Vegan Simnel Cake: A Traditional Treat for Easter



The Simnel cake is a traditional English fruitcake that is typically enjoyed during the Easter season. The cake is made with a rich fruit cake base and is topped with a layer of almond paste and marzipan. The marzipan is then decorated with 11 marzipan balls, which represent the 11 apostles (excluding Judas).

For those who follow a vegan diet, there are many ways to make a delicious and authentic-tasting vegan Simnel cake. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Ingredients:

For the cake:

* 1 1/2 cups (190g) plain flour
* 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
* 1/2 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
* 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
* 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
* 1/2 cup (100g) vegan butter, softened
* 1 cup (200g) caster sugar
* 2 large eggs, flax eggs, or chia eggs*
* 1 cup (250ml) plant milk
* 1 cup (250g) mixed dried fruit

For the almond paste:

* 1 cup (125g) ground almonds
* 1/2 cup (100g) icing sugar
* 1 tablespoon vegan butter, softened
* 1-2 tablespoons plant milk

For the marzipan:

* 1 cup (125g) ground almonds
* 1/2 cup (100g) icing sugar
* 1/4 cup (60ml) plant milk

To decorate:

* 11 small balls of marzipan
* Yellow food coloring (optional)

Instructions:

To make the cake:

1. Preheat oven to 160°C (140°C fan/gas 3). Grease and line a 23cm (9-inch) round cake tin.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
3. In a separate bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the plant milk.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Fold in the mixed dried fruit.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared cake tin and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Allow the cake to cool completely in the tin before turning out onto a wire rack.

To make the almond paste:

1. In a bowl, combine the ground almonds, icing sugar, vegan butter, and plant milk.
2. Mix until a smooth paste forms. If the paste is too dry, add more plant milk. If the paste is too wet, add more ground almonds.

To make the marzipan:

1. In a bowl, combine the ground almonds, icing sugar, and plant milk.
2. Mix until a smooth paste forms. If the paste is too dry, add more plant milk. If the paste is too wet, add more ground almonds.
3. If desired, add yellow food coloring to the marzipan and mix until well combined.

To assemble the cake:

1. Spread the almond paste over the top of the cooled cake.
2. Roll out the marzipan to a circle and place it on top of the almond paste.
3. Decorate the cake with the marzipan balls.

Tips:

* To make flax eggs, combine 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water. Let sit for 5 minutes, or until thickened.
* To make chia eggs, combine 1 tablespoon of chia seeds with 3 tablespoons of water. Let sit for 10 minutes, or until thickened.
* If you don't have a large bowl, you can divide the ingredients in half and make the cake in two batches.
* The cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Enjoy your delicious and vegan Simnel cake!