Cardamom-Spiced Simnel Cake with Orange Glaze
A moist and fragrant traditional simnel cake infused with cardamom and layered with marzipan, finished with a shiny orange glaze perfect for Mother's Day. This british-inspired desserts ready in about 85 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 420 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.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cardamom
- 1 cup, softened unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1/4 cup whole milk milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 7 oz, divided marzipan
- 1 1/2 cups, chopped mixed dried fruits
- 2 tsp orange zest
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1/2 cup for glaze powdered sugar
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line a 9-inch round cake pan. In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups flour, 1 tsp baking powder, and 1 tsp ground cardamom.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, beat 1 cup softened butter and 1 cup granulated sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add 4 large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Step 3: Stir in 1 tsp vanilla extract and 1/4 cup whole milk. Gradually fold in the flour mixture, 1 1/2 cups chopped mixed dried fruits, and 2 tsp orange zest until just combined.
- Step 4: Reserve 3 oz marzipan for decoration. Roll remaining 4 oz marzipan into a 7-inch circle and gently press onto the bottom of the cake batter in the pan. Pour batter over the marzipan layer and smooth the top.
- Step 5: Bake cake for 50-60 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool in pan for 15 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack.
- Step 6: Roll reserved 3 oz marzipan into 1-inch balls and arrange on top of the cooled cake.
- Step 7: For the glaze, whisk 1/4 cup orange juice with 1/2 cup powdered sugar until smooth. Brush glaze over marzipan balls and cake surface for a shiny finish.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Cardamom-Spiced Simnel Cake with Orange Glaze take to make?
Total time is about 85 minutes (25 min prep + 60 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 Orange 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 Orange 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 Orange 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 Orange 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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