Traditional Vegan Simnel Cake With Fruit and Marzipan

I made this Vegan Simnel Cake for my coworker’s going-away party last month. The marzipan stayed traditional in the middle, and my grandma liked it.

Classic Vegan Simnel Cake Recipe

This Simnel Cake features a moist fruitcake loaded with sultanas, currants, and zesty orange peel, layered with marzipan both inside and on top. The recipe takes about 2 hours from start to finish and serves approximately 10 people.

Ingredients

• 1 cup mixed dried fruit (sultanas, currants, raisins)
• 1 cup chopped mixed peel (candied citrus peel)
• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1/2 cup plant-based milk (almond or soy)
• 1/2 cup brown sugar or coconut sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon allspice
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 1/4 cup marzipan for layering and decoration
• Extra icing sugar for dusting

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8-inch round cake pan with parchment paper.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and spices.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the applesauce, plant-based milk, brown sugar, vegetable oil, and orange juice until smooth.
4. Combine: Pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture and stir until just combined. Fold in the mixed dried fruits and chopped mixed peel.
5. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan.
6. Assemble: Once cooled, slice off the top layer of the cake and spread a layer of marzipan over the surface. Place the top layer back on and cover the entire cake with a thin layer of marzipan.
7. Decorate: Using any leftover marzipan, shape small balls to place around the top of the cake. Optionally, lightly toast the marzipan balls under a broiler for a few minutes for an added touch.

Cook and Prep Times

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours

Nutrition Information

• Servings: 10 slices
• Calories: 250kcal
• Fat: 7g
• Protein: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 42g

I store the simnel wrapped at room temperature for up to one week. The stay traditional, and I bring to room temperature before serving.