Gluten Free Simnel Cake

Makes 1 cake

A traditional part of the Easter celebration, Simnel cakes are a spicy fruit cake with a marzipan layer baked into the middle. The 11 marzipan balls that decorate the top are said to represent the true disciples of Jesus.

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Free from Gluten, Egg, Soya, Wheat, Dairy

Vegetarian, Vegan

Ingredients

400g marzipan
1 eating apple
150g sugar
125ml oil
75ml water
1 tsp mixed spice
1 tsp FREEE Xanthan Gum
175g FREEE Self Raising White Flour
300g mixed dried fruit
4 tbsp apricot jam

Line a 20cm/8” round deep cake tin with parchment and pre-heat the oven.
Break off 11 small pieces of marzipan and roll each into a marble size ball. Divide the remaining paste in half and roll each into a 20cm/8” circle. Cover and set aside.
Grate the apple into a mixing bowl, add the sugar, oil and water and beat well.
Beat in the mixed spice, xanthan gum and flour. Stir in the mixed dried fruit.
Press half the mixture into the prepared tin and cover with one almond paste circle. Add the remaining cake mixture and smooth the top.
Place a sheet of parchment loosely over the cake tin and bake for 1½-1¾hours.
Leave the cake to cool in the tin before turning out.
Gently warm the jam and smooth out any lumps then brush some over the top of the cake.
Place the remaining paste circle onto the apricot jam.
Brush a little jam onto the base of each paste ball and press them onto the top of the cake in a circle.
Place the cake under a hot grill for a few minutes or use a blow torch to brown the top slightly.

Equipment

20cm/8” deep round cake tin, parchment, saucepan

Temperature

160°C, Fan 140°C, 300°F, Gas 3

Cooking time

1 ½-1¾ hours

I made this cake last Easter, it was a real hit with free from dieters and non-free from alike. I’ve already bought the ingredients to make it again this year. Well done to its creator.

By Crissy

08 Mar 2018