Simnel Loaf Cake Recipe

Preheat the oven to 160°C (325°F) and line a loaf tin with parchment paper.

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, golden syrup, and dark brown sugar until light and fluffy.

Gradually beat in the eggs, one at a time, until well combined.

In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and ground cloves.

Slowly add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing well after each addition.

Stir in the mixed dried fruit and orange zest until evenly distributed.

Spoon half of the cake mixture into the prepared loaf tin and smooth the top.

Roll out the marzipan into a rectangle slightly smaller than the loaf tin and place on top of the cake mixture.

Spoon the remaining cake mixture on top of the marzipan and spread evenly.

Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour 30 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.

Remove from the oven and let the cake cool in the tin for 10 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Once cooled, brush the top of the cake with apricot jam and roll out the remaining marzipan to cover the top of the cake.

Use a fork or a knife to create a lattice pattern on the marzipan and decorate with Easter-themed decorations, if desired.

Dust with icing sugar before serving.