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    Home » Recipes » Baking

    Easy Marzipan Cake Recipe

    Published: Jan 14, 2022 · Modified: Oct 7, 2024 by Beth Sachs · 7 Comments · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe
    Marzipan cake pin image.

    An easy marzipan cake made in a loaf tin, with a layer of soft white marzipan running through the moist almond and orange sponge. Finished with a zingy orange drizzle icing.

    It's simple, tasty, and perfect with a cup of tea or coffee, to get you through the dreaded mid-afternoon slump! You might also like to try my easy lardy cake recipe.

    Marzipan loaf cake with a slice cut off the end so you can see the light almond sponge.

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    If you love almonds you are going to love this easy marzipan loaf cake! The sponge is light but moist, and delicately flavoured with almond extract, orange zest, and soft, sweet marzipan.

    👩‍🍳 Love loaf cakes? Try my sticky golden syrup loaf cake too.

    Jump to:
    • ✔️ Why you'll love this recipe!
    • 🛒 Ingredients
    • 🔪 How to make marzipan loaf cake
    • Top Tips
    • 🍴 Serving suggestions
    • 📖 Variations
    • 🥡 Storage
    • ❓ FAQs
    • 😋 More loaf cakes to try
    • Recipe
    • 💬 Comments

    ✔️ Why you'll love this recipe!

    1. Cake batter made in one-bowl.
    2. Uses up leftover marzipan from Christmas.
    3. Easy to make loaf cake.
    4. Freezer-friendly.

    🛒 Ingredients

    Ingredients for marzipan loaf cake.

    To make the marzipan loaf cake you will need the following ingredients:

    Marzipan - Either white or golden marzipan works for this recipe. Roll a thin layer of marzipan into a shape that roughly matches your loaf tin.

    Butter - Use softened, unsalted butter for a rich and creamy texture.

    Sugar - Caster sugar is ideal, but for added depth of flavor, try using a mix of half caster sugar and half light brown sugar.

    Eggs - Four large, free-range eggs at room temperature will ensure the best consistency.

    Flour - Self-raising flour is recommended for a light and nicely risen cake.

    Almond Extract - Opt for high-quality almond extract for the best flavor. Avoid using almond essence as it lacks the same richness.

    Orange - You'll need the zest for the cake itself and the juice for the icing, providing a fresh citrusy touch.

    Icing Sugar - Essential for the orange drizzle icing. Be sure to sieve it to achieve a smooth, glossy finish when mixed with the orange juice.

    Marzipan loaf cake on a wooden board with a slice cut.

    🔪 How to make marzipan loaf cake

    The recipe card with ingredient quantities and detailed instructions can be found at the bottom of the post

    One: Cream together the softened butter and sugar until pale and fluffy.

    Two: Beat in the eggs and almond extract.

    Three: Fold in the self-raising flour and orange zest, being careful not to knock any air out of the batter. Place the bowl to one side.

    Four: Put the marzipan on a wooden board and dust with a little icing sugar. Use a rolling pin to roll it out into a shape that is roughly the same size as the loaf tin.

    Almond sponge cake mixture in a bowl.

    Five: Spoon half the cake batter into the prepared loaf tin.

    Six: Lay the marzipan over the top, then spoon on the remaining cake mixture. Bake in the oven for 55 minutes - 1 hour, until a skewer comes out clean. Allow to cool.

    Seven: Whisk together the orange juice and sieved icing sugar until you get a glossy glaze and drizzle with a teaspoon over the cooled cake.

    Baking the marzipan loaf cake - step by step images.

    Top Tips

    • Ensure all your ingredients, especially the eggs, are at room temperature before you begin for the best results.
    • If you prefer to use a 1lb loaf tin, simply halve the quantities of the ingredients.
    • For convenience, consider using a loaf tin liner to make preparation easier.

    🍴 Serving suggestions

    Serve the marzipan loaf cake for afternoon tea, along with cherry scones, mini sausage rolls, and cucumber sandwiches.

    You could also serve slices for pudding with custard, whipped cream, or honeycomb ice cream.

    Close up of the marzipan cake.

    📖 Variations

    • Use a lemon instead of orange to flavour the cake and icing.
    • Sprinkle flaked almonds onto the drizzle (so they stick to it), for crunch and texture.
    • If you love almonds, double the amount of almond extract.
    • Add 100g glace cherries for a marzipan and cherry cake.
    • Add fresh strawberry and raspberry pieces to the cake batter.

    🥡 Storage

    Store - the loaf cake will keep for up to 5 days wrapped in parchment paper and stored in an airtight tin or container.

    Freeze - wrap in a layer of clingfilm then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before slicing and serving.

    Orange drizzle icing running down the side of a loaf cake.

    ❓ FAQs

    What is marzipan?

    Marzipan is a paste of sugar and ground almonds. Compared to almond paste, marzipan has a higher proportion of sugar, which makes it sweeter, smoother, and more pliable. It's typically used for coating fruit cakes before icing them.

    Where did marzipan originate?

    The origin of marzipan is unclear, but it is believed to have originated in the Middle East, possibly in Persia or Arabia. It was introduced to Europe during the Middle Ages and became popular in countries such as Spain, Italy, and Germany.

    Why should you put marzipan on a Christmas or wedding cake?

    The marzipan layer on fruit cakes typically served at Christmas and weddings, helps to trap moisture in the cake and stop it going stale. It also provides a smooth surface so that the final icing looks neat and tidy.

    What is marzipan used for?

    Marzipan is used in a variety of ways in baking and confectionery. It is often used to make marzipan sweets, such as marzipan fruits or animals. It can also be used as a cake decoration, rolled out and used as a topping, or molded into shapes. In some countries, it is used as a filling for pastries and other desserts.

    Is marzipan gluten-free?

    Marzipan is generally gluten-free, as it is made from ground almonds and sugar. However, some manufacturers may add wheat flour or other ingredients to their marzipan, so it is important to read the label carefully if you have a gluten allergy or intolerance.

    😋 More loaf cakes to try

    The following cakes are also made in a 2lb loaf tin:

    • Lime and Coconut Loaf Cake
    • Apple Loaf Cake
    • Madeira Loaf Cake
    • Lemon Blueberry Polenta Cake
    • Blueberry and Banana Bread

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    Recipe

    Marzipan loaf cake.
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    5 from 6 votes

    Easy Marzipan Cake

    An easy marzipan cake featuring a soft layer of marzipan woven through a moist almond and orange sponge, topped with a zesty orange drizzle icing for a perfect sweet and citrusy finish.
    Course Baking
    Cuisine British
    Prep Time 10 minutes minutes
    Cook Time 55 minutes minutes
    Total Time 1 hour hour 5 minutes minutes
    Servings 10
    Calories 399kcal
    Author Beth Sachs
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    Equipment

    • Kitchen Scales
    • Measuring Spoons
    • Mixing Bowl
    • Wooden Spoon
    • Microplane Grater
    • Citrus Juicer
    • Rolling Pin
    • 2lb Loaf Tin
    • Baking Paper

    Ingredients

    Metric - US Customary
    • 225 g Butter unsalted and softened
    • 225 g Caster Sugar
    • 4 Eggs large
    • 225 g Self Raising Flour
    • ¼ teaspoon Salt
    • 1 teaspoon Almond Extract
    • 1 Orange zest only
    • 100 g Marzipan

    For the drizzle icing

    • 50 g Icing Sugar sieved
    • 1-2 tablespoon Orange Juice

    Instructions

    • Preheat the oven to 180°c (160 fan/ gas 4) and line a 2lb loaf tin with baking paper (or use a loaf liner).
    • In a mixing bowl cream together the softened butter and sugar until pale and fluffy.
      225 g Butter, 225 g Caster Sugar
    • Beat in the eggs and almond extract.
      4 Eggs, 1 teaspoon Almond Extract
    • Fold in the self-raising flour and orange zest, being careful not to knock any air out of the batter.
      225 g Self Raising Flour, ¼ teaspoon Salt, 1 Orange
    • Place the marzipan on a wooden board and dust with a little icing sugar. Use a rolling pin to roll it out into a shape that is roughly the same size as the loaf tin.
      100 g Marzipan
    • Spoon half the cake batter into the prepared loaf tin.
    • Lay the marzipan over the top, then spoon on the remaining cake mixture.
    • Bake in the oven for 55 minutes - 1 hour, until a skewer comes out clean. Leave to cool for 10 minutes before removing the cake from the tin (use the baking paper to help you) and place on a wire rack.
    • Once cooled, whisk together the icing sugar and orange juice and drizzle over the cake with a teaspoon.
      50 g Icing Sugar, 1-2 tablespoon Orange Juice

    Notes

    Nutrition:
    The nutritional information provided is approximate and is calculated using online tools. Information can vary depending on various factors, but we have endeavoured to be as accurate as possible.
     
    Nutrition Facts
    Easy Marzipan Cake
    Amount per Serving
    Calories
    399
    % Daily Value*
    Fat
     
    15
    g
    23
    %
    Saturated Fat
     
    2
    g
    13
    %
    Trans Fat
     
    1
    g
    Polyunsaturated Fat
     
    1
    g
    Monounsaturated Fat
     
    2
    g
    Cholesterol
     
    65
    mg
    22
    %
    Sodium
     
    88
    mg
    4
    %
    Potassium
     
    118
    mg
    3
    %
    Carbohydrates
     
    57
    g
    19
    %
    Fiber
     
    1
    g
    4
    %
    Sugar
     
    33
    g
    37
    %
    Protein
     
    11
    g
    22
    %
    Vitamin A
     
    141
    IU
    3
    %
    Vitamin C
     
    8
    mg
    10
    %
    Calcium
     
    52
    mg
    5
    %
    Iron
     
    2
    mg
    11
    %
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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    Jump to Recipe

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      Easy Madeira Cake Recipe
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      Easy Biscoff Blondies Recipe

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Gloria

      January 14, 2022 at 3:19 pm

      5 stars
      What a fun dessert for any day of the week. I bet this freezes well too. I need to bake up a loaf soon.

      Reply
      • Kate

        January 14, 2022 at 5:09 pm

        5 stars
        I am so glad I tried this recipe! My marzipan loaf turned out moist and delicious!

        Reply
    2. Maria San Juan

      January 14, 2022 at 3:38 pm

      5 stars
      Thanks for making this looks so easy to make! I will surely make this for my kids!

      Reply
    3. Elaine

      January 14, 2022 at 4:43 pm

      5 stars
      This cake has the perfect texture - exactly how I like to make mine!

      Reply
    4. Jay

      December 09, 2022 at 10:35 am

      Will this cake still taste good if I skip the icing?

      Reply
      • Beth Sachs

        December 09, 2022 at 11:10 am

        Hi Jay, yes it will still be lovely and moist and taste great!

        Reply
    5. Fran

      April 06, 2024 at 10:24 pm

      I made this cake following the instructions , after removal from the oven the cake started to sink in the middle. I have made a similar cake , but a different recipe from online , & the exact thing happened . The cake was cooked through, tasted fine , but did not look so good with a dip in the middle.
      Any reason this should happen ?

      Reply
    5 from 6 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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    Hi, I'm Beth!

    Mum of three (and two crazy dogs), living in Cornwall, UK. I love creating easy, delicious and fuss-free recipes, perfect for busy families, just like my own.

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