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Mary Berry Simnel Cake recipe

Mary Berry Simnel Cake Recipe

  • Author: Ekani Ella
  • Prep Time: 25
  • Cook Time: 135
  • Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
  • Yield: 12 slices
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: British

Description

Simnel cake is a light fruitcake with layers of almond paste or marzipan, typically baked and then topped with a second marzipan layer and grilled until golden. It’s associated with Easter and Mothering Sunday in the UK, with its origins dating back to medieval times.

Ingredients

For the Cake Batter:

  • Butter (175g, softened)

  • Light Muscovado Sugar (175g)

  • Plain Flour (175g)

  • Ground Almonds (50g)

  • Baking Powder (1 tsp)

  • Mixed Spice (1 tsp)

  • Ground Cinnamon (½ tsp)

  • Eggs (3, large)

  • Milk (2 tbsp)

  • Currants (110g)

  • Sultanas (110g)

  • Glacé Cherries (55g, quartered and rinsed)

  • Mixed Peel (30g, chopped)

  • Grated Zest of 1 Lemon

For the Marzipan (or use ready-made):

  • Marzipan (450g total) – Half for the middle, half for topping and decoration.

For Topping and Finishing:

  • Apricot Jam (2 tbsp, warmed) – To help the marzipan stick.

  • Egg (1, beaten) – For brushing the marzipan topping.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Tin and Preheat the Oven

  • Grease and line the base and sides of an 18cm round deep cake tin with parchment paper.

  • Preheat oven to 150°C (130°C fan) / 300°F / Gas 2.

Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter

  • In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.

  • Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each.

  • Sift in the flour, baking powder, mixed spice, and cinnamon.

  • Fold in the ground almonds, lemon zest, dried fruits, and milk until evenly combined.

Step 3: Add the Marzipan Layer

  • Spoon half of the cake batter into the prepared tin.

  • Roll out 150g of marzipan into a circle the same size as the tin.

  • Place the marzipan disc on top of the batter.

  • Spoon the remaining batter over the marzipan and level the surface.

Step 4: Bake the Cake

  • Bake for 2¼ to 2½ hours, or until a skewer inserted into the cake (not through the marzipan) comes out clean.

  • Let the cake cool in the tin for 15 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 5: Decorate the Top

  • When the cake is cool, brush the top with warmed apricot jam.

  • Roll out another 150g of marzipan into a circle to fit the top of the cake.

  • Place the marzipan on top and gently press it down.

  • Roll the remaining marzipan into 11 equal balls. Arrange them evenly around the edge of the cake.

  • Brush the marzipan top and balls with beaten egg.

  • Place under a hot grill for 1–2 minutes, or until golden. Watch carefully to avoid burning.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

  • Slice and serve as a dessert or afternoon tea treat, especially during the Easter season.

Did you make this recipe?

Find it online: https://britishbakingrecipes.co.uk/mary-berry-simnel-cake/