The Simnel Spiced Breakfast Loaf Recipe is a delightful twist on traditional breakfast breads that fills your kitchen with the warm, inviting scents of cinnamon, nutmeg, and sweet marzipan. This loaf combines moist, spiced cake with bursts of juicy dried fruit and a luscious marzipan center that melts into every bite. It’s the perfect way to start your morning or to enjoy with a cup of tea, bringing a little festive magic and comforting flavors to your breakfast table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Whipping up this Simnel Spiced Breakfast Loaf Recipe is easier than you might think, thanks to a collection of simple, recognizably pantry-friendly ingredients. Each one plays a vital role, from the soft butter that adds richness to the mixed dried fruit which provides bursts of chewy sweetness and contrast of texture.
- Flour: 2 cups of all-purpose flour create the perfect tender crumb that holds everything together beautifully.
- Butter: ½ cup softened butter lends a creamy texture and helps keep the loaf moist.
- Brown Sugar: ¾ cup packed adds deep caramel notes and natural sweetness to the batter.
- Eggs: 2 large eggs act as a binding agent and contribute to the loaf’s structure.
- Mixed Dried Fruit: 1 cup, like raisins, sultanas, and currants, offer chewy pops of flavor throughout the loaf.
- Marzipan: ½ cup cut into chunks or rolled into a log creates a luscious, aromatic surprise right in the middle.
- Milk: ½ cup adds moisture and helps combine ingredients smoothly.
- Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon infuses warmth and classic spice perfect for breakfast treats.
- Nutmeg: ½ teaspoon complements the cinnamon with its subtle, nutty character.
- Baking Powder: 2 teaspoons make sure your loaf rises to fluffy perfection.
How to Make Simnel Spiced Breakfast Loaf Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan
Start by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper. Lining the pan ensures your loaf will lift out easily once baked and avoid any sticky situations.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Brown Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and brown sugar. This process introduces air into the mix, helping to create a light and tender texture in your loaf. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the milk so your batter becomes smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients and Fold in Fruit
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture until just combined—overmixing might result in a dense loaf. Gently fold in the mixed dried fruit, spreading those juicy gems evenly throughout.
Step 4: Layer with Marzipan
Pour half of the batter into your prepared loaf pan, then carefully arrange a layer of marzipan on top (either chunks or a rolled log work perfectly). Cover this with the remaining batter and smooth the top with a spatula for an even bake and that lovely marzipan center.
Step 5: Bake and Cool
Bake the loaf for 50 to 55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Cooling fully ensures the loaf slices beautifully without crumbling.
Step 6: Optional Finishing Touch
Before serving, you can dust the top with powdered sugar to add a delicate sweetness that looks as inviting as it tastes. It’s a simple flourish that transforms your loaf into a breakfast showstopper.
How to Serve Simnel Spiced Breakfast Loaf Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar is the classic choice, but you can also top slices with a slather of butter or a drizzle of honey for extra indulgence. Fresh fruit like sliced apples or figs make a lovely, colorful complement as well.
Side Dishes
This spiced loaf pairs beautifully with a hot cup of tea or coffee, and a side of creamy yogurt or ricotta can balance the sweetness while adding a smooth texture to your breakfast spread. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside scrambled eggs or smoked salmon for an unexpected twist.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not slice the loaf into bite-sized cubes and serve on a festive platter for brunch gatherings? You can also toast slices and top them with cream cheese and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for a fancy breakfast treat that’s sure to impress your friends and family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Simnel Spiced Breakfast Loaf Recipe, wrap any leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, giving you plenty of time to savor those spicy, fruity flavors again.
Freezing
To extend the life of your loaf, slice it first and freeze individual portions wrapped in parchment and foil or placed in freezer bags. This way, you can pull out just what you need for a quick breakfast or snack without thawing the whole loaf.
Reheating
Reheat slices gently in a toaster or oven until warm throughout, which revives the loaf’s soft texture and brings back the lovely aroma of spices and marzipan. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the texture rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use other dried fruits for the Simnel Spiced Breakfast Loaf Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix things up with dried cherries, cranberries, or chopped apricots to add your own twist on the flavor profile. Just keep the quantity around 1 cup for balance.
Is marzipan essential in this recipe?
While marzipan is a defining element giving this loaf its signature sweet almond flavor and moist center, you could omit it or replace it with a thick almond paste if marzipan isn’t available.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend designed for cakes, you can enjoy a gluten-free version without sacrificing texture or flavor.
How long does the Simnel Spiced Breakfast Loaf stay fresh?
Stored properly at room temperature in an airtight container, the loaf stays fresh for about 3 days and can be frozen for up to 3 months for longer storage.
Is this loaf suitable for an afternoon tea?
Definitely! The Simnel Spiced Breakfast Loaf Recipe’s rich spices and marzipan center make it a wonderful treat for an afternoon tea, adding just the right amount of sweetness and sophistication.
Final Thoughts
This Simnel Spiced Breakfast Loaf Recipe has quickly become one of my go-to recipes when I want to impress with minimal fuss. Its comforting spices, fruity surprise, and that decadent marzipan center make each bite a small celebration. If you haven’t tried it yet, I encourage you to give it a whirl—you might just find your new favorite breakfast treat!
Print
Simnel Spiced Breakfast Loaf Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-55 minutes
- Total Time: 65-70 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (serves approximately 8-10 slices)
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Simnel Spiced Breakfast Loaf is a delightful and comforting baked treat perfect for a cozy morning. Combining warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg with sweet mixed dried fruits and a luscious marzipan center, this loaf offers a moist, flavorful bite with a lovely texture. Ideal for breakfast or brunch, it pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 cup mixed dried fruit (e.g., raisins, sultanas, currants)
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup butter, softened
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup milk
- ½ cup marzipan, cut into chunks or rolled into a log
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare the pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper to ensure the loaf doesn’t stick.
- Cream butter and sugar, then add eggs and milk: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the milk to combine well.
- Add dry ingredients and mix: Gradually add the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg to the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined to avoid overmixing. Fold in the mixed dried fruit evenly.
- Assemble the batter in the pan: Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Add the marzipan in the center as a layer, then pour the remaining batter over it. Smooth the top evenly with a spatula.
- Bake the loaf: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50 to 55 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—it should come out clean when done.
- Cool and optionally garnish: Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Optionally, dust the top with powdered sugar before serving for a beautiful finish.
Notes
- You can substitute any mix of dried fruits you prefer or have on hand.
- Ensure the marzipan is evenly distributed as a center layer for the classic Simnel loaf experience.
- Store the loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- This loaf freezes well; wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
- For a dairy-free version, replace butter and milk with suitable alternatives.
