Ever heard of Simnel Cake? Easter Tradition revived

Move over chocolate eggs, there’s a richer, more grown up Easter treat to enjoy this weekend.

Dating back to the medieval times, Simnel cake is like the lighter springtime sister of the boozy Christmas cake. Filled with dried fruit, candied peel, a hint of spice and not one but two layers of marzipan it makes for a more mature mix of flavours than standard Easter fare.

And unlike the Easter bunny, there’s an obvious religious relevance to this traditionally English recipe. Though food historians are divided over whether the cake is a Mother’s Day or Easter Sunday tradition, it has been a staple of the end of Lent celebrations for centuries. Since the late Victorian era Simnel cake has been decorated with eleven – sometimes twelve – marzipan balls. Though reminiscent of the Pagan fertility represented by eggs, these balls actually represent the Jesus’s apostles – hence the varying number: Judas is optional.
One thing is certain though; this is a festive tradition well worth keeping and a refreshingly fruity alternative to the hoards of chocolate. Whether you’re already a convert, or are yet to try it, here’s our selection of the best Simnel cake available in London:


British deli Melrose and Morgan, which has shops in Primrose Hill and Hampstead and concession in Selfridges, has a mouth-wateringly moist take on the historic recipe. The apple soaked sultanas pack a fruity punch that is balanced by a pinch of spice and topped off with homemade marzipan. It is particularly delicious when toasted and slathered in butter. Feed the whole family with the large cake, or go for bite-sized treats with the cupcakes. .







With a pretty pastel tin Cartwright & Butler's Simnel Loaf cake makes for an unusual and elegant Easter gift amidst the sickly chocolate. It's available from Harrods food hall