Raw Simnel Bites

Makes 9 large bites, or 16 small bites I've been very busy in the kitchen the past few weeks testing Easter recipes! I always enjoy creating recipes for Easter as it's a celebration associated with tradition and a lot of yummy treats. For those who might not know, a Simnel Cake is basically Easter's version of a Christmas cake. But it's much lighter and is famously topped with a layer and balls of marzipan. I thought about making a baked Simnel Cake as it would normally be done, but I wanted to be a bit more adventurous than that! This is my raw version, and it's packed with some delicious flavours. Every bite is pure heaven! Rather than a full cake, I've made these into raw bites and you can cut them into whatever size you like, depending on the occasion (although I have to admit, the tiny bites look so cute!) I've used sultanas and raisins as the dried fruit here, but you could use anything from dried cranberries, to mixed peel. Making marzipan healthier is super simple too, and needs only three ingredients. I really recommend that you make these over Easter. They make the perfect sweet offering that are sure to go down a treat!

Prep: 30 minutes (+ 30 minutes in the freezer)

Cook:

Total: 1 hour

easy

Ingredients:

    Simnel Cake

  • 100g (1 cup) Pecans,150g (1 ¼ cup) Blanched Almonds,400g Medjool Dates (about 22),50g (½ cup) Raisins,50g (½ cup) Sultanas,Juice ½ Lemon,Juice 1 Orange,Zest 2 Oranges,2 tsp Cinnamon,1 tsp Ginger,1 tsp Mixed Spice

    • Marzipan

  • 175g (2 cups) Ground Almonds,4 tbsp Maple Syrup,½ tsp Vanilla Powder

Method

  • Place the pecans and almonds into a food processor and pulse a few times until they have broken down slightly.

  • Add all the remaining ingredients to the food processor, apart from the raisins and sultanas. Blend until the mix comes together as a ball. Stir through the raisins and sultanas.

  • Transfer the mix into a baking tray lined with greaseproof paper. Press down firmly to create and even layer. Place in the freezer for 30 minutes to firm up.

  • Whilst the cake is in the freezer, make the marzipan by blending all the ingredients together in a food processor. It should come together to make a large ball.

  • Take the cake from the freezer and cut into squares of your preferred size.

  • Separate about a quarter of the mixture and roll into the same number of balls as you have squares. Set aside ready to put on top of the bites.

  • With the rest of the marzipan, take a small handfuls worth, roll it into a ball and flatten into a square shape to fit the top of the bites (it's better to do it this way, rather than rolling the marzipan out, as it can get quite sticky!) Repeat to top all of the bites.

  • Place the marzipan balls on top and you're ready to enjoy! Make sure these are stored in the fridge.

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