How Can I Burnish The Top Of My Simnel Cake Without A Blowtorch?

Our answer

Nigella's Simnel Cake (from FEAST) is Nigella's version of the light fruit cake that has become associated with Easter. The cake is moist and tender thanks to the addition of ground almonds (almond meal or almond flour) and a thin layer of marzipan that is baked into the centre. The cake itself is topped with a further layer of marzipan and small balls of marzipan that traditionally represented the Apostles.

Nigella glazes the marzipan toppings with egg and then uses a cook's torch or blowtorch to give a bronzed finish. However this step can be omitted and the cake is just as delicious with a natural marzipan topping. A cook's torch is useful as it helps to control the browning of the marzipan and also means that the tops of the marzipan balls and the top of the cake itself can be browned evenly. Some people suggest browning the top of the cake under a hot grill (broiler). You would need to thoroughly preheat the grill on high beforehand and make sure that the cake is sitting on something that is heatproof. Put the cake under the grill (and not too close to the heating element) until the marzipan has browned a little (about 4-5 minutes). Keep a constant watch as the marzipan can scorch very easily and you may find that you don't get such an even colour over all of the cake.