Mary Berry's Simnel Cake

A light yet flavorful traditional Easter cake layered with marzipan, filled with dried fruits, and decorated with marzipan balls.

Estimated Nutrition

Per Serving Total
Calories 685 kcals 5480 kcals
Carbohydrates 88.2 grams 705.8 grams
Fat 32.6 grams 260.5 grams
Protein 9.8 grams 78.4 grams
Cook Time
125 mins
Produces
8 people
Allergies
Vegetarian
Vegan
Dairy Free
Gluten Free

Ingredients

BakingIngredients
CondimentsSauces
3
tbsp
Dairy
175
g
Butter
softened, plus extra for greasing
3
piece
Eggs
large free-range
3
tbsp
1
piece
Egg
beaten, for glazing
Fruits
100
g
100
g
Glacé Cherries
quarter-cut
100
g
Dried Apricots
cut into small pieces
NutsSeeds

Steps

  • Preheat the oven to 160°C and grease a 20cm round tin with butter and baking paper.
  • Beat all cake ingredients in a large bowl until well combined.
  • Spoon half of the cake mixture into the tin and level the surface.
  • Roll one-third of the marzipan to fit the tin and place it on the mixture.
  • Top with the remaining cake mixture and level the surface again.
  • Bake for 105 to 120 minutes until golden-brown and firm.
  • Cool the cake for 10 minutes before removing it from the tin.
  • Brush the cooled cake top with warm apricot jam.
  • Roll out half the remaining marzipan to fit the top and crimp the edges.
  • Form 11 balls from the remaining marzipan and attach them to the edge with beaten egg.
  • Brush the marzipan with egg and glaze under a hot grill for 5 minutes.