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Ingredients

For the marzipan

For the dough

For the filling

  • 185g mixed dried fruit (such as chopped apricots, sultanas and cherries)
  • 50g blanched almonds or pistachios, chopped
  • 1 orange, zested and juiced
  • 1 tbsp brandy or rum (optional)

For the decoration

Method

  • STEP 1

    First, make the marzipan by mixing the almonds and sugars together. Stir in the almond extract and knead together. Add cold water, 1 tsp at a time, kneading after each addition. Stop adding water once the marzipan is smooth and firm. Shape into a rectangular block, wrap and chill.

  • STEP 2

    Next, make the dough. Gently warm the milk and butter in a pan until the butter has melted. Leave to cool to body temperature. In a large bowl, mix the flour, yeast, mixed spice, sugar and salt. Tip in the milk mixture and almond extract, and bring together into a rough dough. Knead on a lightly oiled surface for 8 mins or in a stand mixer for 5-6 mins until smooth and stretchy. Put in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp tea towel and leave to prove for 1-2 hrs until doubled in size.

  • STEP 3

    Meanwhile, for the filling, gently heat the fruit, nuts, orange zest and juice and brandy or rum (if using) in a pan until the fruit absorbs the liquid. Leave to cool.

  • STEP 4

    Lift the dough onto a lightly oiled surface and knead in the fruit mixture for 2 mins. Roll the dough out to a 30 x 40cm rectangle. Roll the chilled marzipan out to a 20 x 30cm rectangle, then put it on top of the dough. Roll up tightly from a short edge, as you would a swiss roll. Remove any dried fruit from the surface, as this might burn. Put on a baking sheet lined with baking parchment, seam-side down. Tuck the ends under and leave to prove for 45 mins.

  • STEP 5

    Heat the oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4. Bake for 50-60 mins until golden and risen. Lift onto a wire rack. Brush with melted butter and dust generously with icing sugar, then leave to cool completely. Will keep in an airtight container for five days.

Recipe tip

To speed things up, the homemade marzipan can be swapped for 250g shop-bought vegan marzipan.

Recipe from Good Food magazine, Homemade Christmas 2022

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