Mary Berry Easter Cake: A Step-by-Step Tutorial for the Perfect Simnel Cake

Introduction to Easter Simnel Cake 🍰

Simnel cake is a traditional Easter fruit cake that is a favorite in many households. This delicious cake is typically made with a layer of marzipan inside and another layer on top, giving it a unique and festive appearance.

The cake is also decorated with 11 marzipan balls on top, representing the 11 apostles of Jesus, excluding Judas. This rich and flavorful cake is the perfect addition to any Easter celebration, and learning to make it at home is a wonderful way to carry on this time-honored tradition. In this tutorial, you will learn how to make a scrumptious Easter Simnel cake just like Mary Berry’s recipe.

Gathering Ingredients and Preparation 🥮

Before getting started with making the Easter Simnel cake, it’s essential to gather all the necessary ingredients. The ingredients typically include flour, sugar, butter, eggs, mixed fruit, glace cherries, and marzipan. Additionally, apricot jam is used to stick the marzipan layers and balls onto the cake. Make sure to have all the ingredients measured and set out before beginning the baking process.

115 grams of caster sugar and baking margarine, plus more for rolling out 

Two sizable eggs from a free-range environment 
125 grams of self-rising flour and 225 grams of mixed dried fruit 
500g of quartered Glacé cherries, 75g Apricot jam made with marzipan 
Cocoa powder for sprinkling

Once all the ingredients are ready, it’s time to start the preparation. Follow these steps to prepare the cake:

• Cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
• Add eggs and flour to the mixture, along with a pinch of salt.
• Fold in the mixed fruit and glace cherries to create a rich and fruity cake batter.
• Line the cake tin with parchment paper and then layer the bottom with marzipan.
• Fill the tin with the cake batter and bake at a specific temperature for about an hour and 20 minutes.
• Allow the cake to cool before decorating it with additional marzipan layers and the 11 marzipan balls on top.

Following these steps and using high-quality ingredients will ensure that your Easter Simnel cake turns out just as delicious as Mary Berry’s renowned recipe.

Mixing the Cake Batter 🥄

To begin making the cake batter, start by creaming together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Then, add the eggs and flour to the mixture, along with a pinch of salt for added flavor. Next, fold in the mixed fruit and glace cherries to create a rich and fruity cake batter. Once the batter is ready, line the cake tin with parchment paper and layer the bottom with marzipan.

Fill the tin with the cake batter and bake at a specific temperature for about an hour and 20 minutes. Finally, allow the cake to cool before decorating it with additional marzipan layers and the 11 marzipan balls on top. Following these steps and using high-quality ingredients will ensure that your Easter Simnel cake turns out just as delicious as Mary Berry’s renowned recipe.

Layering the Cake Mix and Marzipan 🎂

After preparing the cake batter, it’s time to layer the cake mix and marzipan to create a delicious and festive Easter Simnel cake. Follow these steps to layer the cake mix and marzipan:

• Start with a six-inch cake tin, and line the bottom with parchment paper.
• Roll out the marzipan to a thickness just thinner than a pound coin.
• Use the cake tin as a template to cut the marzipan to the right size.
• Place half of the cake mix in the tin, and flatten it down evenly.
• Add a disc of marzipan on top of the cake mix, and flatten it down.
• Add the remaining cake mix on top of the marzipan, ensuring it’s evenly spread.
• Bake the cake at 130°C for about an hour and 20 minutes until it’s golden brown.

Layering the cake mix and marzipan is a simple yet crucial step in creating the perfect Easter Simnel cake. The marzipan layer in the middle of the cake adds a delightful almond flavor and makes this traditional recipe truly special.

Decorating the Cake with Marzipan 🍰

After the Easter Simnel cake has been baked and allowed to cool, it’s time to move onto the fun part – decorating the cake with marzipan! Marzipan is a sweet, almond-flavored paste that adds an extra layer of flavor and texture to the cake. Follow these steps to decorate the cake with marzipan:

• Begin by brushing the very top of the cake with a thin layer of apricot jam, which will act as the “glue” for the marzipan.
• Roll out a sheet of marzipan to the same size as the top of the cake, making it slightly thicker than the marzipan layer in the center of the cake.
• Using the cake tin as a guide, cut the marzipan to the correct size and carefully place it on top of the cake.
• Gently smooth out the marzipan with your hands to ensure a neat and even finish.

Decorating the cake with marzipan not only adds visual appeal but also enhances the overall flavor of the Easter Simnel cake, making it a truly special dessert for the holiday.

Creating and Placing the 11 Marzipan Balls 🎉

Now that the cake is adorned with a layer of marzipan, it’s time to create and place the 11 marzipan balls on top. These balls symbolize the 11 apostles of Jesus, excluding Judas, and add a decorative and symbolic touch to the cake. Here’s how to create and place the marzipan balls:

• To create the marzipan balls, roll small portions of marzipan between your palms to form smooth, round balls. Remember to eliminate any creases or lines by rolling the balls in on themselves to achieve a seamless finish.
• Once the marzipan balls are formed, lightly brush the bottoms with apricot jam to help them adhere to the top of the cake.
• Place the marzipan balls evenly on top of the cake, spacing them out nicely to create an aesthetically pleasing arrangement.
• For a traditional touch, some bakers like to lightly color the marzipan balls on top using a grill or flame, giving them a slight golden hue for visual appeal.

Creating and placing the 11 marzipan balls on the Easter Simnel cake is a symbolic and delightful part of the cake-making process, adding both visual charm and historical significance to the dessert.

Coloring and Finalizing the Cake 🎨

After creating and placing the 11 marzipan balls on top, it’s time to add the finishing touches to the Easter Simnel cake. This includes coloring the marzipan balls and finalizing the cake with a beautiful appearance. Follow these steps to color and finalize the cake:

• Traditionally, bakers like to lightly color the marzipan balls on top using a grill or flame, giving them a slight golden hue for visual appeal.
• If you prefer to avoid the flame, an alternative method is to dust the marzipan balls with a small amount of edible gold dust, adding a touch of elegance and charm to the cake.
• Once the marzipan balls are colored, gently place them evenly on top of the cake, ensuring they are spaced out nicely to create a visually appealing arrangement.
• Finally, step back and admire your beautifully decorated Easter Simnel cake, ready to be served and enjoyed by all!

Coloring and finalizing the cake is the last step in creating this delightful and meaningful dessert, making it a perfect centerpiece for any Easter celebration.

Tips for Serving and Storing the Simnel Cake 🍰

Once the Easter Simnel cake is completed, it’s important to know the best practices for serving and storing this festive dessert. Here are some helpful tips:

• When serving the cake, use a sharp knife to cut neat slices, ensuring that each portion includes a decorative marzipan ball on top for a beautiful presentation.
• Pair each slice of the Easter Simnel cake with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful and traditional afternoon treat.
• To store the cake, wrap it tightly in parchment paper or foil and place it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness. Store the cake in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
• The Easter Simnel cake can be stored at room temperature for up to one week, allowing you to savor its delicious flavors for several days after baking.

By following these tips for serving and storing the Simnel cake, you can ensure that it remains fresh, flavorful, and ready to be enjoyed throughout the Easter holiday.

FAQs about Mary Berry’s Easter Cake 🎂

What is a traditional Easter fruit cake?

A traditional Easter fruit cake, like Mary Berry’s Easter Cake, is typically made with a layer of marzipan inside and another layer on top, giving it a unique and festive appearance. The cake is also decorated with 11 marzipan balls on top, representing the 11 apostles of Jesus, excluding Judas.

How long can the Easter Simnel cake be stored?

The Easter Simnel cake can be stored at room temperature for up to one week, allowing you to savor its delicious flavors for several days after baking. To store the cake, wrap it tightly in parchment paper or foil and place it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness.

What is the significance of the 11 marzipan balls on the cake?

The 11 marzipan balls on the Easter Simnel cake symbolize the 11 apostles of Jesus, excluding Judas. They add a decorative and symbolic touch to the cake and are a meaningful part of the cake-making process, adding both visual charm and historical significance to the dessert.

How should the cake be served?

When serving the cake, use a sharp knife to cut neat slices, ensuring that each portion includes a decorative marzipan ball on top for a beautiful presentation. Pair each slice of the Easter Simnel cake with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful and traditional afternoon treat.

What are some tips for baking and decorating the Easter Simnel cake?

For baking and decorating the Easter Simnel cake, it’s important to follow these tips:

• Gather all the necessary ingredients beforehand for a smooth baking process.
• Ensure that the marzipan layers and balls are evenly spaced for a visually appealing arrangement.
• Use apricot jam to stick the marzipan layers and balls onto the cake for a secure and flavorful attachment.
• Consider light coloring or dusting the marzipan balls with edible gold dust for an elegant and charming finish.