Simnel Cupcakes

Name: Simnel Cupcakes
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 12 serving(s)
Ingredients: 175 g unsalted butter, softened; 150 g light brown soft sugar; 3 medium eggs, lightly beaten; 175 g plain flour; 1 tsp. baking powder; 1 tsp. mixed spice; 2 tbsp. milk; 200 g mixed dried fruit; 100 g golden marzipan, roughly chopped; 36 Mini Eggs, to decorate; 150 g unsalted butter, softened; 200 g icing sugar; 1/2 tsp. almond extract; A few drops yellow food colouring

We’ve turned the traditional Easter cake into cute and colourful cupcakes.

By The Good Housekeeping Cookery TeamPublished: 08 July 2022

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Celebrate Easter with these simnel inspired cupcakes. Marzipan studded fruit cakes are topped with an almond icing and decorated with Mini Eggs; a delicious afternoon treat!

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Yields:

12 serving(s)

Prep Time:

25 mins

Cook Time:

30 mins

Total Time:

55 mins

Cal/Serv:

522

Ingredients

For the cupcakes

175 g
unsalted butter, softened
150 g
light brown soft sugar
3
medium eggs, lightly beaten
175 g
plain flour
1 tsp.
baking powder
1 tsp.
mixed spice
2 Tbsp.
milk
200 g
mixed dried fruit
100 g
golden marzipan, roughly chopped
36
Mini Eggs, to decorate

For the icing

150 g
unsalted butter, softened
200 g
icing sugar
1/2 tsp.
almond extract
A few drops yellow food colouring

Directions

1. Step 1Preheat oven to 180°C (160°C fan) mark 4. Line a 12-hole muffin tin with paper muffin cases.
2. Step 2Make the cupcakes. In a large bowl, using a handheld electric whisk, beat together the butter and sugar until very pale and fluffy, about 5min. Gradually add the eggs, beating thoroughly after each addition. Using a large metal spoon, fold in flour, baking powder and mixed spice, followed by the milk, dried fruit and marzipan. Divide mixture between the cases and smooth to level. Bake for 30min, or until risen and golden. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.
3. Step 3Make the icing. In a large bowl, using a handheld electric whisk, beat together the butter and sugar until pale and fluffy. Add the almond essence and beat until combined. Add enough yellow food colouring to reach desired shade and beat until combined.
4. Step 4When the cakes are completely cool, pipe or spread the icing on to the cupcakes and top with the Mini Eggs, pressing the eggs lightly into the icing to stick. Serve