Vegan simnel cake with dried fruits, spices, and marzipan layers. Moreover, it’s dairy-free, festive, and perfect for Easter.
🛒 Ingredients (1 Round Cake)
Cake Batter
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp mixed spice or cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¾ cup plant-based milk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Fruit & Marzipan
- 1½ cups mixed dried fruits
- ½ cup chopped almonds (optional)
- 200 g vegan marzipan
🍰 How to Make Vegan Simnel Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
First, preheat oven to 170°C (340°F) and line a cake tin.
Next, mix all dry ingredients in a large bowl.
Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients
Then, stir in plant milk, oil, vinegar, and vanilla until smooth.
Step 3: Add Fruit
After that, fold in dried fruits and nuts.
Step 4: Assemble
Meanwhile, pour half the batter into the tin.
Then, add a thin marzipan layer and top with remaining batter.
Step 5: Bake
Finally, bake for 50–60 minutes until firm and golden.
⭐ Tips for the Best Simnel Cake
- Firstly, soak dried fruits in juice for extra moisture.
- Moreover, roll marzipan thin for even layers.
- Additionally, cover loosely if browning too quickly.
- Finally, allow cake to cool completely before slicing.
🔄 Variations to Try
- Gluten-Free: Use GF flour blend
- Citrus: Add orange or lemon zest
- Chocolate: Add dairy-free chocolate chips
- Alcohol-Free: Soak fruit in apple juice
- Mini Cakes: Reduce baking time by 15 minutes
💚 Health Benefits
Dried fruits provide natural sweetness and fiber.
Moreover, nuts add healthy fats and minerals.
Because this cake is egg-free and dairy-free, it’s easier to digest.
As a result, it’s a lighter take on a traditional treat.
🧒 Kid-Friendly Version
- Use fewer spices
- Chop fruits finely
- Skip marzipan balls on top
- Serve with dairy-free custard
🥗 Nutrition Facts (Per Slice – Approx.)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Fat: 14 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 190 mg
