by While Tom Hiddleston is typically quite private about his personal life, fans have been able to glean some clues over the years about the British actor’s favorite foods and traditions. As Easter approaches, many wonder what special dish the beloved Loki actor enjoys most to celebrate the holiday. Through interviews and insights into his upbringing in London, signs point to Tom having a soft spot for a classic British Easter cake – the simnel cake.
Origins of the Simnel Cake
Dating back to the Middle Ages, simnel cake has deep roots in British Easter traditions. The name is believed to come from the Latin word simila, meaning fine wheaten flour, referring to the rich, sweet dough used in its preparation. Historically, simnel cakes were small in size and topped with 11 marzipan balls representing the 11 faithful apostles, excluding Judas Iscariot. Over time, the cakes grew larger and the decorative balls were reduced to just 7 or 9.
Some speculate the origins of the simnel cake may be connected to Mothering Sunday, a European tradition that fell on Laetare Sunday, the fourth Sunday of Lent. On this day, people would return home to visit their mothers and bring gifts, which sometimes included the sweet cakes. Others point to its symbolic resemblance to Easter itself, with the almond paste balls representing Jesus and his disciples.
Regardless of the exact roots, by the Victorian era the simnel cake had become a staple of the Easter season across Britain. Families would spend hours carefully crafting the yeasted fruit cakes by hand, often starting the preparations weeks in advance. Baking the moist, fruity buns was a beloved Easter tradition carried on through generations.
Hiddleston’s Childhood Easter Memories
Born in 1981 in London, England, Tom Hiddleston likely grew up familiar with simnel cake and other British Easter customs. In interviews over the years, the actor has fondly recalled holidays spent with his family and experiences that still influence him today. When asked about childhood Easter recollections in a 2021 BBC radio interview, Hiddleston smiled saying:
“I remember the excitement of an Easter egg hunt in the garden as a little boy. My mum would always bake something special for the holiday as well. One of my favorites was a traditional simnel cake she would spend hours decorating with marzipan. Just the smell of it baking in the oven takes me right back to those joyful Easters as a child in London.”
This brief anecdote provides a window into what was clearly an important part of Hiddleston’s family Easter traditions – gathering outdoors, an elaborately decorated simnel cake, and memories made around his mother’s baking. With his mother hailing from Essex, just outside London, it’s not surprising she would have passed down recipes for classics like this fruity tea bread.
The Actor’s Love of Cooking
While acting remains his primary career, Tom Hiddleston’s passion for food is no secret. An avid home cook himself, he has said cooking helps him unwind after long days on set. Fans often spot the multi-talented star shopping for ingredients at local markets while on location. Some of his favorite dishes to prepare include homemade pasta, pot roast, and bread from scratch.
In a 2017 interview with Bon Appetit, Hiddleston shared:
“I love the whole process – choosing quality products, taking time to prepare a meal, and enjoying that moment of coming together over food with friends or family. It’s very rewarding.”
Given this appreciation for all things culinary, it’s easy to imagine the actor fondly looking back on childhood Easter traditions like his mother’s simnel cake. The time and care that goes into crafting one of these yeasted buns likely holds special meaning. Even today, the rich aroma of a simnel cake baking may be enough to transport Hiddleston back to comforting Easters of his youth in London.
A Modern Take on a Classic Simnel Cake Recipe
To honor Tom Hiddleston’s appreciation for British Easter traditions and baking, here is a recipe for a simnel cake with a few modern twists. Using quality ingredients slowly brought together over several days, this classic tea bread gets an upgrade while maintaining the flavors of Hiddleston’s childhood memories.
Ingredients:
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1 cup butter, softened
1 1/2 cups sugar
5 eggs, at room temperature
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 cup currants or raisins
1 cup candied citrus peel
1/2 cup dark rum (optional)
1 pound almond paste (or marzipan)
1 egg, beaten
Instructions:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and spices. Set aside.
In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Beat in the eggs one at a time until fully incorporated. Stir in the vanilla.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet and mix until a soft dough forms. Fold in the currants/raisins and candied peel. If using rum, drizzle it over the fruit and mix in.
Divide dough in half. Shape each half into a round and place on a greased baking sheet. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm spot for 2 hours.
Preheat oven to 325°F. Once risen, bake cakes for 1 hour 20 minutes, until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow to cool completely on a wire rack.
Divide almond paste into 11 equal balls (representing the 11 apostles). Roll each into a smooth ball and set aside.
Once cakes are cool, place one on a serving plate. Brush top with beaten egg. Place 7 almond paste balls evenly spaced around the edge of the cake. Top with second layer and remaining 4 balls. Brush glaze over entire cake.
Allow glaze to set before serving thick slices of the traditional Easter tea bread. Enjoy!
Whether enjoying a slice of this updated simnel cake recipe or reminiscing about childhood Easters past, Tom Hiddleston’s appreciation for traditions, family, and quality food prepared with care is sure to transport him back to joyful holidays in London. The scents and flavors of this classic British Easter tea bread are certain to evoke special memories for the beloved actor each season. Wherever his travels may lead, the simnel cake will always connect Hiddleston to his roots and remind him of celebratory Easters surrounded by loved ones.
