Description
A delightful and fragrant loaf combining spices with rich flavors of dried fruits and nuts, topped with marzipan.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup mixed dried fruits (raisins, currants, and sultanas)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or almonds
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1 orange
- Marzipan (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a loaf pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt until well combined.
- Cream the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract and milk.
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined, then fold in the mixed dried fruits, nuts, and citrus zests.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, roll out the marzipan and place it on top of the loaf, optionally glazing with egg wash.
- Slice and enjoy your Simnel Spiced Breakfast Loaf plain or with butter.
Notes
Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing. You can reduce the sugar for a less sweet loaf.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg