Easter is a time of celebration, family gatherings, and delicious treats. Among the many festive delights, the Traditional Easter Simnel Cake holds a special place. This Easter fruit cake recipe is rich, moist, and packed with dried fruits, spices, and a signature layer of marzipan that makes it truly unique. Originally baked as a Mothering Sunday treat in the UK, it has now become an iconic Easter dessert enjoyed worldwide.
If you’ve ever wondered how to make Simnel cake, this simple yet delicious recipe will guide you through the process.
Quick Recipe Overview:
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cuisine: British
- Course: Dessert
- Serves: 8-10
Ingredients for Simnel Cake:
For the Cake:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp mixed spice (cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice)
- ¾ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 3 eggs
- 1 tbsp milk
- 1 cup mixed dried fruits (raisins, currants, chopped apricots)
- ½ cup chopped almonds
- Zest of 1 lemon
For the Marzipan Layer & Decoration:
- 2 cups almond paste or marzipan
- 1 tbsp apricot jam (for sticking)
- 1 egg yolk (for glazing)
How to Make Simnel Cake:
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Grease and line a round cake tin with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and spices.
Step 2: Make the Cake Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated.
- Stir in the flour mixture, then add the dried fruits, almonds, and lemon zest.
- Mix well and add a tablespoon of milk if needed for a smooth batter.
Step 3: Add the Marzipan Layer
- Divide the marzipan into three equal portions.
- Roll one portion into a circle the size of your cake tin.
- Pour half the cake batter into the tin and smooth it out.
- Place the rolled marzipan layer over the batter.
- Pour the remaining cake batter on top and spread evenly.
Step 4: Bake the Simnel Cake
- Place the cake in the Wipro Vesta 28 L Oven Toast Griller and bake for 1 hour and 45 minutes, or until a skewer inserted in the centre comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before decorating.
Step 5: Decorate with Marzipan
- Roll out another portion of marzipan to the size of the cake.
- Brush the top of the cake with apricot jam and place the marzipan circle on top.
- Shape the final portion of marzipan into 11 small balls (symbolizing the apostles, excluding Judas).
- Arrange the balls around the edge of the cake.
Step 6: Glaze & Finish
- Lightly brush the marzipan with beaten egg yolk.
- Place the cake under a broiler or grill setting in the Wipro Vesta Oven toast Griller for 2-3 minutes until lightly golden.
Why is Simnel Cake Special for Easter?
The traditional Easter Simnel cake is more than just a fruit cake. Its marzipan layer symbolizes purity, and the 11 marzipan balls represent the apostles (excluding Judas). This cake has a long-standing tradition of being gifted and enjoyed during Easter celebrations.
It’s a perfect dessert for Easter Sunday, whether served with tea, coffee, or as part of a festive family gathering. The combination of moist cake, flavourful dried fruits, and sweet marzipan makes it a truly delightful treat.
Perfect Baking with Wipro Vesta 28 L Oven Toast Grill:
To achieve the perfect texture and even baking, a high-quality oven is essential. The Wipro Vesta 28 L Oven Toast Grill ensures a flawless Simnel cake recipe with its advanced features:
- Smart Cook Function – Provides precision baking with 50 pre-programmed recipes.
- Multi-Purpose Baking & Grilling – Allows you to toast, bake, broil, roast, and grill effortlessly.
- Powerful 1600-Watt Heating – Ensures even heat distribution for a perfectly baked cake.
- Opti Even Technology – Helps achieve the ideal golden glaze on marzipan.
- Steam Feature & Timer – Retains moisture for soft, flavourful cakes.
Whether you’re making Easter fruit cake recipes or other baked delights, this oven makes the process easy, efficient, and professional. Baking a traditional Easter Simnel cake is a wonderful way to celebrate the holiday with family and friends. The rich flavours of dried fruits, warm spices, and sweet marzipan create a perfect balance of taste and tradition.
Using the Wipro Vesta 28 L Oven Toast Grill, you can bake effortlessly and enjoy a perfectly golden, moist cake every time. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and bring a touch of tradition to your Easter table with this delightful Simnel cake recipe! Happy Baking.
