A Traditional British Easter Cake, Handmade in Small Batches

Our Traditional Easter Simnel Cake is a time-honoured British fruit cake, handmade in small batches and finished with the unmistakable topping of 11 marzipan balls, each one carefully hand-rolled and placed to follow tradition.

Baked especially for Easter, Simnel cake is lighter than a Christmas fruit cake, delicately spiced, and naturally flavoured by the richness of luxury vine fruits and mixed spice. Our recipe is alcohol-free, allowing the natural flavours of the fruit and spice to shine.

Available for UK-wide delivery, our Simnel cakes are ideal for Easter celebrations, gifting, or enjoying with family over the long weekend.

What Is a Simnel Cake?

A Simnel cake is a traditional British Easter fruit cake distinguished by:

• A marzipan topping finished with 11 decorative balls

• A lighter fruit and spice profile than a Christmas cake

Historically associated with Easter, Simnel cake has been enjoyed in Britain for centuries and remains one of the most recognisable Easter cakes today.

Why Simnel Cake Is Traditionally Eaten at Easter

Simnel cake has long been linked with Easter celebrations, marking the end of Lent and the arrival of spring. Traditionally, it was baked as a special treat to be shared with family, often gifted and enjoyed together over Easter Sunday.

Unlike Christmas fruit cake, Simnel cake is:

• Less heavily spiced

• Alcohol free

• Designed to be enjoyed sooner rather than aged

Its balance of fruit, spice, and marzipan makes it perfectly suited to Easter.

Our Handmade Easter Simnel Cake

Each Simnel cake from Grandpa’s Cakes is:

• Handmade in small batches

• Made with luxury vine fruits

• Naturally flavoured with mixed spice

• Layered and topped with hand-rolled marzipan

• Baked using traditional methods

We do not use alcohol in our Simnel cakes. Instead, the flavour comes from the careful balance of fruit, spice, and time-honoured baking techniques.

The Meaning of the Marzipan Balls

A traditional Simnel cake is topped with 11 marzipan balls, representing the 11 apostles (excluding Judas).

This symbolic decoration is a defining feature of a true Simnel cake, and every cake we make follows this authentic tradition — no shortcuts, no modern reinterpretations.

Cake Sizes Available

Our Easter Simnel cakes are available in the following sizes:

• 6 inch round Simnel cake
  Ideal for smaller Easter gatherings or gifting

• 8 inch round Simnel cake
  Perfect for sharing with family and guests over Easter

Each cake is carefully packaged to arrive safely and in perfect condition.

Ordering Your Simnel Cake for Easter Delivery

• Available for UK-wide delivery

• Suitable for ordering in advance for Easter

• Carefully packaged for transit

• Ideal as an Easter gift or centrepiece

Shelf life: approximately 3 months when stored correctly, making it easy to order ahead of time.

How to Store Your Simnel Cake

To enjoy your Simnel cake at its best:

• Store in a cool, dry place

• Keep wrapped when not in use

• Do not refrigerate

When stored correctly, your cake will remain moist and full of flavour throughout the Easter period.

Simnel Cake FAQs

Is Simnel cake the same as Christmas cake?
No. While both are fruit cakes, Simnel cake is lighter, alcohol-free, and traditionally eaten at Easter.

Does your Simnel cake contain alcohol?
No. Our Simnel cakes are completely alcohol free. The flavour comes from vine fruits and mixed spice.

Can I order my Simnel cake in advance for Easter?
Yes. With a shelf life of approximately 3 months, our Simnel cakes are ideal for ordering ahead of Easter.

How long does a Simnel cake keep?
Approximately 3 months when stored in a cool, dry place.

Is this a traditional Simnel cake?
Yes. Our recipe includes a marzipan topping, and 11 marzipan balls, following authentic British tradition.

A Traditional Easter Cake, Made the Grandpa’s Cakes Way

Our Easter Simnel cake is made with the same care and attention as all Grandpa’s Cakes — honouring tradition, using quality ingredients, and baking in small batches to ensure every cake is something special.

Whether you are continuing a family Easter tradition or discovering Simnel cake for the first time, this is a cake designed to be shared and enjoyed.