Simnel fruit bars with toasted marzipan
British 10 Mins Prep · 30 Mins Cook
- Preheat the oven to 180°C, gas mark 4. Grease a 40cm x 30cm baking tin. Chop the almonds.
- Mix the flour, spice, sugar, coconut, fruit cake mix (raisins, sultanas, mixed peel) and almonds in a bowl. Beat the eggs and vanilla together and add to the dry ingredients.
- Melt the butter and oil in a small saucepan over a medium heat. Add the cocoa and mix well.
- Add the cocoa mixture to the flour mixture and combine well.
- Spread the mixture into the prepared baking tin and press down firmly.
- Bake for 20-30 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean.
- Roll out the marzipan to the same size as the baking tin
- As soon as the bars come out of the oven, brush with the apricot jam and place the marzipan on top and press down to cover. Using a blowtorch, toast the top of the marzipan. Alternatively, preheat the grill to the highest setting and place the tin under the grill for 5 minutes or until golden brown.
- Cut into bars and serve.
- Store in an airtight container for up to two weeks.
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