A few years ago, I tried my hand at baking Jamie Oliver’s Simnel Cake. I had heard about this traditional British treat for Easter and wanted to dive deeper into its rich history and flavors. The process was surprisingly simple, yet the end result was so satisfying. The cake was dense and fruity, with just the right amount of sweetness, and it filled the house with the most incredible aromas. As I carefully placed those little marzipan balls on top, I felt a connection to a long-standing British tradition that’s been passed down for centuries.
That experience is what inspired me to share this recipe with you. It’s not just a cake-it’s an experience. Whether you’re making it for Easter, or simply because you want to treat yourself, Jamie Oliver’s Simnel Cake brings comfort and nostalgia in every bite.
Jamie Oliver’s Simnel Cake Recipe
Jamie Oliver’s version of Simnel Cake stands out for being approachable yet sophisticated. It’s packed with dried fruits, soaked in brandy or orange juice, and topped with a layer of marzipan. What makes his recipe a great choice is how well it balances the richness of the ingredients with a light, moist crumb.
The beauty of this cake lies in the layers of flavor and texture:
- A moist, spiced cake base
- A generous layer of marzipan inside and out
- The crowning glory: 11 marzipan balls, each symbolizing the 11 apostles (Judas excluded)
It’s a cake that celebrates the tradition of Easter, but it’s also one that’s simple enough to be made throughout the year.
Ingredients Needed
When you think of Simnel Cake, these are the ingredients that come to mind. Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this cake to life:
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Dried Fruit (Raisins, Sultanas, And Currants)
These give the cake a chewy texture and a natural sweetness. You can swap out the dried fruits for your favorites.
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Marzipan
A sweet, almond-based paste that layers both inside and on top of the cake. It’s what makes this cake so special and distinct.
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Butter
The base of any good cake. It brings richness and flavor.
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Caster Sugar
A fine sugar that ensures smoothness when it’s creamed with butter.
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Eggs
The binding agents that bring the cake together and create its structure.
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Flour
You’ll need plain (all-purpose) flour for the perfect texture.
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Baking Powder
Just a bit to help the cake rise.
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Spices (Cinnamon, Nutmeg, And Allspice)
These spices add warmth and depth to the flavor. You can adjust the amounts to your taste.
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Orange Zest And Juice
Fresh zest and juice give the cake a nice citrusy lift.
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Brandy Or Orange Juice
Some recipes call for brandy, which enhances the depth of flavor, but orange juice is a great non-alcoholic alternative.
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11 Marzipan Balls
These should be placed on top of the cake, representing the apostles.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Simnel Cake
Now let’s dive into the baking process itself. The steps are straightforward but require attention to detail to get that perfect balance of texture and flavor.
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Soak The Fruit
The first step is to soak your dried fruits in brandy or orange juice for a few hours (overnight works great). This will plump up the fruit and infuse it with flavor.
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Preheat The Oven And Prepare The Tin
Preheat your oven to around 160°C (320°F). Grease and line a round cake tin (about 20 cm/8 inches in diameter) with baking parchment.
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Cream The Butter And Sugar
Beat the softened butter and caster sugar together until light and fluffy. This creates the base for your cake batter.
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Add Eggs And Zest
Add the eggs one by one, beating well after each addition. Then mix in the orange zest.
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Fold In The Dry Ingredients
Sift in the flour, baking powder, and spices. Gently fold everything together until you have a smooth batter.
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Add The Soaked Fruit
Drain the soaked fruit and fold it into the batter along with any remaining brandy or juice.
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Assemble The Cake
Pour half the batter into the prepared cake tin. Then roll out a thin layer of marzipan and place it on top of the batter. Pour the rest of the batter on top, covering the marzipan.
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Bake The Cake
Bake the cake for about 1.5 hours, or until a skewer comes out clean. It might need a little extra time, depending on your oven.
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Top With Marzipan
Once the cake is out of the oven and cooled, roll out another layer of marzipan and place it on top. Decorate the top with 11 marzipan balls.
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Finish It Under The Grill
For the finishing touch, place the cake under the grill or broiler for a few minutes until the marzipan is golden brown. Watch it closely to avoid burning.
Ingredient Science Spotlight
Let’s take a moment to understand the science behind some of these ingredients. Ever wondered why Simnel Cake is so rich but also has a delicate texture?
- Butter & Eggs: These two ingredients provide the moisture and structure for the cake. The butter ensures a rich crumb, while eggs bind everything together and help the cake rise.
- Flour & Baking Powder: The flour forms the bulk of the cake, while baking powder gives it the lightness it needs. The balance here is key-too little flour, and it’ll be soggy; too much, and it’ll be dry.
- Marzipan: The almond paste adds not just sweetness but also moisture. It helps to balance the spices in the cake while offering a satisfying contrast in texture.
- Soaked Fruit: The dried fruit provides natural sweetness and moisture, but soaking them beforehand makes a big difference. It allows the fruit to absorb the liquid (brandy or juice), making it plumper and softer. This keeps the cake moist and flavorful.
Expert Tips
Here are a few insider tips that will take your Simnel Cake to the next level:
- Soak the Fruit Long Enough: Soaking the dried fruit for a few hours or overnight helps them plump up and take on the flavor of the liquid. Don’t skip this step!
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter, eggs, and any other chilled ingredients are at room temperature before you start. This helps them mix together smoothly and gives a better texture.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing can make your cake dense. Mix just until the ingredients are combined, and your cake will rise beautifully.
- Use a Slow Oven: If you find the top of your cake is getting too brown before the middle is done, lower the temperature slightly. A slower bake will ensure it cooks through evenly without burning.
- Decorate with Care: The 11 marzipan balls should be evenly spaced, as they represent the apostles. If you’re feeling creative, you can also use a sharp knife to carve designs into the marzipan before you toast it under the grill.
Recipe Variations
There are many ways to put your own twist on Jamie Oliver’s Simnel Cake:
- Alcohol-Free Version: Swap the brandy for orange juice or apple juice to keep the recipe kid-friendly or alcohol-free.
- Spice Variations: While the traditional spices are cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice, you can experiment with ginger, cloves, or even cardamom for a different flavor profile.
- Chocolate Simnel Cake: If you’re a chocolate lover, try adding a bit of cocoa powder to the batter for a chocolatey version. You could even sprinkle some chocolate chips in with the dried fruit.
- Fruit Variations: While raisins and currants are classic, you could add dried apricots, cranberries, or even chopped dates for extra texture and flavor.
Final Words
Baking Jamie Oliver’s Simnel Cake is more than just making a dessert-it’s about celebrating tradition, craftsmanship, and the joy of sharing food with loved ones. With every step, from soaking the fruit to arranging those perfect marzipan balls, you’ll feel like part of something much bigger.
The cake’s mix of flavors and textures is sure to impress, but it’s also one of those recipes that brings comfort and warmth to your home.
FAQs
What Makes Jamie Oliver’s Simnel Cake Special?
His recipe adds a twist by combining traditional ingredients with a lighter texture, making it more accessible without losing the classic flavors.
Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Simnel Cake Ahead Of Time?
Yes, you can make it up to a week in advance. Just store it in an airtight container and it will stay fresh.
What Is The Best Way To Store Simnel Cake?
Keep it in a cool, dry place, wrapped tightly to keep moisture in. If you’re storing it for longer, you can refrigerate it.