The traditional British Simnel cake is a beloved Easter treat. It boasts a rich heritage and symbolic significance. Baking expert Mary Berry offers a classic recipe that captures its essence.
Mary Berry’s Simnel cake showcases her culinary prowess. It features a moist, flavourful sponge and a distinctive marzipan topping. The recipe blends dried fruits like sultanas and currants.
Candied peel and lemon rind add fragrance to the mix. The cake bakes at a precise temperature for a golden-brown crust. This ensures a delightfully tender crumb throughout.
This Mary Berry Simnel cake recipe suits bakers of all levels. Its timeless appeal makes it perfect for Easter celebrations. The delectable flavours will enhance any festive table.
Simnel cake is a beloved British Easter treat with deep roots. It dates back to Medieval times and has become a key part of Easter celebrations. This cake holds rich symbolism and has evolved over centuries.
Origins and Religious Significance
Simnel cake began as a Mothering Sunday treat in the 11th century. Later, it became linked to Easter, reflecting the holiday’s religious importance. The cake’s ingredients and decorations carry profound symbolic meaning.
The cake’s top features eleven marzipan balls. These represent the faithful apostles, excluding Judas who betrayed Jesus. Marzipan, a sweet almond confection, signifies Easter’s richness and indulgence.
Easter Symbolism in Simnel Cake
Simnel cake is full of Easter symbolism. Its layered structure with marzipan centre and topping represents Christ’s resurrection. The cake often features sugared edible spring flowers, reinforcing themes of renewal and new life.
Simnel cake’s tradition has changed over time. Yet, it remains a cherished part of British Easter celebrations. This tasty treat links us to our rich cultural and religious heritage.
Ingredient
Quantity
Ground almonds
450g
Icing sugar or golden caster sugar
450g
Eggs
2
Almond essence
A drop
Whiskey (optional)
2 tablespoons
“The Simnel cake has maintained its recipe and tradition since the Victorian era, remaining a central part of Easter celebrations.”
Essential Ingredients for Mary Berry Recipe for Simnel Cake
Mary Berry’s Simnel cake recipe requires specific ingredients for the perfect Easter treat. The base needs 225g each of softened butter, light muscovado sugar, and self-raising flour. Four large eggs are also essential.
For flavour and texture, add 225g sultanas, 100g currants, and 50g chopped candied peel. Grated rind of two lemons and two teaspoons of ground mixed spice enhance the aroma.
100g of glacé cherries provide colour and sweetness. The recipe calls for 450g of almond paste or marzipan for filling and topping.
The marzipan needs 450g ground almonds, two eggs, and 1 1/2 teaspoons of brandy. Add juice of one lemon and 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract.
Divide the marzipan: 200g for filling and 225g for topping. Finish with two tablespoons of apricot jam and a beaten egg glaze.
These carefully chosen ingredients create a delightful Easter treat. Mary Berry’s Simnel cake celebrates the rich traditions of this classic British dessert.
Step-by-Step Baking Instructions
Baking a perfect Simnel cake is an Easter treat. Preheat your oven to 150°C/Fan 130°C/Gas 2. Grease and line a 20 cm deep round cake tin.
Preparing the Cake Mixture
In a large bowl, mix all the Simnel cake ingredients. This includes sugar, margarine, eggs, flour, dried fruit, and Glacé cherries. Blend these well to create a smooth batter.
Marzipan Layer Technique
Pour half the cake batter into the tin. Roll out a marzipan circle to fit the tin. Place it on top of the batter. Add the remaining cake mixture evenly.
Proper Baking Temperature and Timing
Bake the Simnel cake for about 2½ hours. Cover it with foil after an hour if it browns too quickly.
Let the cake cool in the tin for 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack.
Brush the cooled cake with warm apricot jam. Add a layer of marzipan and 11 marzipan balls. These balls represent Jesus’ apostles.
Decorating Your Simnel Cake
Your traditional Simnel cake is ready for its Easter makeover. Let’s add a festive flair to celebrate spring’s arrival. Simnel cake decoration is a key part of this beloved British treat.
Start by brushing warm apricot jam on the cooled cake. This helps the marzipan topping stick well. Roll out half the marzipan to fit the cake top.
Place the marzipan circle on the cake. Use your thumb to crimp the edges, creating a decorative border.
Form the rest of the marzipan into 11 equal-sized balls. These represent the 11 apostles, minus Judas. Arrange them around the cake’s edge.
Brush the marzipan topping and balls with beaten egg. Grill until they turn a lovely golden colour.
The smooth marzipan, shimmering apricot glaze, and carefully placed balls create a stunning Simnel cake decoration. Your Easter guests will be impressed.
The Simnel cake boasts a rich history and delicious flavours. It’s a true centrepiece for Easter celebrations. These decorative tips will elevate your Easter cake design.
Your Simnel cake will be the talk of the table. Enjoy creating this beautiful Easter masterpiece!
Tips for Perfect Results Every Time
Baking a traditional Simnel cake can be a rewarding experience. With these tips, you’ll create a stunning and delicious Simnel cake. Let’s explore how to avoid mistakes and master storage and serving.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Ensure cherries are well-drained and dried before adding them to the batter. This prevents a soggy, unappetising texture.
Watch the cake during baking. Cover it with foil after the first hour if it’s browning too quickly. This stops the top from burning.
Storage and Serving Suggestions
Store Simnel cakes for up to a week in an airtight container. For longer storage, keep them in the freezer.
Serve with clotted cream or rich, creamy yogurt. These complement the cake’s sweet and spicy flavours perfectly.
Making Ahead and Freshness Tips
Create crystallised flowers for decoration. Coat edible flowers in egg white and caster sugar. Dry them on non-stick parchment or over a plastic box with holes.
To keep the cake fresh, wrap it tightly in foil once cooled. Or place it in an airtight container. This prevents the marzipan from drying out.
These Simnel cake tips, baking advice, and cake storage guidelines will help you. Your Simnel cake will be a treat to share with loved ones this Easter.
Conclusion
Mary Berry’s Simnel cake recipe offers a delightful way to honour Easter baking traditions. Her expert guidance helps you craft a special homemade fruit cake. This dessert delights the senses and carries symbolic significance.
This Simnel cake recipe is sure to impress at Easter gatherings. Its rich flavours and moist texture make it a true celebration of the season. The beautifully decorated marzipan topping adds a festive touch.
As you bake, reflect on the centuries-old traditions behind this beloved Easter delight. Each slice captures the delicious flavours and rich history of this special dessert. Enjoy savouring both the taste and cultural significance of your homemade Simnel cake.
FAQ
What is a Simnel cake?
A Simnel cake is a classic British Easter dessert. It’s a fruit cake with a marzipan layer. The cake is topped with 11 marzipan balls, representing the faithful apostles.
What are the key ingredients in Mary Berry’s Simnel cake recipe?
Mary Berry’s recipe uses glacé cherries, butter, and light muscovado sugar. It also includes eggs, self-raising flour, and various dried fruits. Lemon rind, mixed spice, and almond paste or marzipan complete the ingredients list.
How is the Simnel cake baked and decorated?
The cake bakes in a 20 cm deep round tin at 150°C for about 2½ hours. After baking, brush the top with warm apricot jam. Add a marzipan layer and arrange 11 marzipan balls around the edge.
What is the religious significance of the Simnel cake?
The 11 marzipan balls symbolise the faithful apostles. The cake’s ingredients and decorations hold religious meaning. This makes it an important part of British Easter traditions.
How can I ensure my Simnel cake turns out perfectly?
Drain and dry the cherries thoroughly before use. Cover the cake with foil if it browns too quickly. Consider making crystallised flowers in advance for decoration.
