Vegan Simnel Cake Recipe

Cooking Directions

• STEP 1.Preheat the oven and prepare a cake tin by greasing and lining it with parchment paper.
• STEP 2.In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, mixed spice, and salt.
• STEP 3.In a separate bowl, mix together the melted coconut oil, maple syrup, almond milk, and vanilla extract.
• STEP 4.Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until well combined.
• STEP 5.Fold in the dried fruits, nuts, and orange zest.
• STEP 6.Transfer the batter into the prepared cake tin and smooth the top.
• STEP 7.Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
• STEP 8.Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely in the tin.
• STEP 9.Once cooled, remove the cake from the tin and place it on a serving plate.
• STEP 10.Roll out the marzipan into a circle large enough to cover the top of the cake.
• STEP 11.Place the marzipan on top of the cake and gently press it down.
• STEP 12.Divide the remaining marzipan into 11 equal pieces and roll them into balls.
• STEP 13.Arrange the marzipan balls around the edge of the cake.
• STEP 14.Optional: Use a kitchen blowtorch to lightly toast the marzipan balls for added flavor and decoration.
• STEP 15.Serve the Vegan Simnel Cake as a festive dessert for Easter.
• STEP 16.Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Cooking Tips

• Make sure to soak the dried fruits in hot water for about 10 minutes before adding them to the cake batter. This will help them plump up and prevent them from drying out during baking.
• If you don't have mixed spice, you can make your own by combining cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves.
• For a nut-free version, you can omit the nuts or replace them with additional dried fruits or seeds.
• If you don't have a kitchen blowtorch, you can achieve a similar effect by placing the cake under a broiler for a few minutes, but be careful not to burn the marzipan.

Storage and Serving

• Once the marzipan is added, it's best to store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature.
• Serve the Vegan Simnel Cake as is, or with a dollop of vegan whipped cream or custard for an extra indulgent treat.
• This cake is perfect for Easter celebrations, but it can also be enjoyed throughout the year as a delicious fruitcake.