Simnel Cake

About

Brenda Gantt

I am a self-taught cook. I started cooking around 18 years old. I stood in the kitchen and watched my mother, who was my biggest inspiration at the time, cook.

Simnel Cake, a traditional British confection, encapsulates the essence of celebration and history. This cake, adorned with marzipan and often featuring 11 marzipan balls symbolizing the apostles (minus Judas), is steeped in tradition and carries a story of centuries-old customs. Simnel Cake not only celebrates Easter but also the unity of flavors and the warmth of gatherings through time.

The story of Simnel Cake reaches back to medieval times when this cake was originally created as a delicacy for Mothering Sunday, which is celebrated on the fourth Sunday of Lent. This cake’s journey through history is entwined with various customs and interpretations, each contributing to its uniqueness.

The term “simnel” is believed to be derived from the Latin word “simila,” referring to the finest type of flour. The cake evolved over time, transitioning from a gift offered by young servants to their mothers on Mothering Sunday to becoming a traditional Easter treat. The marzipan layer that decorates the top and runs through the middle of the cake represents the division between the lower realm and heaven.

As with many traditional recipes, variations of Simnel Cake exist across regions and families, but the essence of fruit, marzipan, and spices remains a constant. The recipe provided captures the heart of this tradition, embodying the spirit of coming together and celebrating Easter with a delightful and meaningful dessert.

 

 

INGREDIENTS

For Cake:

  • 3/4 cupful sugar
  • 3/4 cupful Crisco (shortening)
  • 4 eggs
  • 2 cupfuls sultana raisins
  • 1/4 cupful seeded raisins
  • 1/2 cupful chopped candied citron peel
  • 2 cupfuls flour
  • 1 teaspoonful baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoonful almond extract
  • 3/4 teaspoonful salt

 

For Filling and Icing:

  • 1/4 lb. ground almonds
  • 2 cupfuls powdered sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 teaspoonful almond extract

 

ISTRUCTIONS

For Cake:

  1. Preheat your oven to a moderate temperature.
  2. Grease a cake tin with Crisco and line it with parchment paper.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, cream the Crisco and sugar together until thoroughly combined.
  4. Add the eggs, one by one, beating well after each addition.
  5. Sift the flour and baking powder together and add them to the bowl along with the salt.
  6. Stir in the almond extract, sultana raisins, seeded raisins, and chopped candied citron peel.
  7. Mix the ingredients until well incorporated, creating a rich and flavorful batter.

 

For Filling and Icing:

  1. In a separate bowl, mix the ground almonds and powdered sugar together.
  2. Add the eggs and almond extract to the almond and sugar mixture. Mix well until a smooth paste forms.

 

Cake Assembly and Baking:

  1. Divide the cake mixture in half.
  2. Line the cake tin with parchment paper and place half of the cake mixture at the bottom.
  3. Spread a layer of the almond paste filling on top of the cake mixture.
  4. Cover the filling with the remaining half of the cake mixture.
  5. Bake the cake in the preheated oven for about an hour to an hour and a quarter.
  6. When the cake is nearly baked, place the remaining almond paste on top and finish baking.
  7. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. Allow the cake to cool in the tin before removing.

 

NOTE:

  • This recipe yields a medium-sized Simnel Cake, embodying the traditions and flavors of Easter celebrations. The layers of marzipan and the symbolic marzipan balls are a testament to the history and customs that have shaped this delightful dessert over the centuries.
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