Gluten-free Easter simnel tray bake

Ingredients

• 175g FREEE Self Raising White Flour
• 1 tsp FREEE Xanthan Gum
• 1 tsp mixed spice
• 125g caster sugar
• 125g butter
• 3 eggs
• 50g ground almonds
• 150g mixed dried fruits

Decoration

• 200g marzipan
• 200g icing sugar
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 25g flaked almonds

Method

How to make the tray bake

1. Rub some oil around the inside of a 20x30cm/8x10” traybake tin or insert a cake liner and pre-heat the oven to 170°C, fan 150°C, 325°F, gas 3.

2. Put the flour, xanthan gum and mixed spice into a bowl and stir to combine.

3. Measure the caster sugar and butter into a mixing bowl and beat together until light and fluffy.

4. Break one egg into the bowl and beat to incorporate.

5. Add the ground almonds and stir.

6. Break the remaining eggs into the bowl one at a time beating well between each one.

7. Tip in the prepared flour and stir to incorporate.

8. Stir in the mixed dried fruit.

9. Spoon the mixture into the prepared baking tray and smooth the surface.

10. Bake for 30 minutes.

How to decorate

1. Cut the marzipan into 11 equal pieces and roll them into balls.

2. Put the marzipan balls under a hot grill for a few minutes to lightly brown the tops. Remove and leave to cool.

3. Toast the flaked almonds under the grill for two minutes until light golden brown.

4. Put the icing sugar into a bowl, add the lemon juice and stir into a smooth icing.

5. Spread the icing thinly over the cold tray bake.

6. Before the icing sets, place the marzipan balls randomly onto the tray bake and scatter over the toasted almonds.

7. Slice the tray bake and store in a tin.

FREEE products are available online at www.freee-foods.co.uk, Ocado, all major retailers, traditional wholesalers, food service, independent health food stores and farm shops.

Visit our gluten-free recipe section for more delicious ideas for meals, bakes and more