Simnel Cake Recipe Mary Berry - An Easter Speciality

Easter is a time of celebration and what better way to celebrate than with a delicious Simnel Cake made to the recipe of the famous Mary Berry. This traditional fruit cake has been a favourite for centuries and is enjoyed equally by both children and adults. It is a great way to use up those Easter eggs and is perfect for sharing.

Ingredients

225g (8oz) currants
225g (8oz) sultanas
110g (4oz) raisins
110g (4oz) mixed candied peel
110g (4oz) ground almonds
50g (2oz) plain flour
50g (2oz) soft butter
50g (2oz) caster sugar
Grated zest of 1 lemon
1 teaspoon mixed spice
3 large eggs
2 tablespoons brandy or sherry
25g (1oz) flaked almonds, to decorate
11 marzipan balls, to decorate (optional)

Instructions

To make the Simnel cake, preheat the oven to 140C/275F/Gas 1. Grease and line a 18cm (7in) round cake tin.

Put the currants, sultanas, raisins, mixed peel, ground almonds, flour, butter, sugar, lemon zest, mixed spice and eggs into a large bowl. Beat with a wooden spoon until evenly blended.

Spoon the mixture into the prepared tin and level the surface. Bake in the preheated oven for about 2 hours, or until a skewer inserted into the centre of the cake comes out clean.

Once the cake is cooked, brush the top with brandy or sherry, then leave to cool in the tin. Turn out the cake, remove the lining paper and put the cake onto a serving plate.

To decorate the cake, roll out the marzipan on a lightly floured surface. Cut a circle of marzipan slightly larger than the cake and place on top of the cake. Brush the top with a little beaten egg to glaze. Sprinkle the flaked almonds on top of the cake and arrange the marzipan balls evenly around the edge of the cake.

Nutrition

Simnel cake is a rich, indulgent treat and should be enjoyed in moderation. Each slice is packed with energy from the dried fruit, nuts and sugar and is a great source of fibre and vitamins. However, it is also high in fat and saturated fat, so should be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.

A slice of Simnel cake contains around 344 calories and 14g of fat, of which 7.2g is saturated fat. It also contains 8.5g of sugar and 2.2g of fibre.

Conclusion

Simnel cake is a traditional Easter treat that has been enjoyed for centuries. It is a rich, indulgent cake that is packed with dried fruit, nuts and sugar and is perfect for sharing with friends and family. It is easy to make and is sure to be a hit with children and adults alike.

Although it is high in fat and sugar, Simnel cake can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet and is sure to bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones this Easter.