Mary Berry's Recipe for Simnel Cake

Ingredients

Preparing a Simnel Cake requires the following ingredients: 500g (1lb 2oz) of currants, 500g (1lb 2oz) of sultanas, 500g (1lb 2oz) of raisins, 250g (9oz) of glacé cherries, 250g (9oz) of softened butter, 225g (8oz) of light muscovado sugar, 4 eggs, 500g (1lb 2oz) of plain flour, 1 teaspoon of ground mixed spice, 150ml (¼ pint) of milk, 2 tablespoons of brandy or rum, 60g (2oz) of blanched almonds, 2 tablespoons of apricot jam, and 1 tablespoon of caster sugar.

Instructions

To make Mary Berry's Simnel Cake, begin by preheating the oven to gas mark 3, 160°C (320°F). Grease and line the base and sides of a 20cm (8in) round cake tin. Place the currants, sultanas, raisins and glacé cherries into a bowl and mix together. Cream the butter and sugar together in a separate bowl. Add the eggs, one at a time, and beat well after each addition. Sift the flour and mixed spice together and add to the butter mixture alternately with the milk. Stir in the brandy (or rum), the prepared fruit, and the blanched almonds. Place the mixture into the prepared tin, level the surface and bake in the preheated oven for 1½ - 2 hours until the cake is well-risen and golden-brown. Leave to cool in the tin for 10 minutes before turning out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Decoration

To decorate the Simnel Cake, warm the apricot jam and brush it over the cake. Make 11 small balls of marzipan, roll out the remaining marzipan on a board lightly dusted with icing sugar and cut out an 18cm (7in) round. Place the marzipan on top of the cake and press the marzipan balls onto the surface, leaving one in the centre. Brush the marzipan with a little beaten egg white and sprinkle with caster sugar. Place the cake onto a baking tray and place it into the oven at gas mark 3, 160°C (320°F) for 10 minutes until the marzipan is lightly golden. Leave to cool before serving.

Nutrition

Simnel Cake is a traditional British Easter cake, usually enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee. It is rich in calories and carbohydrates, as it is made with butter and sugar, as well as dried fruit. The cake also provides a variety of nutrients including fibre, protein, fat, vitamin B, iron, magnesium and potassium. However, it is also high in sugar and should be enjoyed in moderation.

Conclusion

This Simnel Cake recipe from Mary Berry is a traditional Easter cake which is sure to be a hit with family and friends. With its tasty combination of dried fruit, spices and marzipan, it is a sweet treat that is sure to please. Although it is high in sugar and calories, it is a delicious treat that can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.