dried fruits and nuts in a little flour before mixing to ensure even distribution throughout the cake and prevent them from dropping to the bottom.
• Adjust Baking Time: Check cake doneness with a skewer around 45 minutes, as oven temperatures vary. Look for a clean skewer and golden-brown surface.
• Glaze for Shine: Brush warmed apricot jam over the marzipan layers for a professional finish and extra glossy appearance.

Fun Variations On Delia Smith Simnel Cake

• Gluten-Free Simnel Cake: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend, ensuring same texture and rich flavor.
• Vegan Easter Treat: Swap eggs with applesauce or flax eggs, use coconut oil instead of butter, and plant-based marzipan for traditional decorations.
• Low-Sugar Version: Substitute sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reduce overall sugar content while maintaining cake's traditional sweetness.
• Tropical Fruit Variation: Replace traditional dried fruits with exotic options like mango, papaya, and passion fruit to create a fresh, vibrant flavor profile.

Perfect Pairings With Delia Smith Simnel Cake

• Enhance Fruity Flavor Pairing: Serve with a chilled glass of sweet Moscato wine, whose light, fruity notes perfectly complement the cake's rich dried fruit and nutty undertones.
• Cleanse the Palate Companion: Offer a hot Earl Grey tea with bergamot, which cuts through the cake's sweetness and provides a refreshing contrast with its subtle citrus hints.
• Nutty Texture Sidekick: Present a small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, creating a creamy counterpoint to the cake's dense texture and highlighting the marzipan's almond essence.
• Boost Festive Experience: Pair with a small glass of cream sherry, matching the cake's traditional British holiday spirit and enhancing its complex fruit and nut profile.

Storage Tips For Delia Smith Simnel Cake

• Store covered in an airtight container for up to 5 days, keeping the cake moist and fresh at a cool temperature.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for 2-3 months without losing flavor or texture.
• Cut into individual portions, wrap each slice separately in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag for convenient single servings.
• Thaw at room temperature for 1-2 hours, then warm gently in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes to restore softness.

FAQ Section For Delia Smith Simnel Cake

• What is the origin of Simnel Cake?

This traditional British Easter cake dates back to medieval times, originally made by servant girls to bring home to their mothers during Lent.

• Why are there 11 marzipan balls on top?

The 11 balls represent the 11 faithful apostles of Jesus, excluding Judas, making it a symbolic Easter dessert with religious significance.

• Can I substitute dried fruits in the recipe?

Yes, you can swap dried fruits like currants, raisins, and candied peel based on your preference or availability, keeping the total quantity consistent.

• Is marzipan necessary for this cake?

While marzipan is a traditional component that adds sweetness and decorative touch, you can omit it if you don’t enjoy its flavor or texture.

Simnel Cake Recipe

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4.9 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 60-65 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Sweet memories of British tradition unfold in this classic Simnel Cake, blending rich dried fruits and delicate marzipan layers. Generations of bakers have cherished this Easter favorite, promising a delightful slice of nostalgia you’ll savor with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup (226 grams) unsalted butter
• 1 cup (200 grams) light brown sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 2 cups (240 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (150 grams) raisins
• 1/2 cup (75 grams) cranberries
• 1/2 cup (100 grams) mixed dried fruits and nuts

Dried Fruits and Zest:

• 14 cup (40 grams) chopped dried apricots
• Zest of 1 orange
• Zest of 1 lemon

Additional Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (340 grams) apricot jam
• 18 ounces (510 grams) marzipan

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350F and thoroughly coating a bundt pan with grease, then line with parchment paper.
2. Using an electric mixer, thoroughly blend softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, then gradually incorporate eggs, ensuring smooth integration of zest, citrus juice, and vanilla extract.
3. In a separate bowl, sift together all dry ingredients, creating a uniform mixture that will ensure even distribution when combined with wet ingredients.
4. Gently fold the dry ingredient mixture into the creamed butter mixture, stirring until just combined to maintain a soft, tender texture.
5. Carefully fold in dried fruits and chopped nuts, distributing them evenly throughout the batter to ensure consistent flavor in each slice.
6. Transfer the batter into the prepared bundt pan, smoothing the surface to create an even layer for consistent baking.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a skewer into the center – it should emerge clean when the cake is fully baked.
8. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 30 minutes, then carefully invert onto a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Gently warm fruit jam until it reaches a spreadable consistency, then brush generously over the top of the cooled cake.
10. Carefully place a rolled marzipan disk on top of the jam-covered cake, then artfully arrange 11 small marzipan balls around the edge for traditional decoration.

Notes

• Check fruit freshness by ensuring they’re plump and vibrant, not dried out or discolored.
• Toast nuts lightly before adding to enhance their nutty flavor and add a delightful crunch to the cake.
• Adjust moisture by soaking dried fruits in warm tea or orange juice for extra softness and depth of flavor.
• Opt for gluten-free flour blend if making a celiac-friendly version, ensuring the same tender texture and rich taste.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 446 kcal
• Sugar: 34 g
• Sodium: 230 mg
• Fat: 23 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 55 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg