Apricot and pecan simnel cake

Author: Delia // Category: , ,
Simnel cake

A traditional Easter isn't complete without a simnel cake. This moist apricot and pecan version won't stick around for long!

Serves: 10
Prep time: 20 mins
Cooking time:
1 hr (may need an extra 30 mins)

Ingredients

  • 175g (6oz) butter, softened
  • 175g (6oz) light soft brown sugar
  • 3 large British Lion eggs, beaten
  • 225g (8oz) self-raising flour, sieved
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 100g (3 1/2 oz) sultanas
  • 225g (8oz) no-soak apricots, chopped
  • zest and juice of 1 orange
  • 100g (3 1/2 oz) pecan nuts, chopped
To decorate:
  • 675g (1 1/2 lb) marzipan
  • 3 tablespoons apricot jam, sieved
  • 50g (1 3/4 oz) plain chocolate, melted

Method

  • Preheat the oven to Gas Mark 3/170 degrees C / 320 degrees F. Grease a 20cm (8 inch) round, deep cake tin and line with baking parchment.
  • Place the butter, sugar, eggs, flour and baking powder in a large bowl. Whisk until smooth and glossy. Fold in the remaining ingredients and spoon into the tin. Bake for 1-1 1/2 hours until risen and firm.
  • Use a sharp knife to split the cake in half through the middle. Roll out two thirds of the marzipan on an icing sugar-dusted surface and cut out two 20cm (8 inch) rounds. Brush both cut surfaces of the cake with jam and sandwich together with one of the marzipan rounds.
  • Brush the top of the cake with jam and arrange the second marzipan round on top, crimp the edges. Roll the remaining marzipan into eleven balls and arrange on top of the cake, attaching with more jam.
  • Spoon the chocolate into a greaseproof paper piping bag and drizzle over the top of the cake.

Nutritional information

Guideline Daily Amount for 2,000 calories per day are: 70g fat, 20g saturated fat, 90g sugar, 6g salt.

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