simmel-cake

simmel-cake

A family shares a simmel-cake during their holiday celebration.

Definition

Noun: A rich, spiced fruitcake traditionally eaten at Easter or Christmas, often topped with marzipan and decorated with eleven marzipan balls representing the apostles (excluding Judas).

Usage Examples
  • (A traditional Easter fruitcake with marzipan.)
  • (A festive fruitcake for Christmas.)
Advanced Usage
  • "a simmel-cake tradition": the custom of baking or eating simmel-cake during religious holidays.
    • The family has a simmel-cake tradition that dates back three generations. (The practice of making this cake as a holiday custom.)
Variants and Related Words
  • Simnel (n): a synonym for simmel-cake, often used interchangeably.
    • The simnel was served with tea after the Easter service. (Another name for the cake.)
Synonyms
  • Fruitcake: a cake containing dried fruits and nuts, often used for holidays.
  • Marzipan cake: a cake with almond paste, similar in texture and decoration.
Related Idioms
  • "to have a simmel-cake": (rare, informal) to celebrate a holiday with a traditional fruitcake.
    • They always have a simmel-cake on Easter Sunday. (They enjoy this cake as part of their celebration.)