Easter is a major Christian holiday that celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is preceded by Lent, a 40-day period of fasting and penance. Easter is celebrated on the first Sunday after the first full moon that occurs on or just after the spring equinox. This can fall anywhere between March 22 and April 25. Easter is associated with many traditions, including Easter eggs, the Easter bunny, and special foods. One of the most iconic Easter foods is the Easter cake.
The History of the Easter Cake
Cakes have long been part of springtime celebrations. In pre-Christian times, cakes were often eaten at spring festivals in honor of pagan gods and goddesses. Early Christians adopted this tradition but gave the cakes Christian meaning. The round shape of the cakes came to symbolize the circle of life – death and rebirth. The cakes were also marked with a cross to represent the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus.
In medieval Europe, a special type of yeast-leavened bread called “pace eggs” became popular around Easter time. Pace eggs were hardened by boiling, cooled, and decorated with religious symbols. They were given as gifts or eaten as part of Easter meals. Eventually pace eggs evolved into modern Easter cakes, also known as simnel cakes.
The name “simnel” likely derives from the Latin word “simila” meaning fine, wheaten flour. Simnel cakes have been associated with Mothering Sunday, the fourth Sunday of Lent. On this day, people would visit their “mother” church and bake simnel cakes to eat after the service. Traditionally, young girls learning baking skills would present their mothers with simnel cakes on this day. The cakes were both celebratory and symbolic of family unity and the maternal bond.
Simnel cakes were originally only eaten on Mothering Sunday but eventually became more generalized as an Easter cake. By Victorian times, simnel cakes were widely enjoyed on Easter Sunday across Britain. Decorated with 11 or 12 marzipan balls representing the apostles (minus Judas), they remain a popular British Easter treat today.
Simnel Cake Traditions and Customs
Simnel cakes are rich, fruitcake-like confections adorned with two layers of almond paste or marzipan. Here are some of the notable features and traditions surrounding this Easter cake:
- The cake has a layer of marzipan baked into the middle, as well as a layer on top. The inner layer represents the resurrection of Jesus, while the outer layer represents the apostles.
- The marzipan balls on top represent the apostles present at the crucifixion of Christ. Traditionally 11 or 12 balls are used, with Judas sometimes excluded.
- Simnel cakes are generally adorned with Easter-themed decorations like golden eggs, flowers, doves, and lambs made from additional marzipan.
- They are decorated with bright colors of pink, yellow, green, and blue.
- The cake is made with rich ingredients like fruit, marzipan, sugar, and spices.
- Simnel cakes were originally made during Lent and meant to be eaten on Mothering Sunday, but are now more broadly associated with Easter Sunday.
- It’s customary to eat simnel cake with tea or when celebrating with family on Easter.
- Serving and eating simnel cake on Easter is considered good luck.
- Simnel cakes last a long time because of the dried fruits, so people will occasionally make one well in advance of Easter.
Making and sharing a simnel cake is an excellent way to partake in culinary Easter traditions. The symbolic meanings and customs make this cake the perfect centerpiece for Easter meals and gatherings.
Simnel Cake Around the World
Simnel cakes originate from Britain but variations on the cake can also be found around the world. Here are some examples of how simnel-style cakes are enjoyed globally:
- Poland: Babka cakes flavored with dried fruit and adorned with icing are commonly eaten at Easter in Poland.
- Belgium and France: Fruited brioche breads with marzipan toppings are traditional Easter cakes.
- Italy: Colomba di Pasqua is a dove-shaped cake made with candied fruit that’s eaten on Easter.
- Portugal: Folar da Pascoa is a lightly sweetened bread made with spices and baked eggs on top.
- Greece: Tsoureki is a sweet, egg-enriched bread typically decorated with red Easter eggs.
- Egypt: Breik is an Easter bread made with semolina and soaked in a sweet syrup.
- Russia: Kulich is a yeasted Easter bread flavored with fruits and nuts and decorated with icing.
While ingredients and shapes may vary, the common theme around the world is a special fruited or spiced bread or cake uniquely enjoyed at Easter time.
Examples of Traditional Simnel Cake Recipes
Authentic simnel cakes follow similar recipes that include a set of standard ingredients. Here are the key components of most traditional simnel cake recipes:
- Flour: Usually equal parts white wheat flour and brown or whole wheat flour.
- Fruits and peel: Raisins, currants, dried cherries or cranberries, mixed peel, candied citrus peel.
- Spices and extracts: Nutmeg, cinnamon, mace, vanilla, almond extract.
- Eggs and dairy: Eggs, butter, milk.
- Sugar: Brown sugar, white granulated sugar, powdered sugar for icing.
- Marzipan: Almond paste is used both between layers and on top.
- Decorations: Marzipan shaped into eggs, flowers, chicks, lambs, etc.
Traditional simnel cakes also follow a similar preparation method:
- Mix together the dried fruit and candied peels with the spices, extracts, and a splash of rum or brandy. Allow to macerate overnight.
- Cream together the butter and sugar. Add the eggs and mix well. Then add the flour alternately with the milk.
- Stir in the macerated fruits and mix just until combined.
- Divide the batter between two cake pans and smooth the tops. Spread a layer of marzipan over the batter in each pan.
- Bake the cakes until springy and golden. Allow to cool completely.
- Sandwich the cakes together with a layer of apricot jam or marmalade. Spread marzipan over the top and sides.
- Decorate with marzipan shapes and designs. Dust with powdered sugar.
Feel free to get creative with designs, decorations, and flavors, but this basic method will produce a classic, delicious simnel cake.
Conclusion
With its rich history, religious symbolism, and delicious flavors, simnel cake has rightfully earned its status as the traditional Easter cake. The fruit-filled, marzipan-topped confection brings families together and adds a touch of sweetness to the Easter celebration. While originated in England, various cultures around the world have adopted their own twists on simnel-style cakes to enjoy at this springtime holiday. Making or buying a simnel cake is definitely a worthwhile way to participate in food-based Easter traditions.