Easter Simnel Cake Recipe

Easter Simnel Cake Recipe

Easter is full of traditions; egg hunts, chocolate, daffodils, spring walks and food. Lots and lots of food. As we aren’t one to stray too far from tradition, we’ve created our take on the Easter Simnel (a light fruit cake) cake.

Directions

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and line a 20cm (8 inch) cake tin.
• Sift together the flour, salt, and baking powder. Stir in the raisins, glace cherries and Jordans Muesli.
• Cream together the butter, lemon zest and sugar until light and fluffy like clouds, then beat in the egg yolks.
• In a spotlessly clean bowl, whisk the egg whites until they are stiff and look like mini mountains. Add a spoonful to the creamed mixture to loosen it, then fold in the fruit mixture. Fold in the rest of the egg whites.
• Spoon half the mixture into the base of the prepared cake pan. Roll out a third of the marzipan into a 20cm (8 inch) disc, and lay over the cake mix. Spoon the remaining cake mixture over the top and level the surface. Cover loosely with a disc of baking paper. Bake for about 1 hour 20 minutes, or until a fork comes out clean. Leave to cool for 30 minutes, and then remove from the pan. You'll need to set aside on a rack to cool completely. It may take a while so if you can't wait, make a cup of tea to pass the time.
• Now it's time to get artistic. Preheat the oven broiler. Roll out another third of the marzipan into a neat 20cm (8 inch) disc and use to cover your Easter cake. Roll the remaining marzipan into 11 balls, and place around the edge of the cake. Brush with beaten egg and broil until golden. Keep a close eye on the cake in the oven as this will only take a few moments.