Description
A traditional British Simnel Cake, rich with mixed dried fruits, warm spices, and a layer of sweet marzipan, perfect for festive occasions. This moist and flavorful fruit cake is baked to golden perfection and topped with a delightful marzipan layer.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 2 cups mixed dried fruits (raisins, currants, sultanas)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1 orange
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 1/4 cup whole milk
Other
- 4 oz marzipan, rolled out
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8-inch round cake pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, usually about 5 minutes using an electric mixer or by hand.
- Add Eggs and Zests: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the lemon and orange zest along with the ground cinnamon and nutmeg for aromatic warmth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Gradually fold in the flour thoroughly mixed with baking powder. After the flour mixture, gently fold in the mixed dried fruits to evenly distribute them throughout the batter.
- Layer Batter and Marzipan: Pour half of the batter into the prepared cake pan. Roll out the marzipan into a flat disk and place it carefully over the batter layer in the pan. Then pour the remaining batter on top, covering the marzipan layer.
- Bake Cake: Bake the cake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely before decorating or serving.
Notes
- Ensure eggs are at room temperature to achieve a smooth batter.
- Use a toothpick test to check doneness; it should come out clean without wet batter.
- If desired, decorate the top of the cake with additional marzipan or glaze after it has cooled.
- For enhanced flavor, soak the dried fruits in brandy or orange juice a day before baking.
