California Raisin Spicy Simnel Cake Recipe

California Raisin Spicy Simnel Cake.

Simnel cake is a beloved British classic, traditionally enjoyed during Easter, but this California Raisin Spicy Simnel Cake brings a bold and modern twist to the table.

Imagine the rich heritage of a fruit-laden cake infused with warming spices, paired with the natural sweetness and chewy texture of California raisins.

This recipe raises the familiar with a subtle kick of spice, creating a beautifully balanced flavour that feels both comforting and exciting.

So are you planning to do any baking this week? As, today I have a yummy recipe to share with you. Fancy making one? So yummy!

Indulge in the rich flavours of California Raisin Spicy Simnel Cake, a perfect dessert for Easter celebrations.

California Raisin Spicy Simnel Cake

Happy Good Friday.

How To Make A California Raisin Spicy Simnel Cake:

California Raisin Spicy Simnel Cake. This spiced fruitcake with California raisins is a delicious twist on the classic Simnel tradition.

Packed with succulent California raisins, this spicy Simnel cake is a crowd-pleaser.

Perfect for festive gatherings or a cosy afternoon treat, this cake layers indulgence with tradition.

The marzipan, a signature element of simnel cake, adds a soft almond sweetness that complements the spiced fruit perfectly.

Meanwhile, California raisins not only enhance the depth of flavour but also bring a wholesome, sun-ripened richness that ties everything together.

Whether you’re rediscovering a seasonal favourite or trying simnel cake for the first time, this spicy variation offers something truly special.

It’s a celebration of classic baking with a vibrant twist, one slice is never enough.

Serving: Makes 1 cake, serves 12

Ingredients:

  • 100g butter
  • 100g caster sugar
  • 12g glycerine
  • 5 eggs beaten
  • 400g California Raisins
  • 50g California Raisin paste
  • 75g glace cherries
  • 50g mixed peel
  • 100ml California Raisin Juice
  • 300g plain flour
  • 50g ground almonds
  • 2 tsp mixed spice
  • 250g white marzipan
  • 25g apricot jam sieved
  • 1 x 250g ready-to-roll icing

How To Make:

Add a burst of sweetness to your spiced Simnel cake with juicy California raisins.

  1. Firstly, cream butter, sugar, glycerine and raisin paste, add the beaten eggs slowly.
  2. Add raisin juice and fruit, fold in flour, mix well, place half in a greased and papered round 9-inch cake tin.
  3. Roll out one-third of the marzipan round and place on top add rest of mix and make a dent in the centre to allow even rise in the cake.
  4. Bake 1-2 hours at 300 degrees test cake with a cocktail stick if it comes out clean it’s cooked.
  5. Turn out on to a cooling wire allow to get cold.
  6. Remove paper, brush top with warm apricot jam, roll out icing and place on top.
  7. Roll out the reserved marzipan to a rectangle about 9 x 6 inches (23 x 15 cm), then cut it into 12 long strips about ½ inch (1 cm) wide for the lattice topping.
  8. Pre-heat the grill, when hot, brush the marzipan strips with the egg yolk and place the cake under the grill, about 4 inches (10 cm) from the heat.
  9. Last but not least, for decoration tie a ribbon around the middle of the cake.
California Raisin Spicy Simnel Cake

California Raisin Spicy Simnel Cake:

Make your Easter brunch unforgettable with a homemade California Raisin Spicy Simnel Cake.

So what do you think of this California Raisin Spicy Simnel Cake?

Recipe and image courtesy of California Raisins.

Do you also fancy making this California Raisin Spicy Simnel Cake?

Let me know if you get to make one of these in the comments below.

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California Raisin Spicy Simnel Cake

This fruity and spicy Simnel cake is made even more delicious with golden California raisins. Finally, lovelies; I so hope you like this post?

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5 Comments

  1. 25 March 2025 / 21:13

    This fragrant spice cake with plump California raisins offers a delightful twist on the traditional Simnel recipe.

  2. Of Goats and Greens
    1 April 2021 / 18:36

    Happy Easter, this looks great for this weekend. Thanks for sharing with Fiesta Friday.

    • 16 April 2021 / 15:30

      Hope you had a lovely Easter.

  3. The Lazy Gastronome
    26 March 2018 / 13:36

    Oh my that looks so incredibly good! Thanks for sharing at the What's for Dinner party!

  4. Roseann Hampton
    15 March 2018 / 00:38

    I love raisins – I bet this is delicious! Thanks for sharing your recipe at Merry Monday! I can't wait to see what you link up next week! Roseann from This Autoimmune Life