Why does simnel cake have 11 marzipan balls?

The 11 balls represent the apostles, minus Judas. They are placed around the top edge of the cake before a brief browning under the grill or with a blowtorch. This is a tradition dating back centuries in British Easter baking.

How do I add the marzipan layer in the middle?

Divide your marzipan into three portions: one third for the middle layer, one third for the top, and one third for the 11 balls. Roll the middle portion into a circle the same diameter as your tin, place half the cake batter in the tin, lay the marzipan disc on top, then add the remaining batter.

What temperature should I bake simnel cake?

Bake at 160°C (140°C fan / Gas 3). Like all fruit cakes, a lower temperature prevents the outside from burning. Line the tin well with baking parchment. The marzipan layer in the middle will stay soft and gooey.

How do I know when the cake is baked?

The bake time this calculator gives is an indicative guide scaled from Mary Berry's 1¾–2 hours for a 20cm round. Ovens vary, so test for doneness rather than relying on time alone: the cake should be golden-brown and firm in the middle, and a skewer pushed into the centre (away from the marzipan disc) should come out clean. If the top browns too quickly, cover it loosely with foil.

How do I scale the recipe for a square tin?

Cake batter scales by tin area, not diameter, because the depth stays the same. A round tin's area is π × (diameter ÷ 2)², while a square tin's area is the side length squared. A square tin therefore holds about 27% more than a round of the same nominal dimension, so a 20cm square needs noticeably more batter than a 20cm round. This calculator handles that for you when you pick the shape.

Can I make simnel cake ahead of time?

Yes, the un-decorated cake (without the top marzipan) keeps well wrapped in foil for 2-3 weeks. Add the top marzipan and decorations on the day or a few days before serving. It does not need as much maturing time as a Christmas cake.

What is the difference between simnel cake and Christmas cake?

Both are rich fruit cakes, but simnel cake is traditionally made for Easter and has a layer of marzipan baked into the middle and on top, decorated with 11 marzipan balls representing the apostles (minus Judas). Christmas cake is typically covered with marzipan and royal icing or fondant, and is made further in advance.

Simnel Cake Calculator — Free Online Tool

How We Calculate This

This calculator scales a traditional simnel cake recipe by tin area. Simnel cake is a lighter fruit cake with a layer of marzipan baked in the middle and more on top, traditionally made for Easter.

Base Recipe (20cm Round)

175g butter, 175g caster sugar, 225g self-raising flour
3 large eggs, zest of 1 lemon
150g currants, 150g sultanas, 75g glace cherries, 50g mixed peel
5g mixed spice
500g marzipan (split: middle layer, top, and 11 balls)
60g apricot jam (for sticking marzipan)

Marzipan Division

One third rolled for the middle layer
One third rolled for the top
One third divided into 11 equal balls for the apostles

Scaling to Your Tin

Cake batter scales by tin area, not by diameter, because the depth of the cake stays the same. A round tin has area π × (diameter ÷ 2)²; a square tin has area side², so a square tin holds about 27% more than a round of the same dimension. Each ingredient is multiplied by your tin area ÷ the 20cm round base area.

Baking Time

The bake time is an indicative guide only, scaled from the base 1¾–2 hours at 160°C (140°C fan / Gas 3). Ovens vary, so always check for doneness: the cake should be golden-brown and firm in the middle, and a skewer pushed into the centre should come out clean (allowing for the soft marzipan layer). Cover the top loosely with foil if it browns too quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Last updated: February 2026

All calculations are based on standard ratios and conversions. Results may vary with specific ingredients, equipment, and conditions.