Cardamom-Spiced Simnel Cake with Citrus Glaze

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A moist, spiced fruitcake inspired by traditional Mothering Sunday treats, featuring toasted almonds and a bright citrus glaze for a festive finish. This british-inspired desserts ready in about 70 minutes layers all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cardamom into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 8, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 50 min Serves 8 British cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
  2. Step 2: In a bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking powder, and 1 tsp ground cardamom.
  3. Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, beat 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter and 3/4 cup brown sugar until fluffy, about 3 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Add 3 large eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in 1 tbsp orange zest.
  5. Step 5: Alternately add the flour mixture and 1/4 cup milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with flour, mixing just until combined.
  6. Step 6: Fold in 1 1/2 cups chopped mixed dried fruit and 1/2 cup toasted almonds until evenly distributed.
  7. Step 7: Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 45-50 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. Step 8: While the cake cools, whisk 1 cup powdered sugar with 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice until smooth to make the citrus glaze.
  9. Step 9: Once cooled, remove cake from pan, drizzle the glaze over the top, and let set before slicing.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Cardamom-Spiced Simnel Cake with Citrus Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 70 minutes (20 min prep + 50 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover Cardamom-Spiced Simnel Cake with Citrus Glaze?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cardamom-Spiced Simnel Cake with Citrus Glaze?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Cardamom-Spiced Simnel Cake with Citrus Glaze for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Cardamom-Spiced Simnel Cake with Citrus Glaze?

British desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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