A fruity simnel cake is an Easter classic – it will also make a delicious fruity alternative to all that chocolate
Ingredients
155 g unsalted butter, softened
350 g luxury mixed dried fruit
150 g soft light brown sugar
3 large free-range eggs, beaten
200 g self-raising flour
2 tsp ground mixed spice
20 g stem ginger, finely chopped
454 g golden marzipan
2 tbsp apricot jam
Method
Preheat the oven to 170°C, fan 150°C, gas 3. Grease and line the base and sides of 20 cm deep sided round cake tin with 5g of the butter and baking parchment.
Place the dried fruit in a mixing bowl, pour over boiling water to cover and leave to soak for 10 minutes. Strain the dried fruit through a sieve, pat dry on kitchen paper and leave to cool slightly.
In the bowl of a free-standing mixer, cream the remaining butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. While the mixer is still on gradually add the eggs, one at a time, adding a tablespoon of flour with each addition until well mixed. Turn off the machine and using a large metal spoon fold the remaining flour and mixed spice into the cake batter. Add the soaked fruits and finely chopped ginger and mix to thoroughly combine.
Roll a third of the marzipan into a circle the same size as the tin.
Spoon half the cake mixture into the prepared loaf tin, spread level and lay the marzipan disc on top. Cover with the rest of the cake mixture and spread level with the back of the spoon. Cook in the oven for 1 hour, then turn the oven temperature down to 150°C, fan 130°C, gas 2 and bake for a further 50 minutes to 1 hour, until the cake is golden and a skewer inserted into the middle of the cake comes out clean. Cover the cake loosely with foil if it appears to be browning too quickly. Remove from the oven and leave the cake to cool slightly in the tin, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Heat the apricot jam in a small pan, then pass through a sieve to remove any lumps. Turn the cake so the top is facing up and brush with the jam.
Divide the remaining two-thirds of the marzipan into two equal parts. Roll one half out into a circle the same size as the top of the cake, then roll the other half into 11 round balls. Place the marzipan rectangle on top of the cake and with a knife gently score diamonds into the surface, then top with the marzipan balls. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and place the cake underneath for 1-2 minutes to turn golden.