17+ Easter Simnel Cake Recipe Uk Ignite Your Passion For Cooking!
Published on: Mar 12, 2024
Easter is a time for celebration and indulgence, and what better way to satisfy your sweet tooth than with a traditional Easter Simnel cake? This classic British dessert has been enjoyed for centuries and is a staple in many households during the Easter season. Not only is it delicious, but it also holds a special meaning and symbolism for this holiday. In this article, we will dive into the history of Simnel cake and provide you with a traditional Easter Simnel cake recipe UK that will leave your taste buds wanting more.
Main Ingredients: Margarine, Soft Brown Sugar, Eggs, Self Raising Flour
Easter is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than with a delicious Easter Simnel cake? This traditional cake has been a staple during the Easter season for centuries, and for good reason. Made with a rich fruitcake base, marzipan filling, and topped with 11 marzipan balls to represent the 12 apostles (minus Judas), this cake is not only delicious but also has a symbolic meaning.
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Easter Simnel cake
Main Ingredients: Plain Flour, Butter, Light Brown Sugar, Egg, Raisins
If you're looking to switch things up this Easter, why not try a unique twist on the classic Simnel cake? There are many variations out there, including one with a marzipan pastry cream filling. This adds an extra layer of creaminess and sweetness to the cake, making it even more irresistible. Give it a try and see for yourself!
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Easter Simnel Cake with Marzipan Pastry Cream
Main Ingredients: Plain Flour, Light Brown Sugar, Spice Mix, Baking
Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver has his own take on the Easter Simnel cake, and it's definitely worth trying. His version includes a layer of jam in the middle, adding a burst of fruity flavor to the cake. He also tops it off with a drizzle of white chocolate and toasted almonds, taking this traditional cake to a whole new level.
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Jamie’s Easter Simnel Cake
Main Ingredients: Egg, Icing Sugar, Almond Extract, Yellow Food
The renowned chef and Great British Bake Off judge, Prue Leith, also has her own special recipe for Easter Simnel cake. Her version includes a layer of marzipan in the middle, as well as a layer of apricot jam. This combination of flavors creates a deliciously sweet and tangy cake that will be sure to impress your friends and family.
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Prue Leith’s Easter Simnel Cake
Main Ingredients: Dried Apricots, Glace Cherries, Flaked Almonds, Candied
While the traditional Simnel cake has a rich fruitcake base, there are also variations that use a lighter sponge cake as the base. This makes for a lighter and fluffier cake, perfect for those who prefer a less dense dessert. Whichever version you choose, one thing is for sure – the marzipan topping is a must for that authentic Simnel cake taste.
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Easter Simnel
Main Ingredients: White Bread Flour, Salt, Mace, Nutmeg, Cloves, Yeast
For those following a vegan diet, there's no need to miss out on the Easter Simnel cake tradition. There are many vegan recipes out there that use plant-based ingredients to create a delicious and cruelty-free version of this classic cake. With options like almond milk and vegan butter, you can still enjoy all the flavors of a traditional Simnel cake without any animal products.
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Vegan simnel cake for Easter
Main Ingredients: Butter, Light Brown Sugar, Ground Flax Seed, Cold
If you're feeling adventurous, why not try making your own Simnel cake from scratch? With a bit of patience and some basic baking skills, you can create a show-stopping cake that will impress everyone. Plus, there's nothing quite like the satisfaction of baking something delicious and beautiful with your own two hands.
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Simnel Cake
Main Ingredients: Butter, Muscovado Sugar, Large Eggs, Ground Almonds
For the adults at the Easter gathering, a whisky Simnel cake may be just the thing to add some extra cheer to the celebration. This recipe includes a generous amount of whisky in the cake batter and also in the marzipan filling, giving it a rich and boozy flavor. Just be sure to save a slice for yourself before it's all gone!
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Whisky Simnel Cake
Main Ingredients: Sultanas, Currants, Zest, Glace Cherries, Ginger
As Easter falls in the spring season, why not add some seasonal touches to your Simnel cake? You can decorate the top with edible flowers or pastel-colored marzipan balls to give it a more festive and spring-like look. This is a great way to make your Simnel cake stand out and add a touch of whimsy to your dessert table.
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SPRINGTIME SIMNEL CAKE
Main Ingredients: Sultanas, Currants, Mixed Peel, Lemon, Orange, Brandy
For those with gluten sensitivities, a traditional Simnel cake may not be an option. However, there are many gluten-free recipes out there that use alternative flours to create a delicious and safe version of this classic cake. With options like almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour, you can still enjoy a slice of Simnel cake without any worries.
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Gluten Free Simnel Cake
Main Ingredients: Mixed Dried Fruit, Stem Ginger, Lemon Zest, Orange
If you're looking for a lighter and more refreshing dessert for Easter, why not try an Easter sunshine cake? This cake is made with layers of sponge cake, lemon curd, and whipped cream, giving it a bright and citrusy flavor. It's a great alternative to the traditional Simnel cake and is perfect for those who prefer a lighter and less sweet dessert.
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Easter Sunshine Cake
Main Ingredients: Butter Cake Mix, Mandarin Oranges, Vegetable Oil, Eggs
While the Simnel cake is the star of the show at Easter, don't forget about the savory dishes as well. A glazed Easter ham is a classic and delicious main course option that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the Simnel cake. With a sweet and tangy glaze, this ham is sure to be a hit with your Easter guests.
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Glazed Easter Ham
Main Ingredients: Fully Cooked Bone In Ham, Whole Cloves, Brown Sugar
If you have kids at your Easter gathering, they will love this fun and creative dessert – an Easter dirt cake! Made with layers of crumbled chocolate cookies, pudding, and whipped cream, this cake is a fun and tasty treat that resembles a garden. Add some gummy worms and candy eggs for a playful touch.
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Easter Dirt Cake
Main Ingredients: Oreo Cookies, Cream Cheese, Soften, Butter, Powdered
Of course, Easter isn't just about dessert – it's also a time for a big family dinner. And what better way to celebrate than with a traditional Easter dinner? This usually includes dishes like roast lamb, honey-glazed carrots, and scalloped potatoes. Don't forget to save room for a slice of Simnel cake for dessert!
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Traditional Easter Dinner
Main Ingredients: Spiral Cut Ham, Brown Sugar, Maple Syrup, Pineapple
If you're looking for a bite-sized version of the classic Simnel cake, then these Easter Simnel truffles are for you. Made with a mixture of fruitcake, marzipan, and dark chocolate, these truffles are a decadent and delicious treat. They're also great for gift-giving, so make a big batch and share them with your loved ones.
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Easter Simnel Truffles
Main Ingredients: Full Fat Milk, Cinnamon Stick, Nutmeg, Muscovado Sugar
If you're not a fan of traditional fruitcake, but still want to incorporate the flavors of Simnel cake into your Easter celebration, try making some coffee cake muffins. These muffins have a cinnamon streusel topping and a marzipan filling, giving them a similar taste to the classic Simnel cake. They're perfect for a breakfast or brunch gathering.
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Coffee Cake Muffins
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Granulated Sugar, Light Brown Sugar
Easter is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than with a delicious Easter Simnel cake? This traditional cake has been a staple during the Easter season for centuries, and for good reason. Made with a rich fruitcake base, marzipan filling, and topped with 11 marzipan balls to represent the 12 apostles (minus Judas), this cake is not only delicious but also has a symbolic meaning.
The History of Simnel Cake
Origins of the Name
The word "Simnel" is believed to have originated from the Latin word "simila" which means fine flour. This refers to the high-quality flour used in the making of this cake. Another theory suggests that the name comes from the Latin word "simila" which means bread made with fine flour. However, the exact origin of the name is still debated.
Symbolism of the Eleven Balls
One of the most iconic features of a Simnel cake is the eleven balls of marzipan placed on top. These balls represent the eleven faithful apostles, excluding Judas who betrayed Jesus. The use of marzipan also holds significance as it was traditionally used in celebrations as a symbol of love and friendship.
The Traditional Easter Simnel Cake Recipe UK
Ingredients:
- 250g butter, softened
- 250g light brown sugar
- 4 eggs
- 250g self-raising flour
- 2 tsp mixed spice
- 500g mixed dried fruit
- 100g glace cherries, halved
- 500g marzipan
- Apricot jam for glazing
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F). Grease and line an 8-inch round cake tin.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
4. Sift in the flour and mixed spice, and fold into the mixture.
5. Stir in the dried fruit and glace cherries.
6. Roll out ⅔ of the marzipan on a lightly floured surface and cut out an 8-inch circle.
7. Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared tin and place the marzipan circle on top. Cover with the remaining cake batter.
8. Bake for 2 hours or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Once the cake has cooled, roll out the remaining marzipan and cut out 11 small balls.
10. Brush the top of the cake with apricot jam and place the marzipan balls around the edge.
11. Place the cake under the grill for a few minutes to lightly toast the marzipan.
12. Serve and enjoy your traditional Easter Simnel cake!
In conclusion, the Easter Simnel cake holds a rich history and symbolism that makes it more than just a delicious dessert. It is a representation of love, friendship, and faith, making it the perfect addition to your Easter celebrations. So why not try this professional and well-organized Easter Simnel cake recipe UK and impress your family and friends this holiday season.
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