Simple Simnel Cake Recipe

Name: Simple Simnel Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 oranges, juice and zest of, grated; 2 tablespoons Cointreau liqueur; 6 ounces raisins; 6 ounces sultanas; 4 ounces whole glace cherries; 250 g marzipan; 8 ounces soft butter; 8 ounces golden caster sugar; 12 ounces self raising flour; 4 large eggs; 2 tablespoons milk; for the caramel almond; 2 ounces blanched almonds; 4 ounces caster sugar; for the icing; 4 1/2 ounces icing sugar; 1 orange, zest of; 2 1/2 tablespoons orange juice

Servings: persons

2 oranges, juice and zest of, grated
2 tablespoons Cointreau liqueur
6 ounces raisins
6 ounces sultanas
4 ounces whole glace cherries
250 g marzipan
8 ounces soft butter
8 ounces golden caster sugar
12 ounces self raising flour
4 large eggs
2 tablespoons milk
for the caramel almond
2 ounces blanched almonds
4 ounces caster sugar
for the icing
4 1/2 ounces icing sugar
1 orange, zest of
2 1/2 tablespoons orange juice

1
Heat oven 160c Fan / 140c/Fass 3.
2
Tip the zest and juice into a bowl.
3
Add the Cointreau, , mixed fruit and cherries. Meanwhile, grease and line the base and sides of a 2kg loaf tin with baking parchment.
4
Shape the marzipan into a sausage the length of the tin, then roll out to the width with a rolling pin.
5
Put the butter, sugar, flour and eggs and milk in a bowl and beat with an electric hand-whisk until smooth.
6
Stir in the mixed fruit and their juices.
7
Spoon half the mixture in the loaf tin, and then cover with the layer of marzipan.
8
Top with the rest of the cake mixture and smooth the tip.
9
Bake for 1hr 50 minutes until risen and firm to the touch. If you do the skewer test, make sure you don't pierce a piece of marzipan otherwise you may think the cake isn't cooked when it is.
10
Cool in the tin, peel away the paper once cold. You can keep it wrapped in foil for 2 weeks if needed.
11
To make the caramel almonds, tip the almonds into a frying pan and heat, swirling the pan so the almonds toast. Tip from the pan then add the sugar to the pan and heat until the sugar turns to a liquid caramel - take care not to heat it too fast or it will burn. Add the almonds, then pour onto a greased baking sheet to set. Will keep in a cool place for 2 days.
12
Decorate the cake on the day you eat it, as the caramel will dissolve on contact with the cake. Mix the icing sugar with the orange zest and juice until smooth then pour over the cake. The mix is quite wet and will dribble down the sides. Chop the almond caramel, scatter over the icing and leave until the icing sets.

1438

kcal

Calories

Fat

197

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Preheat the oven fully and bake on the middle rack for the most even results.
Check for doneness a few minutes early — a toothpick in the center should come out with just a few moist crumbs.
Let it cool before slicing so it sets properly and holds its shape.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.
Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.
Leave out the nuts to make it nut-free, or swap in seeds for a similar crunch.
A good 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well if you need a gluten-free version.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 18 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 2 oranges, juice and zest of, grated, 2 tablespoons Cointreau liqueur, 6 ounces raisins, 6 ounces sultanas, and more.

Yes, Simple Simnel Cake falls under the Baking & Desserts category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3–5 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months — no need to refrigerate or reheat.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Simple Simnel Cake

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions