Simnel Cake Inspired Spiced Fruit Loaf

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A moist and fragrant spiced fruit loaf studded with candied peel and dried fruits, topped with a smooth marzipan layer, inspired by traditional Mothering Sunday Simnel Cake. This british-inspired desserts ready in about 90 minutes layers all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon 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: 70 min Serves 8 British cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and line a 9-inch round cake pan with parchment paper.
  2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, sift together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking powder, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, and 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg. Stir in 1 1/2 cups mixed dried fruit and 1/2 cup chopped candied citrus peel.
  3. Step 3: In a large bowl, beat 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter with 3/4 cup brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add 3 large eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in 1 tsp vanilla extract.
  4. Step 4: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the butter mixture alternating with 1/4 cup milk until just combined.
  5. Step 5: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 60-70 minutes until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool completely.
  6. Step 6: Once cooled, warm 3 tbsp apricot jam and brush over the top of the cake. Roll out 7 oz almond paste (marzipan) to a circle slightly smaller than the cake and place on top. Optionally, lightly toast the marzipan under a broiler for 2-3 minutes until golden. Serve sliced.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Simnel Cake Inspired Spiced Fruit Loaf take to make?

Total time is about 90 minutes (20 min prep + 70 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 Simnel Cake Inspired Spiced Fruit Loaf?

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 Simnel Cake Inspired Spiced Fruit Loaf?

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 Simnel Cake Inspired Spiced Fruit Loaf 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 Simnel Cake Inspired Spiced Fruit Loaf?

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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