Fruit and Nut Simnel Bake
A delightful, quick-to-bake traybake version of the classic Simnel cake featuring festive dried fruits, warming spices, and a nutty marzipan swirl.
45 min
Cook time
9
Servings
Easy
Difficulty
~510
Calories
Nutrition (per serving)
510
Calories · kcal
6
Protein · g
73
Carbs · g
21
Fat · g
Ingredients
- plain flour — 225g
- caster sugar — 175g
- butter (unsalted) — 175g
- eggs — 3 large
- mixed dried fruit — 200g
- marzipan — 150g
- mixed spice — 2 tsp
- baking powder — 1 tsp
Method
- 1
Preheat your oven to 180C/160C fan/gas mark 4 and line the baking tin with parchment paper.
- 2
Cream the butter and caster sugar together in a large bowl until pale and fluffy.
- 3
Beat in the eggs one by one, adding a tablespoon of flour with each to prevent curdling.
- 4
Fold in the remaining flour, baking powder, mixed spice, and mixed dried fruit.
- 5
Roll the marzipan into small, pea-sized balls and fold half into the cake batter.
- 6
Spread the batter into the prepared tin and scatter the remaining marzipan pieces over the top.
- 7
Bake for 35-40 minutes until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.
- 8
Allow the bake to cool in the tin before cutting into 9 equal squares.
Allergens to check
Gluten, Eggs, Nuts, Dairy
Why this works
The warmth of the mixed spice perfectly complements the deep sweetness of the dried fruit, while the marzipan adds a rich, almond-scented texture that balances the crumbly sponge.
Equipment
20cm square baking tin, Mixing bowl, Electric hand whisk, Parchment paper
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