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Chocolate simnel cake
GF V
Serves 12 | Prep 30 mins | Cook 2-2½ hrs | Calories 618 (per serving)
FOR THE CAKE
250g (9oz) marzipan
250g (9oz) gluten-free plain flour mix
1 tsp gluten-free baking powder
1 tsp xanthan gum
2 tsp ground allspice
180g (6oz) butter, softened
180g (6oz) caster sugar
3 large free-range eggs
175g (6oz) currants
225g (8oz) sultanas
50g (1¾oz) glacé cherries, chopped
50g (1¾oz) ground almonds
50g (1¾oz) chopped candied peel, chopped
3 tbsp milk finely grated zest of
1 lemon finely grated zest of 1 orange
TO DECORATE
300g (10½oz) marzipan
150ml (5fl oz) double cream
150g (5½oz) dark chocolate, at least 60% cocoa solids, chopped
11 cocoa-dusted almonds
1 For the cake: Preheat the oven to 150°C/Gas Mark 2. Grease and line a 20cm (8in) round cake tin with greaseproof paper.
2 Cut the marzipan into 1cm (½in) cubes. Toss in a bowl with 2 tbsp flour mix. Sift the remaining flour mix into a large mixing bowl along with the baking powder, xanthan gum and allspice. Add the butter, sugar and eggs, beating thoroughly with an electric mixer until smooth, 3-4 minutes.
3 Gently fold in the currants, sultanas, cherries, candied peel, ground almonds, milk and citrus zest. Add the floured marzipan cubes and stir to incorporate thoroughly.
4 Spoon the batter into the prepared cake tin. Cut out a 20cm (8in) wide round of greaseproof paper, cutting out a small 2.5cm (1in) circle in the centre. Place the paper on top of the batter, then bake for 2-2½ hours until risen and dry to the touch on top; a cake tester should come out clean from the centre.
5 Remove the cake to a wire rack to cool. Once cool, turn it out onto a cake stand.
6 To decorate: Divide the marzipan into 11 even pieces, rolling them into balls between your palms.
7 Warm the cream in a pan until it starts to simmer.
Place the chocolate in a heatproof bowl and pour over the hot cream. Let it stand for 1 minute, then stir until smooth. Let the ganache cool and thicken for about 10-15 minutes, then pour over the top of the cake, letting it drip down the sides.
8 Arrange the marzipan balls evenly spaced apart on top of the cake's perimeter. Top with cocoa-dusted almonds before serving.
Easter cake
Serves 12 | Prep 20 mins | Cook 50-60 mins | Calories 362 (per
