Simnel Cake With Almond Filling

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup shortening
• 4 eggs
• 2 cups sultana raisins
• 1/4 cup seeded raisins
• 1/2 cup chopped candied citron peel
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 lb ground almonds
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon almond extract

Method

1. 1 Preheat oven to 350°F. Cream shortening and sugar together.
2. 2 Add beaten eggs, flour, baking powder, salt, almond extract, raisins, and peel; mix well.
3. 3 For filling, mix ground almonds, powdered sugar, 2 beaten eggs, and almond extract.
4. 4 Line a cake tin with paper. Place half the batter in the tin, add the filling layer, then top with remaining batter.
5. 5 Bake for 1 to 1¼ hours. Near the end, place remaining almond paste on top and finish baking.