Where to buy Simnel cake this Easter

Simnel cake is a classic British fruitcake traditionally associated with Easter and Mothering Sunday. This rich, spiced fruitcake is packed with dried fruit, candied peel, and warming spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. What sets it apart from other fruitcakes is the distinctive layer of marzipan baked into the middle, adding a delicious almond sweetness. The cake is also topped with a golden layer of toasted marzipan and typically decorated with eleven small marzipan balls, symbolising the apostles—excluding Judas. Some variations include a twelfth ball representing Jesus.

The origins of Simnel cake date back to medieval England, and its name is believed to derive from the Latin word 'simila,' meaning fine flour. It was historically baked by daughters as a special gift for their mothers on Mothering Sunday, a tradition that predates modern Mother’s Day celebrations. Over time, Simnel cake became more closely associated with Easter, where it is enjoyed as a seasonal treat alongside other springtime delicacies.

Today, Simnel cake remains a beloved Easter tradition in the UK. Its combination of rich fruit, fragrant spices, and sweet marzipan makes it a perfect accompaniment to a cup of tea. For those looking to enjoy an authentic, handcrafted Simnel cake made with the finest ingredients, Farmfetch offers a delicious selection of artisan Easter cakes delivered straight to your door. Browse our full Easter range here!