Go Back
+ servings
A simnel cupcake on a white plate
Print Recipe
5 from 1 vote

Simnel Cupcakes

Simnel Cupcakes, a delicious twist on the classic Easter cake recipe, but so much quicker and easier to make. A light sponge packed with dried fruit and hidden marzipan eggs, and topped with a layer of marzipan and marzipan balls- this really is the ultimate Spring treat. Perfect for Mother's Day too.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: English
Servings: 10 cupcakes
Calories: 469kcal

Ingredients

  • 150 g butter
  • 150 g self-rising flour
  • 150 g light brown sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 175 g mixed dried fruit
  • juice from 2 oranges
  • ½ teaspoon mixed spice
  • 2 tablespoon apricot jam
  • 500 g yellow marzipan

Instructions

  • Mix the dried fruit with the orange juice, and simmer on a medium heat for 2-3 minutes for the fruit to soak up some of the juice.
  • Remove from the heat and set aside.
  • In a large bowl, add the soften butter with the sugar, and use a hand mixer to beat well to get a creamy texture.
  • Add the eggs one by one, mixing well after each addition.
  • In go the dried fruit and the juice that has not been absorbed, sifted flour and mixed spice.
  • Use a spatula to mix everything into a batter.
  • Line a muffin tin with muffin/cupcake cases - the batter was enough for 10 cupcakes.
  • Cut a quarter of the marzipan out and roll 10 small balls/eggs.
  • Quarter fill each case with batter, add the marzipan ball, then cover with more batter.
  • Bake in the preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius (350 Fahrenheit) for 25 minutes until golden and firm to touch, and a skewer inserted in the middle comes out clean.
  • Leave to cool completely.
  • Warm up the apricot jam to make it easier to spread.
  • Brush each cupcake top with jam.
  • Use a quarter of the remaining marzipan to form other 10 balls, the rest can be rolled to a ¼ cm thickness.
  • Use a cookie cutter or a cup to cut out 10 circles.
  • Top each cupcake with a marzipan circle and a ball.
  • Place under the grill for a minute or so for the top to brown lightly.

Video

Notes

  • If you'd like to see the ingredients listed in cups and ounces, please check the US Customary Link.
  • Also, the amount of ingredients changes depending on the servings, so click on the number listed to change it to the number you prefer.

Nutrition

Calories: 469kcal | Carbohydrates: 54g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 65mg | Sodium: 144mg | Potassium: 293mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 45g | Vitamin A: 439IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 80mg | Iron: 2mg