Simnel Cake Recipe Mary Berry

July 17, 2023 Post a Comment

Baking Crazy! Easter Biscuits by Mary Berry from alibakingcrazy.blogspot.com

Ingredients

To make this classic Simnel cake, you will need the following ingredients: 225g (8oz) of softened butter, 225g (8oz) of caster sugar, 4 large eggs, 225g (8oz) of self-raising flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of mixed spice, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, 225g (8oz) of sultanas, 225g (8oz) of currants, 225g (8oz) of raisins, 2 tablespoons of brandy or rum, 150g (5oz) of chopped mixed peel, and 2 tablespoons of finely grated lemon zest.

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 160°C/325°F/Gas 3. Grease a 23cm (9in) round springform cake tin with butter and line the base with baking parchment. Start by creaming the butter and sugar together in a large bowl until light and fluffy. Gradually beat in the eggs, one at a time, then fold in the flour, baking powder, mixed spice, cinnamon, nutmeg, sultanas, currants, raisins, brandy or rum, mixed peel, and lemon zest. Mix everything together until it forms a thick cake batter. Spoon the cake batter into the prepared tin and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the centre of the cake comes out clean.

Once the cake is cooked, remove it from the oven and leave it to cool in the tin for 15 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. When the cake is cool, make the marzipan topping. Divide 225g (8oz) of almond paste into 11 equal portions and roll each one into a ball. Place the balls around the edge of the cake, pressing them down slightly. Place the remaining almond paste in the middle and spread it out evenly over the top. To give the cake an attractive finish, use a fork to press the marzipan down gently around the sides and make a criss-cross pattern on the top.

Finally, brush the surface of the marzipan with a little beaten egg, then place the cake under a preheated hot grill for 1–2 minutes until the marzipan is lightly golden. Leave the cake to cool completely before serving.

Nutrition

This Simnel cake is quite rich in calories and fat, so it should be enjoyed only as an occasional treat. One slice of the cake (1/12th of the whole cake) contains approximately 428 calories, 24.3g of fat, and 44.9g of carbohydrates. It also contains a moderate amount of protein, with 5.5g per slice. The cake also contains trace amounts of several important vitamins and minerals, including calcium, iron, and vitamin C.

This Simnel cake recipe is a great way to enjoy a classic British treat. The cake is moist and full of flavour, and the marzipan topping adds a lovely sweetness. It's perfect for Easter celebrations, or just as an indulgent weekend treat. Enjoy!