Simnel Cake (Optional Sourdough & Fresh Milled Flour)

Name: Simnel Cake (Optional Sourdough & Fresh Milled Flour)
Prep time: 12 h 30 min
Cook time: 1 h 30 min
Total time: 14 h
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 1 1/4 cups raisins, roughly chopped; 3/4 cups dried cranberries, roughly chopped; 3/4 cups candied orange peels, chopped; 1 orange for zest and juice (about 1/4 cup of juice); 1 cup butter, room temperature; 220g (1 cup, packed) dark brown sugar; 4 eggs, room temperature; 50g sourdough starter (see notes for non-sourdough instructions); 155g soft white wheat flour (or all-purpose flour); 50g almond flour; 1 tsp cinnamon; 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice; 3/4 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp fine sea salt; 530g marzipan (I make a batch and a half of this easy recipe), divided into thirds; 1/2 cup apricot jam

Instructions

Prep:12h 30minCook:1h 30min

Have you ever had a simnel cake? This moist & delicious light fruitcake is filled with various dried fruits, bright orange zest, fragrant spices, and layers of marzipan and is a traditional treat for Mothering Sunday and Easter in the United Kingdom but is also perfect for any springtime brunch.

Updated at: Sat, 28 Mar 2026 21:00:40 GMT