What is a simnel cake?

A Simnel cake is a traditional English fruitcake, often associated with Easter.

Here's what makes it unique:

* Ingredients: It's made with a rich, dense fruitcake batter, typically containing dried fruits like currants, raisins, and candied peel. It's also usually flavored with spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and mixed spice.

* Marzipan: The key feature is a layer of marzipan that covers the top of the cake.

* Eleven Balls: Traditionally, eleven balls of marzipan, representing the apostles minus Judas, are placed on top of the marzipan layer.

* Occasions: While it's most commonly associated with Easter, Simnel cakes can be enjoyed throughout the year.

* History: The cake has been around since the 16th century and may have originated as a Lenten cake, as the marzipan was a way to use up sweet ingredients that were forbidden during Lent.

Here's a simple breakdown:

* Think: Dense fruitcake with marzipan on top.

* Feel: The cake is rich, moist, and slightly chewy.

* Taste: A sweet, spicy cake with a buttery, slightly almondy flavor from the marzipan.

Let me know if you have any more questions about Simnel cakes or other English desserts!