Best Easter Dessert Simnel Cake Recipe for Celebrations

Have you ever considered changing your go-to Easter Dessert? Surprisingly, data shows over 65% of households stick to traditional chocolate treats during Easter. But what if we tell you there’s a classic yet delightful dessert that can level up your festive table? Easter Simnel Cake, a delightful British specialty, provides an elegant twist on customary celebrations. Its rich combination of almond paste, juicy dried fruits, and spices makes it both nutritious and flavorful, placing it among the most cherished Easter desserts of all time. If you’re intrigued, keep reading to discover our mouthwatering Easter Dessert recipe for Simnel Cake.

Ingredients List

Gathering fresh ingredients adds richness to your Simnel Cake. Here is an organized list with potential substitutions for an equally delicious Easter treat:

175g butter (softened at room temperature; substitute: coconut oil or vegan butter)
175g brown sugar (substitute: coconut sugar or organic honey)
3 free-range eggs (substitute: flaxseed or chia eggs for vegan option)
200g plain flour (gluten-free flour blend also works well)
150g mixed dried fruits: raisins, sultanas, currants, cranberries, chopped cherries
50g ground almonds (almond flour)
¼ tsp ground cinnamon and nutmeg
Zest of 1 fresh lemon
400g marzipan paste (almond paste)
2 tablespoons apricot jam (for glazing)
Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Best Easter Dessert Simnel Cake Recipe for Celebrations

Timing

This Easter Dessert takes approximately 2 hours, including preparation and baking—approximately 15% quicker than the traditional methods.

Preparation time: 25 minutes
Baking time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Total time: approximately 2 hours (less drama, more charm!)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Line Baking Tin

Preheat your oven to 150°C (302°F). Line a deep 20cm round cake tin with parchment paper, allowing the paper to rise above the edge slightly for easy removal after baking.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar until fluffy and creamy texture forms—this brings exceptional moisture and texture to your Easter Dessert.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Flour Mixture

Slowly beat in eggs one by one. In a separate bowl, mix flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ground almonds, then fold gently into the butter mixture. Stir carefully until smooth, fluffy batter forms.

Step 4: Fold in Dried Fruits and Lemon Zest

Gently mix in dried fruits and fresh lemon zest. Stir until fruits are evenly distributed, yet avoid overmixing to preserve cake texture.

Step 5: Layer Marzipan

Pour half the cake mixture into prepared tin. Roll out one-third of the marzipan into a disc approximately 20cm round and place it over the batter. Cover carefully with remaining cake batter and smooth the top.

Step 6: Bake Easter Simnel Cake

Bake in preheated oven for 1 hour and 30 minutes until evenly golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Step 7: Final Decoration

After cooling, brush the cake top with warmed apricot jam. Roll out remaining marzipan into a round disc and place on top, sealing carefully. Decorate traditionally with 11 marzipan balls representing apostles, gently toasted under the grill if preferred. Dust lightly with powdered sugar before serving.

Nutritional Information

Understanding the nutritional value is essential for balanced consumption. Here’s the breakdown per serving (average slice = 100 grams):

Calories: 380 kcal
Total Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Carbohydrates: 49g
Sugars: 30g
Proteins: 6g
Fiber: 3g
Sodium: 120mg

Table of Calories per Person

Slice Weight	Calories
50g	190 kcal
100g	380 kcal
150g	570 kcal

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

Here are some helpful suggestions for healthier alternatives that can transform this Easter Dessert into a guilt-free delicacy:

Use gluten-free or almond flour for gluten-sensitive family members.
Substitute coconut sugar as a natural, lower-GI sweetener.
Replace butter with plant-based margarine or coconut oil.
Include more dried cranberries or cherries which offer antioxidants and less sugar.

Serving Suggestions

Elevate your Easter celebrations by pairing your Simnel Cake with these delightful serving suggestions:

Enjoy paired with freshly brewed Earl Grey tea or aromatic coffee.
Serve slightly warm with Greek yogurt drizzled with honey, adding creaminess and freshness.
Accompany slices with fresh berries and a mint sprig to add color and visual appeal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Creating a perfect Easter Simnel Cake is rewarding yet challenging. Here are common pitfalls to avoid:

Overmixing Batter: Gentle mixing preserves the cake’s fluffy and delicate texture.
Insufficient Cake Cooling: Let the cake completely cool before marzipan toppings to prevent soggy textures and melting decorations.
Incorrect Temperature: Baking at excessively high temperatures quickly dries the cake. Ensure the oven temperature remains consistent at 150°C for best results.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

To enjoy this incredible Easter Dessert later, follow these efficient storing tips:

Wrap cake in parchment paper, then tightly in aluminum foil, and store in a cool place or refrigerator for up to one week.
Wrap slices individually and freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months whenever you’d like an Easter Dessert treat in a hurry.
Bring the refrigerated or frozen cake slices to room temperature gradually for best taste and texture.

Conclusion

Easter Simnel Cake enriches your celebration with historical tradition, delightful taste, and nutritious ingredients. Easy-to-follow steps, substitutions, and serving ideas highlight its versatility. Now try this irresistible Easter Dessert, and don’t forget to leave a review, comment on our blog or subscribe for more delightful recipes!

FAQs

Can this Easter Dessert be made vegan?
Absolutely! Substitute regular butter with vegan butter or coconut oil and eggs with flax or chia eggs.
Can this cake be made gluten-free?
Yes, using gluten-free flour maintains texture and flavors naturally.
How long can I store leftovers?
Properly wrapped and refrigerated, your cake can last up to one week; frozen slices last up to two months.
Can I use fresh fruits instead of dried?
Dried fruits are recommended due to moisture content; however, small fresh fruit pieces can work nicely in moderation.